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Energetic and enthusiastic, Eli Brown continues to infuse a new attitude to the University of Utah ski team, returning for his third year as director.
"Last year was a good year. We had our ups and downs, good luck and bad luck, like everyone else," Brown said. "But through it all, we kept our spirits high, and kept fighting hard as a team. In the end, it was great to get recognized with the 4th place team trophy. This year we are back again, and with our sights set even higher on the final NCAA podium."
In his third season at the helm, Brown continued to further the tradition of the Utah ski program. He mentored one national champion (Snorri Einarsson, mens classic), 6 All-Americans (Einarsson, Veenis, Sletten, Njeim, Schweiger, and Grassl), six all-conference skiers and eight academic All-Americans.
Brown's Utes were only one of six programs to qualify a full compliment of 12 skiers for the NCAA Championships (for the second year in a row).
Brown grew up as a Nordic ski racer, and runner in Minneapolis. His alma mater, South High won the state cross-country running meet 4 years in a row. This experience had a lasting affect on Brown.
"Creating a team feeling in individual sports like running, or ski racing is unique and important," he said. "My experience as a runner on the South team shaped my life."
Brown then went on to become one of the top collegiate racers in the country at Northern Michigan University under coaches; Sten Fjeldheim, and Trond Nystad. After college skiing, Eli continued racing for a few years as a member of the US Development Team. His top national results included a 3rd, 5th, and 6th at the US National Championships.
In 1999 his coaching career started here at Utah as assistant coach to former head coach, Kevin Sweeney.
"Kevin taught me what coaching is all about," Brown said. "Believing in your athletes, working hard for them, and holding them accountable."
From there, he went on to coach skiing, running, and track at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. After helping that program make the jump to NCAA competition, Brown moved on with his new wife, Joann to coach in northern Maine at the Maine Winter Sports Center. As the elite cross-country ski coach for the MWSC, Brown started one of the first post-collegiate programs in the country.
"Whitman was a challenge, we didn't really have a place to ski, but we made it work anyways," he said. "Maine was a unique experience, the money and support for the sport of skiing that has been infused into northern Maine is phenomenal."
In 2003, a job offer from Fischer Ski Company drew in Brown. He moved with his 7 month pregnant wife to New Hampshire and started a 2 year job working in the ski industry. During his time at Fischer, he helped launch their new professional race team together with Swix.
"My experience at Fischer was amazing," he said. "I learned a lot about the industry, technology, and service it takes to support athletes at the highest level."
Since 2005, Eli and his family have enjoyed making Utah their home. The Browns live about a mile from campus in the Avenues. Eli lives with his wife Joann and their two young children, Sage, and Leland.
Browns coaching philosophy focuses on preparation.
I believe that the preparation for ski racing that takes place off the snow is of the utmost importance. The crux of our plan is to first get in the best shape possible, then dial in technique, equipment and strategy, etc.
Our main goal is to be as prepared as possible for ski racing ... this means a healthy course of an intense physical regimen and systematic preparation. I believe that college skiing here at Utah is a great stepping stone for athletes who look to continue racing at a high level after college.
We have athletes on this team now who have a serious chance to compete on the national and international stages including the 2010 Olympic games. Through the hard training and lofty NCAA goals, every day is a small step in the direction of creating future champions.
By creating a strong team atmosphere, and a solid work ethic focusing on preparation, getting back on top of the podium is surely in reach.
