CXC Congress and Annual Awards

May 17, 2025

The organization's annual meeting, Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC) Congress, will be held on May 17, 2025. The forum is free to attend and will feature discussions of the sports committees, subcommittees, and working groups. In addition, CXC Congress is an opportunity for organizational partners, coaches, club leaders, and officials to evaluate and plan for the coming season.

As the regional governing organization, CXC provides leadership and direction for hundreds of young cross-country skiers. By bringing together different groups, we look forward to better collaboration, communication, and discussions. It's an excellent opportunity for our leaders from around the region to learn from each other and participate in the governing process." - CXC

CXC CONGRESS AGENDA & REGISTRATION

The CXC Congress will be virtual via Zoom. There is no fee to attend. However, you must RSVP to be added to the attendee list and receive the Zoom link. If you're unable to attend live, sessions will be recorded and shared at a later date.

Any active CXC or CXC/U.S. Ski & Snowboard member clubs who are in good standing and involved in junior/youth programming, with at least one certified coach at U.S. Ski and Snowboard Level 100 or higher, are eligible to cast their votes at the CXC Congress.

To participate in the voting at the CXC Congress, individuals must hold a valid membership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Please note that proxy voting is not allowed.

If you have a discussion topic or proposal for the agenda, please send it to CXC by May 10th.

2025 Congress RSVP | Congress Schedule

CXC SEMI-ANNUAL REGORNITION AWARDS

Presented by Rossignol

CXC Recognition Awards - Presented by Rossignol

The success of CXC programs comes from the dedication of individuals who give their time and energy to help others. Every other year, CXC recognizes these leaders for their outstanding contributions to our sport and community.

Now is your chance to show appreciation and nominate those who have gone above and beyond. The CXC Annual Awards Program is accepting nominations in five categories. All submissions will be reviewed by the awards committee, and winners will be announced this summer.

Nominate a deserving individual in your life by June 1.

"At Central Cross Country Skiing, we believe in fostering the principles of excellence, ethical conduct, and fair play for participants of all ages and abilities, from introductory experience to international excellence. To make this vision a reality, we depend on leaders at all levels of the development pipeline within our ski community to believe, support, and promote our vision." - Yuriy Gusev, CXC Executive Director

TONY WISE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Recognizing Lifetime Commitment to the Sport

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Tony Wise was a passionate entrepreneur who dedicated his life to making his community a better place by promoting recreation and sport. Born in Hayward, Wis., Wise brought skiing to the Great Northwoods, pioneering the Telemark Ski Area in 1947. But his most significant acclaim came in cross country skiing. His vision resulted in the start of the American Birkebeiner, the Worldloppet, and the origin of the present-day FIS World Cup with his innovative Gitchi Gami Games in the late '70s.

Cross country skiing today is the result of Tony Wise's lifetime efforts. Each year CXC recognizes one of the division's sports leaders for their lifetime commitment to the sport.

Past Award Recipients: Mary Eloranta (2023) / Nancy Bauer (2022) / Jack Jeffery (2019) / Kenneth & Pamela Schoville (2018) / Ahvo Taipale (2017) / Dennis Kruse (2016)

IGOR BADAMSHIN COACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Recognizing Excellence in Coaching

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Igor Badamshin was a coach who inspired athletes with his passion and positive example. A World Championship medalist himself, Badamshin grew up racing in the Soviet Union and Russia. But his greatest joy came from coaching in America. From his home in New England to the trails of the Central Region, where he worked with the likes of Jessie Diggins and other great CXC athletes, Badamshin brought adventure, fun, skill, and motivation. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2014, suffering a heart attack while enjoying a ski day.

The spirit of Igor Badamshin lives on in the hearts and minds of CXC coaches and athletes. Each year CXC recognizes one of its great coaches with the Igor Badamshin Coaching Excellence Award.

Past Award Recipients: Deno Johnson (2023) / Caitlin Gregg (2022) / Kevin Brochman (2019) / BethAnn Chamberlain (2018) / Kris Hansen (2017) / Sten Fjeldheim (2016) / Piotr Benarski (2015)

JOHN HUGUS COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

Recognizing Community Leaders and Dedication to the Region

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

The community was core to John Hugus' principles - his home community of Wausau, Wis., and the greater community of cross country skiing. As a high school coach in Wausau, he was a motivational influence on his athletes. But he believed in spreading community: founding the Knicker Nordic Ski Club, leading the Wisconsin Nordic League, providing wisdom on CXC committees and its board, serving as a Junior Nationals coach, or just hanging out at 9 Mile Recreation Area helping kids enjoy cross country skiing. He shared his influence with other coaches through the Wisconsin High School Coaches League and CXC. All of those around him valued John's core beliefs and principles.

Hugus passed at the age of 57 in 2013 after a 17-year battle with cancer. Each year, CXC remembers John Hugus's contributions to the cross country community by recognizing a leader for their dedication to the region.

Past Award Recipients: Siiri Morse (2023) / Mike Abbott (2022) / Ted Theyerl (2019) / Vasa Ski Club (2018) / Ben Popp (2017) / John Munger (2016) / Don Becker (2015)

WAYNE FISH VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

Recognizing a Volunteer Whose Work Positively Impacts Sport

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Wayne Fish was a remarkable coach and volunteer who had a passion for sport, respect for education's value, and an ability to motivate young athletes. He served in the sport from 1972 to 2010 in Rhinelander, Wis., just before his passing in 2011. As an active cross country ski competitor, he believed the sport was a valuable conduit to cultivating a healthy outdoor lifestyle, sportsmanship, and valuable life lessons. As a coach, he emphasized hard work, fair play, self-reliance, and the achievement of goals. He was a student of the sport who selflessly gave back to others, sharing his knowledge of ski technique, training principles, trail maintenance, and waxing - all focusing on the next generation of skiers.

In memory of the value Wayne Fish brought in his decades of volunteerism, CXC recognizes a volunteer whose selfless dedication positively impacts the sport each year.

Past Award Recipients: Tom Ajax (2023) / Scott Putman (2022) / Jim Tervo (2019) / David Hugus (2018) / Joe Kelsey (2017) / Craig Jarvinen (2016) / Gerald Hansen (2015)

JESSIE DIGGINS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Recognizing Excellence in the Sport of Cross Country Skiing

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

The Athlete of the Year is an award given to an outstanding athlete who displays excellence in the sport of cross country skiing and whose character serves as a role model for developing skiers throughout the Central region.

The inspiration behind the newest award is to acknowledge Jessie Diggins as one of the leaders who paved the way toward excellence in the Central region and to recognize the accomplishments of deserving athletes for years to come.

Past Award Recipients: Anabel Needham (2023) / Zak Ketterson (2022)

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