10 supporters are talking about petitions related to Sports Transparency!
Does Crosscut want to be seen as a professional venue or not? There’s plenty of other places to ski around the valley— many of which, arguably offer better terrain and conditions than Crosscut. Rendezvous, Homestake, Lone Mountain, Lindley….. This has been a recurring point of failure for this discussion since the 90s, and I need the decision makers, to understand this. Crosscut *IS* biathlon. So if we aren’t going to support that, then what’s the point? It was the whole reason for the ranch becoming what it is currently. So if the board is going to turn its back on the athletes who have helped to turn it into the world class training center that it is now, to save a buck, there will be consequences for the board’s bottom line. People will go elsewhere. We can ski anywhere. We went through a similar process when I was racing, and it’s disappointing to see a similar thing repeating itself here. Elite athletes bring you credibility— if you’re just going to cash in on that and then ditch them when you don’t need them anymore, it’s pretty cruel. And word gets around. These are the people that eventually become the coaches for your programs.
I hope Crosscut will reconsider their decision on the elite biathlon team. As a long time resident of Bozeman I have been proud of the success of the Elite Biathlon team. My kids were not a part of biathlon but many of their friends were influenced by the team, the coaches and the competition. Crosscut's original mission was to provide elite skiing opportunities. It is disappointing to see the organization moving away from this mission. Much of the funds raised were for this purpose. Please reconsider.
My son, Grayson is one of the athletes hoping to join this team next year. In addition to the facility hosting the 2025 Nationals, he was looking forward to visiting MSU, where he plans to attend next year. Crosscut is one of the few programs that offer student athletes the ability to attend college and continue to participate in biathlon at an elite level. Ending the program without consultation of the community, coaches and athletes is inexcusable. There must be another option.
As a Bozeman community member, I am shocked by Crosscut’s decision to cut the elite biathlon program. I personally know some of the dedicated athletes of this sport and it saddens me to think their biathlon future is cut short by the very organization that cultivated their interest in the sport. Surely there exist unexplored creative solutions to the perceived problem(s) leading to this decision to cut.
Diminishing this program will not only take away the dreams and aspirations of these young, amazing athletes, but the future of biathlon is so limited in the USA and this facility was/is the hopes and dreams of seeing the sport grow in the USA and moving forward beyond. Please think about these consequences and I’m sure we can come up with a plan to encourage and strengthen this program at crosscut and also to use it as a platform for other facilities and to encourage athletes to pursue their dreams! Sign the petition.
As a Brewster Alum and former player for Coach Mulvihill I cannot stress how Important it is for athletes to be comfortable in their environment to perform as well as receive a fair shot at playing. Since the North Salem players have already started their playing careers with Brewster players it is a natural progression for them to continue. It is absurd to ask families to pay the $300 without any chance to play competitively. I would love to know why the decision was made to join Somers.
It's insane that MSHAA is even considering that he's ring chasing, or just trying to be seen. Like he said himself, if that was the case he would've stayed at Central; but guess what. ITS NOT. With everything you see on the news happening down there- even with his sister who passed away as of recently due to the VIOLENCE that he escaped from. I understand that it's your job but stop putting sports first and put the careers of the kids that having living around you first. This is just inhumane.
Both schools support this young man's transfer. Why was MSHAA involved in the 1st place? Why does 1 more adult favoring the others who have no meaningful understanding of this family's story, struggles or why. How is it 1 more vote has the power to block his potential to break out of the cycle of trauma into success? If these adults don't see a hardship situation and put their trust in the sending school's support, police records, family statements and school records to clearly document the case--they all need removed immediately! It is clear they don't stand for the mission and vision of athletics for the state of MO which is to empower student-athletes to become the best they can be! Who on that Board doesn't want to see Liberty do well? Let's keep personal issues and politics in check when deciding the future of a scholar athlete!
To Jennifer Rukstad and the MSHSAA Board,
It’s deeply concerning to see the decision to block Tayshaun “Rue” Wells from playing Varsity basketball despite the overwhelming support from both Liberty and Springfield Central principals, who have verified this was not a sports-related move. Rue’s transfer was made in good faith, placing him in a stable environment with his legal guardian, and he has been a committed student-athlete at Liberty High School throughout the year.
Your ruling not only denies Rue the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing his senior year but also jeopardizes his chances of being scouted for college scholarships. This decision has long-term implications for his future and adds unnecessary mental anguish to a young man who has worked hard to overcome his challenges.
Rue’s story has been documented widely, and it’s clear to anyone who examines the facts that this young man is in a better place because of his transfer. By maintaining this stance, MSHSAA is punishing a student-athlete for circumstances beyond his control, undermining the very principles of fairness and opportunity that your organization should uphold.
I urge you to reconsider your decision and allow Rue to play Varsity basketball. Let’s ensure that high school athletics remain a platform for growth, opportunity, and support for all student-athletes. Rue deserves better, and so does the integrity of the MSHSAA.
As a teacher, I feel that this decision is a travesty. We should be doing everything we can to support students who are in difficult situations. We should be lifting them up, not putting up roadblocks.