PRESIDENT STATEMENT
I want to build a biathlon program in Casper because I see an eagerness to embrace this sport. Wyoming, and Casper in particular, is the perfect place to grow a biathlon program. Biathlon is a rugged endurance sport that also involves an appreciation for marksmanship. The sport reflects qualities and interests that are embraced and respected inherently by the general population in Wyoming.
Casper Mountain offers a very attractive venue for biathlon. Its elevation of 7800 ft. results in both early and late season snow. The opportunity for additional on-snow training time will attract biathlon and Nordic clubs and athletes to Casper to train. In my experience, there are really only a handful of quality biathlon venues in the United States. On Casper Mountain, we have the opportunity to build a venue and a program that will meet the needs of all biathletes: recreational, elite, and adaptive. I envision a facility that will not only be self-supporting, but will also significantly contribute to Casper’s economic and recreational opportunities. It will be a monumental task to achieve this vision of a world-class program and facility, but this is a challenge I find motivating and exciting.
This sport has been great to me as an athlete and a person. Now as a coach, I also get to witness what this sport has to offer to others. I am a firm believer that sport teaches us valuable lessons and builds positive character traits that stick with us for the rest of our lives. Traits such as discipline, work ethic, team cohesion, and teamwork will help kids succeed in school, family, occupation, and sport. Participation in sports ultimately builds better citizens who will continue to “pay it forward” to society.
– Rob Rosser