The Methow Olympic Development (MOD) Project was formed in early 2009 out of existing coach-athlete relationships based in the Methow Valley of Washington State. The original squad of Sam Naney and Erik and Sadie Bjornsen had all worked with coach Scott Johnston in previous contexts, and when it was clear their performance necessitated a more concentrated and focused approach, the team was officially united under Johnston's tutelage.

The formation of MOD came about as a direct result of the identification of a “developmental disconnect” in US skiing (see “Knowledge” link). Because of the low profile of Nordic skiing in the United States, there is an ever-present need for support, both financial and in-kind, at the post-graduate level of competition.  The philosophy of the MOD Squad lies in providing consistent and comprehensive coaching and support while simultaneously intregrating the team's elite-level athletes/role models into the local community and schools.

The formation of the MOD Prokect has offered a real opportunity for the team athletes to train in a superlative location with the support of a community which avidly helps them develop. Basing in the Methow also gives the athletes a chance to “give back” to this community in the form of youth mentorship and community outreach, both within and outside the Nordic skiing circles. Pursuits such as junior team volunteer coaching, youth academic tutoring, and waxing, technique and equipment clinics are all part of the athletes' schedules.

Sponsors