Podcast: Wyoming Ski team coaches Rick Stonehouse and Taylor Hensen
This episode of The Voices Of Cody Podcast highlights the remarkable dedication of two coaches. Rick Stonehouse and Taylor Hensen co-coach the Cody High School ski team. They invest countless hours developing the skills of the team members.
Rick brings 35 years of coaching experience to the program. The generational impact he’s had shows as he now trains the children of former students. Some parents he coached have even become coaches themselves. Taylor adds fresh perspective and an unwavering commitment to student success, ensuring that academics always come first while building a supportive team culture.
The Reality of Rural Ski Racing
Cody’s team trains four days per week focusing on core work, balance training, and cross-training. They also study video footage and compare their technique to competitors and even World Cup athletes. Using this preparation, they head to Red Lodge on Saturdays and put the training into action. Sharing the mountain space with multiple teams at Red Lodge means coordinating schedules.
The coaches split their practices to give each athlete focused attention. The team switches between physical conditioning and studying techniques and strategies in the classroom. This approach makes the most of limited time and resources.
Building Community Through Sport
The annual ski swap connects families with affordable equipment and brings the community together. The Warren Miller film screening celebrates ski culture and raises funds. The home race at Red Lodge Mountain showcases the talent and dedication of local youth while creating opportunities for community members to volunteer and support.
Rick and Taylor emphasize that skiing is a lifelong sport. The skills, discipline, and joy these young people develop will serve them for decades. The friendships and connections formed through the team become part of Cody’s fabric.
Ski Swap and Warren Miller Film
The ski swap provides affordable equipment access for families and brings the community together. The movie fundraiser and community gathering celebrates the season and builds excitement for skiing.
Annual Ski Swap | Cody High School | November 15 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Gear drop-off | Cody High School | November 14 | 4:00 – 6:00 pm & November 15 | 7:00 – 8:30 am
Warren Miller Film “Snow Society” | Cody Theatre | November 15 | 7:00 pm
Home Race at Red Lodge Mountain | January 30-31 Slalom and Giant Slalom competitions.
The team welcomes volunteers for their home race and encourages community members to attend and support these dedicated student-athletes. These events rely on community participation. The home race needs volunteers to make it possible. Your involvement matters to these young athletes.
Contact the coaches through Cody High School to learn how you can contribute.
Janet Jones
Owner, Publisher, Editor
Janet has a rich history in Cody with her grandparents moving here in the late 1930s. Her grandfather started Wyoming Well Service. Janet is a writer, photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. Cody Journal and Cody Calendar blends her skills and talents with her love of the area.