"Ross returns to us with more than a decade of experience competing at the highest levels of world-wide competition," said Christopher Kaltsas, SMS Headmaster. "Ross is one of the most highly profiled figures in the history of the Halfpipe snowboard circuit, and we are pleased to have him join our staff."
As a student at SMS, Powers captured the Gold Medal at the 1996 FIS Snowboarding World Championship in Lienz, Austria. Two years later at the Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, Powers earned a Bronze medal for his performance in the Halfpipe. At the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, he led the historic sweep by the US Men's Snowboarding Team and stood atop the podium as the Gold Medalist.
"Our Snowboarding Program's new direction will integrate the latest coaching techniques, strength and conditioning modalities, as well as the state-of-the-art technology currently used at the highest levels of the sport," said Christopher Kaltsas, SMS Headmaster.
A Vermont native, Ross and his wife, Marisa, currently live in South Londonderry, Vt., with their two daughters, Victoria and Meredith.
"The hiring of Ross Powers signifies a serious commitment by the Board of Trustees to firmly maintain Stratton Mountain School as the preeminent Ski and Snowboard Academy in the United States," said Gary Giulietti, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Mike Mallon, the current Snowboarding Director, will be pursuing a variety of other opportunities for the ensuing year. While at SMS, Mike established a strong relationship with many of his athletes and their families, and successfully maintained the program at a level of national prominence. USSA recognized him in 2009 with the prestigious "Westhaven Award" and has been instrumental with the recognition of our program as the "USSA Snowboarding Club of the Year" distinctions in 2005 and 2009.
"Mike has done a commendable job over the past six years at SMS," said Christopher Kaltsas, SMS Headmaster. "He is deserving of our sincere thanks for his tireless work and efforts in support of our school, and we wish him luck in the future."
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