03/01/2025
Way to go Stinson!
Community supports local skier’s quest to compete at Junior Nationals
By Teresa Russo
Contributing Writer
Finding a skier at White Mountains Regional High School is not unusual. Living in the heart of the White Mountains allows many youthful enthusiasts to experience the joy of both Alpine and Nordic skiing at one of the nearby resorts. Ski Jumping may be less common locally, but that hasn't deterred WMRHS Junior Stinson Myles from being named to the Eastern Ski Jumping Junior National Team.
Myles will compete in the Nordic Combined event at the Junior Nationals, held in Park City, Utah, from Feb. 27 through March 1. He will compete against more than 100 athletes in five delegations.
The Nordic Combined event merges a cross-country ski race with a ski jumping event. Nordic Combined USA describes it as "the original extreme sport, a duathlon of ski jumping and cross-country skiing." Their Web site further defines the sport: "Nordic Combined is the ultimate winter sport — requiring the thrill of ski jumping and the grit of cross-country skiing."
Myles' father, Peter, was a member of the Junior Olympic team in the early 1990s. He conducted training in Lake Placid, N.Y., the site of the Winter Olympics, first in 1932 and then again in 1980, said Myles' mother Vicki.
He began his formal training in ski jumping in 8th grade after previously attending clinics held by the Andover Outing Club, a ski jumping and Nordic ski club based in Andover,. According to their Web site, the "AOC was created by New England Ski Jumping legend Tim Norris. Over its 40-plus years of existence, Andover Outing Club has introduced hundreds of young (and some old!) kids to the sports of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined. Located in Andover, NH, on the Proctor Academy Ski Hill, these hills comprise one of the best learning facilities in New England."
Stinson is involved in both New Hampshire high school ski jumping and club ski jumping events. Vicki said New Hampshire is the only state with competitive high school ski jumping.
"Stinson is part of the Mount Washington Valley Ski Jumping Club. They are a great support to him and all their jumpers. The coaches for the MWVSJ club, Chip Kelly and Liz Garland, also coach for Kennett High School. When Stinson goes to high school ski jump practice, he travels to the ski jump in Albany - located near Conway, on the Kanc highway, over an hour away - and practices with the Kennett High School athletes," said Vicki.
Although Stinson's preferred form of skiing is ski jumping, he has competed on the WMRHS Alpine and Nordic teams, even earning the title of Ski Meister his freshman year by competing in all three events in one season.
"It was difficult but fun for him," said Vicki, adding, "He would do it again, but his mother won't let him!"
The total cost of the trip, including lodging, travel, meals, equipment, and fees, will be approximately $3,000. To offset this cost, Stinson is seeking support from friends and community members.
Vicki said, "I have implemented a grassroots Facebook drive to gather funds from family and friends via my Venmo account."
Vicki added, "The Myles family is extremely grateful for the family and community support we have received so far."
If you would like to contribute to the effort, you can connect with Vicki by email ([email protected]).
Photo Vicki Myles — Courtesy
WMRHS junior Stinson Myles was named to the Eastern Ski Jumping Junior National Team, and heads to Junior Nationals in Utah.
