Meet the 2007 Hilltoppers' Coaching Team


From L-R: Derek Svoren, Tom Cook, John Reade, Josh Dalley

Thomas Cook, Program Coordinator
Tom is the program founder and current program coordinator with a background in both Nordic skiing organizing and youth program development. An avid skier since childhood, Tom served as Ohio Nordic Ski Club President from 2003 to 2005 during which time he developed Hilltoppers XC and launched the club's new weeknight race series. Tom is actively involved in the local youth sports community, volunteering for the International Children's Games in 2003 and serving on the Sport Development Committee of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission representing Nordic Skiing. Tom is trained and certified as a Community Coach through Cross Country Canada.

Josh Dalley, Junior Development Coach
Josh is entering his second year of coaching in the program and is excited to be the new Hilltoppers XC Junior Development coach, allowing him to further share his experience as both a racer and team leader. Josh attended Burke Mountain Academy, where he competed in national-level races including the US Nationals and Junior Olympics each year along with the New England junior circuit and was team captain for 3 years. He then attended Middlebury College in Vermont and skied for the Middlebury Ski Team all four years and was named captain his senior year. Throughout college Josh raced at the national level and in the New England circuit. As team captain, Josh was responsible for organizing practices and events.


John Reade, Assistant Coach (J3/J4)
John Reade, a life long skier, grew up in Erie, Pa and joined the Ohio Nordic Ski Club when he moved to Cleveland as a college student. Over the past several seasons John has become increasingly involved in the Ohio Nordic Ski Club and Hilltoppers XC, serving as the club's webmaster, club officer and youth coach. This coming season he is looking forward to being one of the J3/J4 coaches. John currently works as an engineer and is a competitive cyclist once the snow melts.

Derek Svoren , Assistant Coach (J3/J4)
Derek skied competitively in high school in Rochester, NY and is an active member of the Ohio Nordic Race Team competing in the Michigan Cup circuit. Derek is the current Ohio Nordic Ski Club President and is also trained and certified as a Community Coach through Cross County Canada

Additional Coaching Staff
Kathy Schreckengost, Assistant Coach – Hillhoppers (Jackrabbits)
Jim Wright, Assistant Coach – Hillhoppers (Bunnyrabbits)