Masters Coaches include…

Ahvo Taipale

Ahvo Taipale brings vast experience to the program.  He started the Finn Sisu Training Program 20 years ago. Ahvo has coached all levels including Olympians. He has worked with a variety of ages from children through college students. He is a great motivator who pushes athletes to make the most of their training.

Ben Popp

Ben Popp is in his sixth year with Sisu  Skiers. He has coached for over 13 years and enjoys coaching high school beginners as much as National Champion ski teams. Ben coached the ski teams at Carleton, Saint Mary’s, Visitation, Synergy, Ride-n-Glide and currently runs Endurance Athlete, a coaching and training business based in St. Paul. He has the energy and enthusiasm to motivate anyone.

Michael Nightingale

Michael Nightingale is in his third year with Sisu Skiers. Mike was an elite skier before coaching the Division I ski teams at St. Lawrence University, St.  Olaf College and Carleton for close to a decade. No matter what level, he loves helping skiers reach their full potential.

Greg Weier

Greg Weier has been with Sisu Skiers on and off since the ‘90s.  Greg has worked in the business for 20+ years and is currently the head coach of the Mahtomedi ski team as well.  Greg bring experience and passoion for the sport.

Bruce Fiedler

Bruce Fiedler has been associated with the Sisu Skier Program for over 10 years.  He has coached the Fall/Winter group, leads the Fall Saturday morning workouts, and this will be his third year coaching the Year Round masters group.

Kevin Brochman

Kevin Brochman, Coaches Juniors and Masters for Sisu. Before coaching, Kevin was a member on the 1984 and 1988 US Olympic Teams as well as the 1989 US World Championship Team. In 1998 he was an Olympic Team coach for the US in Nagano, and in 2001, a World Junior Team coach for the US. Besides coaching for Sisu, Kevin is currently the head coach of the Roseville High School Nordic Ski Team.

Mary Vancura

Mary Vancura, A product of the system, Mary is now the program director for the St. Paul Fall/Winter Group.

Myra Smisek

Myra Smisek, Sisu Masters Skier and Coach – Bio coming Soon…but in the meantime…she skis fast and is a great instructor!

Jon Miller

Jon Miller, born and raised in Roseville Minnesota, is a 2005 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College where he was an All-Conference ski racer in 2004. As a senior racer, Jon has finished as high as 28th in the American Birkebeiner and has previously won the Classic Race at the City of Lakes Loppet and the Steamboat Stampede Ski Marathon in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Jon has coached at the High School and Grade School levels, and is an integral component to the SISU Masters program.