About

The Timberline Race Team, rooted in Canaan Valley, WV, has a rich history shaped by the dedication and collaboration of local ski enthusiasts. The team’s origins go back to 1980-81 when Thisbe Cooper organized the Timberline Race Team, appointing Fred Saltow as the first coach. Simultaneously, John Lutz, at Canaan Valley, started the Canaan Ski Team with assistance from Dave Faunce.

By 1983-84, the two mountain teams merged into the Canaan-Timberline Ski Team to combine their efforts and make the most of shared resources. During these early years, ski coaches were not always easy to find, so the team often relied on alumni to step into coaching roles.

In the 1990s, Jake Goza became president of the parent-led organization, and leadership roles were passed to other dedicated parents, such as Cary and Betsy Reed, James Huber, Kim and Monica Williams, Dave Beckner, Sherm Stinson, and Jimmy and Debbie Larch. Under their leadership, the team flourished through the 90s and 2010s. John Lutz also played a pivotal role in bringing the Women’s Pro Race to Timberline in 1993-94, a significant event that continued for several years. The team’s coaching structure evolved over time, with Mark Fiorini, a former semi-pro racer, taking the reins as the head competition coach in the mid-90s. As the team expanded, two tracks were developed: a competition team and a developmental team. This approach helped secure numerous podium finishes across various age groups.

Additionally, alumni like Canaan Pollock, who went on to coach for the U.S. National Men’s Speed Team, showcase how Timberline has produced talent that reached the highest levels of the sport. Another milestone occurred in 2001-02 when Timberline hosted the first-ever J6 through J1 championship race for the SARA Division of the USSA, cementing its reputation as a competitive force.

For a deeper dive into this history, the Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia offers further insights: https://www.snowsportsmuseumwv.org/. The Timberline Race Team’s legacy is built on passion, vision, and dedication, creating a community that continues to shape the future of alpine racing in the region.