Eder Named USCSA Coach of the Year
Castleton University men's and women's alpine skiing head coach Chris Eder was announced as the 2020 United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association Head Coach of the Year Friday evening following one of the most impressive seasons in his programs' histories.
Eder, who claims the honor off the heels of McConnell Division Coach of the Year accolades on both the men's and women's side, led the women's team to its first-ever USCSA National Championship in the slalom in March. Eder also coached men's skiing standout Robby Kelley to individual national titles in the slalom, giant slalom and overall disciplines at Whiteface in the spring. The USCSA Coach of the Year is presented to the coach who, during the past season, has exemplified the qualities of a great coach in every sense of the position.
Coaching the Castleton Spartans since 2003, Eder consistently fields one of the most successful USCSA teams in the country. The 2020 season was no exception, with the Spartans' alpine women's team taking home the second-place team combined award at the USCSA Collegiate National Championships and the men's team taking home third. Along with his coaching duties, Eder also serves as Conference Coordinator for the USCSA Eastern Conference, one of the largest and most competitive collegiate ski conferences in the country.
"I was shocked to learn that I was named USCSA Coach of the Year," Eder said. "It is an honor to be mentioned alongside past recipients from the alpine world like Ron Bonneau from the College of Idaho and Jerry Wolf from Rocky Mountain College; both of whom have developed dynamite programs and contributed so much to collegiate alpine ski racing and USCSA."
"This is a team award," Eder continued. "I do not do this on my own. Dale Solotruck has been by my side coaching the team with me since day one and deserves this just as much. In addition, our student-athletes have posted some very impressive results at USCSA Nationals over the years and have worked so hard on the slopes, in the weight room and in the classroom. I have always been surrounded by great coaches and student-athletes who do an amazing job making me look very good."
"I would like to thank Deanna Tyson, Associate Dean for Athletics and Recreation at Castleton, for all of her support of the alpine ski team," Eder added. "Thank you to the USCSA Nominations and Awards Committee and anyone who thought of me as a recipient for this award. I am truly honored and am looking forward to many more years of USCSA racing!"
The Spartan men landed five skiers on the All-MacConnell Division team, including Kelley as the Skier of the Year for the conference. Among that group, four individuals earned at least one All-America accolade at the USCSA National Championships. Paul Rechberger was also tabbed as a CoSIDA Academic All-American, the first skier in program history to earn the recognition.
On the women's side, Eder guided five women to the All-MacConnell Division team, with Skier of the Year Karoline Rettenbacher and Rookie of the Year Birgit Kinneberg headlining the recipients. At the USCSA National Championships, five Spartan women landed at least one All-America accolade with Kylie Mackie and Rettenbacher earning podium finishes on the week.