The Subaru Technical Team is a group of skilled and experienced technicians that travel throughout the US to races. They bring their knowledge and skill to each venue, helping skiers learn about proper waxing techniques and producing the fastest skis.
Subaru Outdoors
Subaru is a huge supporter of the Swix Technical Team. Click Here to go to the Subaru Outdoor Life website.
The Team
National Nordic Racing Director – Kevin Sweeney
Kevin Sweeney is the Director of Nordic Race Services for Swix Sport USA. Prior to working with Swix, Kevin spent the previous 25 years involved in cross-country ski racing. An alumnus of the UNH Ski Team, he competed in the American Marathon series and in several North American World Cup competitions. Kevin most recently was the Director and Head Coach of the University of Utah Ski Team. During this time he also assisted the U.S. Ski Team at the World Championships in Ramsau, Austria. He is a current member of the USSA Cross-Country Competition Committee and is a former Chair of the NCAA Skiing Rules Committee.
Kevin�s main responsibilities at Swix Sport USA include overseeing the Subaru Swix Technical Team, providing racing services at all major competitions, proving clinics to retailers, clubs and programs, testing and providing feedback on Swix products and negotiating individual and team sponsorships. Fast skis, excellent kick, and a great time skiing are his goals!
Kevin lives in Salt Lake City, Utah and loves to ski backcountry powder and explore the desert southwest in his free time. For any technical questions or concerns, he encourages you to reach him at:
Rocky Mountain – O'Heren
Larry O�Heren lives outside Aspen Colorado and has been involved with skiing most of his life. He hales from Traverse City, Michigan, home of the Vasa, and was an All State and All American cross country runner in high school and college. He received his Master�s Degree in HPER (Health, Physical Education and Recreation). He has taught and coached skiing - alpine, nordic, and tele in Michigan, Montana and Colorado for more than 30 years. Larry is passionate about the ski industry and has worked over the years for Fischer, Salomon, and Swix in the western US, and 2 seasons in Australia.
Larry loves any activity in the outdoors, among his favorites are biking in Moab, hanging out with his dog Cedar and enjoying a good margarita.
Alaska – Mark Strabel
My Name is Mark Strabel, I am an Alaskan, and will always be an Alaskan! I grew up just north of Anchorage, in the town of Palmer, and continue to reside, except for a year in Norway as an exchange student. I have raced at the Junior National level, the Senior National level, and at the NCAA level at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where I graduated with a degree in Physical Education. Currently, I am a Physical Education Teacher at Colony High School.
When I’m not skiing, I enjoy Tele-skiing, exploring Alaska, hunting & fishing, and enjoying the Alaskan weather. During the summer months I keep myself busy working at Skinny Raven Sports, and playing soccer. I also help my family maintain cross-country ski trails in Hatcher Pass, where we are regularly able to ski from early October to early June.
Utah – Isaac Wilson
I am a former professional athlete (mountain biking, multi-sport) that fell in love with Nordic ski racing as a way to stay in shape in the winter, then being obsessive about things became fully immersed.
I now do as much nordic racing as I am able every winter, somehow managing to become involved in the industry as a tech (the obsessive qualities I imagine). I still love to bike, run and kayak race in the summer and enjoy guiding climbing and mountain bike trips here in Park City. Proudest moments would have to be when I won the Eco-Challenge in Borneo and became Adventure Racing World Champion in 2000 and even better, becoming a father in 2002.
Utah – Miles Minson
Swix is excited to draw upon the vast knowledge of long time coach Miles Minson. Coming out of retirement to work for Swix, Miles previously worked with the USST as the development coach and leading trips to World Championships, World Juniors, Europa cups, and to two Olympic Games! Before working with the USST, Miles coached the Western State Mountaineers, a perennial powerhouse in the NCAA western division.
Utah – Barbro Hatlevik
My name is Barbro Hatlevik. I am a native Norwegian! I grew up skiing in the Middle Western part of Norway, the More og Romsdal region where it is known for its� beautiful fjords and steep mountains. I attended the Norwegian Top Athletic School in Lillehammer and competed for Norway at World Junior Championships in 2002. Four years ago I decided to come to the US and ski race in college on an athletic scholarship. My original plan was to stay only one year, but I liked it so much that I still haven�t left! I competed three years for the University of Utah and earned NCAA All-American honors. Last spring I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology. Besides nordic skiing I love telemark skiing, mountain biking, hiking and climbing.
Idaho - Kris Thoreson
Having grown up in South Dakota, it is pretty fair to say that I did not have a very formal exposure to Nordic skiing. My first ski experience took place on a very old pair of wooden skis with leather straps for bindings that I found in the attic. While all the other kids were sledding down the local hill I was busy trying to figure how to stand up and turn on these ponderous boards. Later on I figured out that skis actually have special bindings with compatible boots. With this new equipment I was blazing tracks on the frozen river or golf course whenever snow was available. One thing that growing up in South Dakota teaches you is a love and respect for the outdoors. Always being one to try to go further, higher or faster than before, I thought it would be a great challenge to take part in a ski race in Wisconsin that I heard about. My first Birkebiener was a wonderful experience. I couldn’t believe what a thrill it was to ski over hilly terrain on groomed trails in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. After this experience I knew that I was hooked on Nordic skiing for good and my winter interests gradually shifted from running sled dogs to Nordic skiing. Today I have the good fortune of living in Sun Valley Idaho with my wife Susan, where we can ski with great friends on some of the best trails to be found anywhere. As a biologist and an educator I have always been intrigued with the hows and whys of making skis go faster. Helping and teaching others about waxing their own skis and becoming involved in the total cross-country experience has been very rewarding. When I am not skiing, my leisure time is spent riding my bicycles, shooting archery or taking a cruise on my motorcycle. Good skiing to all!
Idaho - Joe Jensen
Joe was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and started skiing early competing in 4-way (Slalom, GS, Jumping and Cross-country). Due to a broken leg when he was thirteen, the doctors and his dad, Raliegh, thought Nordic skiing would be good rehab. That "rehab" has turned into lifetime of racing. Joe has lived in Bend, Oregon and Boulder, Colorado (Go Buffs!) and now resides in Boise, Idaho (Go Broncos!). He is married with two young children and manages the manufacturing operations at AceCo Industrial Knives.
Joe is the president of the Idaho Nordic Ski Club spreading his passion for Nordic skiing. Starting out in Nordic skiing Joe had to continually count on veterans of the sport to help him figure it out, now he is dedicated to repay the sport. In 2006, Joe won the pursuit, classic and skate races at the Master Nationals for the 30-34 age group due to a little luck and fast skis.
Joe can be reached at
Idaho - Eric Jensen
Eric spent his youth skiing alpine, cross country and jumping which translated to higher levels in each discipline later in life; as a Junior Olympic alpine competitor, Collegiate All-American in Cross Country, and member of the US Ski Team in Nordic Combined. Eric is now content as a top level master's competitor and coach. Along with his bother Joe, they conceived the Idaho Nordic Ski Club, which has grown to become the largest ski club in the region. Eric coaches master skiers, conducts clinics and oversees the Idaho Nordic Race Series.
Eric is married, has three kids, and is General Manager of AceCo Precision Tools in Boise, Idaho. In addition to being a member of the SWIX Tech Team, Eric also works with SWIX on product development.
If you have any questions about the Idaho race scene or about SWIX products please contact Eric via e-mail at
New England & New York – Nick Mahood
Nick Mahood has worked for Swix for three years, first as Director of Nordic Walking and currently as a member of the Subaru-Swix Nordic Technical Team as well as providing Nordic Marketing support. He has been involved in ski racing for nearly 30 years, beginning with Bill Koch, and finishing his career as a member of the Rossignol Marathon Team. Nick has worked as an exercise physiologist and wax tech for the US Biathlon team, and was the assistant coach for the University of New Hampshire for 3 seasons.
He currently resides in Woodstock, VT (home of the first ski lift in America!) where in his spare time he is the assistant coach for the Woodstock Nordic Runners youth program.
Custom Softgoods – Katie Gould
Katie came on board with Swix in June 2006 to manage the custom clothing program. An alumnus of Bates College, Katie brings to Swix an extensive knowledge of the National and International XC World. Previous to working with Swix, she was Team Director for Alpina Sports and before that, Team Manager for the US Nordic Team for 4 years. In this capacity she lead trips to World Juniors, World Championships, and the 2002 Olympic Games! Katie can be reached at
to answer your custom clothing or ski preparation questions.
Northwest – Jack Hart
Currently the Swix Sales rep for Alaska, Jack has been working for Swix since 1984! In addition to providing skiers in the Northwest with fast skis, Jack serves as a coach for the Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation in his hometown of Bend, OR. A former Masters National Champion, Jack can still be found ripping it up on the local racing circuit skiing for the Rossignol Factory team.
Michigan – Pete Edwards
For 25 years Pete Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers of all ages and fitness levels. Edwards is a former ski school director, certified personal trainer, running coach and the owner/founder of SKIWALKING.COM and USA Nordic Walking, headquartered in Glen Arbor, Michigan. He has coached State Champions (individuals + teams), All-Americans and Junior National Champions. He has also introduced Nordic Walking to 1000's of Americans through his Nordic Walking clinics and numerous radio, newspaper and TV interviews.
Please feel free to contact Pete at any time by calling 231-334-3080 or by email:
Colorado – Phil White
Phil White lives in the Fraser Valley, on the southern end of Grand County, Colorado. He has been skiing for the past 40 winters, plus a few summers, although only taking up the Nordic side of the sport twelve years ago. When he�s not waxing skis, Phil spends his time coaching kids skiing, baseball, soccer, and whatever comes next.
This is Phil�s sixth year working with SWIX, and his second year as the Rocky Mt. Nordic tech rep for ATOMIC USA. His favorite SWIX products are the oval fine steel brush and the soft shell Aurora jacket.
Phil is currently a member of the top-secret (until now) Subaru International winter rally racing test team, where he often must sacrifice his health and personal safety to make the winter world safe for Subaru drivers.
His goals this year include continuing to work on his mid-range jump shot, with the hopes of making it onto SWIX t�nneb�nd, the Norwegian version of the Harlem Globetrotters.
Phil can always be reached at
with any of your high altitude waxing questions, or if you�re just wondering how to accessorize your new SWIX outfit.
Intermountain - Melody Scheefer
Melody Scheefer is an Intermountain Region Swix Nordic Technical Representative. A collegiate skier and runner, Mel graduated from Williams College in 2003 with a BA in Geosciences and continued on as an undergraduate in the spring of 2004, racing for Western State College in her hometown of Gunnison, Colorado. She was the head coach at Whitman College two years ago where she helped qualify the first Whitman NCAA participants. After completing the 2005-2006 ski season as the Assistant Nordic Director/Junior Coach at Auburn Ski Club in Truckee, California, Melody made the move to Bozeman, Montana. A member of the Salomon Athlete Force, she will continue to race whenever possible, but has decided to take a break from coaching while exploring other career options. When Mel isn't working as a Nurses' Aide in the Maternal/Newborn Department at the local hospital or cashiering at the local Community Food Co-op, she enjoys training for ski racing, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, and telemark skiing. She reports that her favorite aspects of being a SNTR are chatting with people, traveling to new race locations, and teaching a diversity of skiers about the basics of waxing.
Email Mel for advice on waxing at
, although a slight delay (3-7 days) in reply is to be expected.
Far West - Mark Nadell
There are some who believe that Mark Nadell has been involved in the cross country ski industry since the stone age � the LIGNOSTONE age, actually, in the days of wood skis and pine tar. One of the few around who can still remember when Swix first introduced �Special� and �Extra� waxes, Mark has been a cross country skier, ski rep, salesman, marketing specialist, graphic designer, and Nordic administrator for over 30 years. He might be best known locally for his role as the flamboyant polyester-wearing Auctioneer for the annual Far West Nordic Fundraiser.
Mark is currently the Nordic Administrator for the Far West Nordic Ski Association, as well as a coach for the local juniors and Truckee�s Middle School Nordic team. He is still an avid racer (with his results, many wonder why), and is considered one of the top wax technicians in the region, still believing that fast wheels can often make up for a slow motor. In his real life, he�s usually busy chasing his two kids (ages 13 and 16) around the trails at Tahoe Donner XC, and can sometimes be found working as a graphic designer for the outdoor sports industry in California.
Email Mark for advice on waxing at
.
MidWest - Josh Korn
My name is Joshua Korn and I�ve been skiing as long as I can remember. I enjoy helping younger skiers achieve their goals in the sport as well as continue to push myself to keep improving. You can reach me via email at:
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The Subaru Technical Team is a group of skilled and experienced technicians that travel throughout the US to races. They bring their knowledge and skill to each venue, helping skiers learn about proper waxing techniques and producing the fastest skis.
