The Type of Person I Aspire to Be

The most positive person I have ever seen.

About Team HomeGrown

Team HomeGrown was started the winter before the 2009/2010 ski season. The idea of creating a professional Nordic ski team from Vail came from the brilliant minds of Vail locals and Nordic gurus: Dan Weiland, Kevin and Karl Hochtl. Kevin had been racing 7 years prior out of Vail, but never for a team as the likes of Team HomeGrown. If Dan, Kevin, and Karl were considered Big Papa, then you could consider the next group of individuals the Sons of Success: Josh Smith, Paul Gorbold, and Sylvan Ellefson. Team HomeGrown is based out of Vail, CO and will continue to grow with success and support.

Sylvan's Bio

Sylvan started Nordic skiing when he was a Sophomore in high school. His love for the sport blossomed with the seasons and found himself at Bates College competing against the best in the East. After being a two-time captain of the Bates Ski Team, a two-time Academic All American, a 2008 All-American at NCAA Championships, and a two-time Bates Athlete of the year, Sylvan decided to continue his love and success in the town he grew up in (Vail, CO). His success during the 2009/2010 was noted by a US national ranking from 56th in US in 2008/2009 to 19th during the 2009/2010 season. Sylvan will ski for the next 4 years, minimum, to try and accomplish his ultimate goal of competing in the 2014 Sochi, Russia Olympics.

Paul's Bio

Paul started Nordic skiing as a young-en in upstate New York. As he grew up and advanced passed the high school league, the sport of Biathlon caught his interest. Paul enlisted in the National Guard to compete in Biathlon and at the same time was offered a spot with the Olympic Education Center to compete and train at an elite level while attending university. Paul has competed in South America, North America and Continental Europe. In the '09-'10 season Paul attended the British National Championships, where he was the Civilian National Champion. As the '10-'11 season approaches Paul is training with plans of qualifying for the British World Cup Biathlon Team.

Team HomeGrown - Grippin' It and Rippin' It

Friday, October 22, 2010