Scholarship

Jeff Pier, an inspiration to the field of ski racing, served as a well-respected coach and program director at Hidden Valley in his home state of New Jersey, at the historic Ford Sayre Academy in New Hampshire, and with the NCAA team at St. Lawrence University from 2000-2009. He also routinely ran summer camps in Europe and Canada, led USSA coaching clinics, and coached with the national ski team.

Born August 13, 1959, he attended the University of Maine, but left to pursue a professional ski coaching career. He later graduated magna cum laude from St. Lawrence with a business degree, then pursued and completed a master’s degree in business administration from Clarkson University.

Pier was a dedicated father and is survived by his three children, daughters Jaleigh and Talyne and son, Lance, with whom he recently completed climbing all 46 New York State peaks topping 4,000 feet in 2013.

He was an inspirational coach who said: “An obstacle is only an opportunity to find a solution.” His athletes learned numerous life skills including: preparation, dedication, perseverance, healthy living, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

NJSRA has dedicated the Jeff Pier Memorial race in his memory to uphold his values and for racers to uphold his inspiration and values.

Jeff Pier Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships for U14 Athletes.  Greg Pier, currently of Ski Barn in Wayne NJ, has generously donated proceeds over the years to NJSRA and these funds will now be allocated to a new recognition dedicated to the “Jeff Pier Memorial Race & Scholarship.” McAfee Ski and Snowboard in McAfee, NJ is continuing this tradition.

• Award amount: $250 each per winner (4 awards: 2 male, 2 female).
• The award winners will be announced at the annual Jeff Pier Memorial Race.
• Essay Grading: The committee chair will remove names and number essays. Committee members will read and submit their top 6 choices. Committee will then choose top 4 essays. Ties will be broken by Co-Chair.
• Essay Criteria: Originality, content, creativity, imagination and must contain between 200-500 words.
• Essay Topics:
  • What obstacles have you faced in ski racing and how did you overcome them?
  • How has ski racing helped you in everyday life?
  • How has your coach influenced you outside of ski racing?
  • How have your parents helped with ski racing?
• Essay Submission: Essays should be emailed to [email protected] before February 1st.