Attention Baca Cup Ski Racers: On February 18, 2023, Baca Cup Racing History was foiled by Mother Nature again! As we attempted to celebrate the 44th Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race, this years unseasonably warm weather, coupled with rain two days before the race left a very small window for the Mountain to replenish, and the resulting conditions did not allow for a race course to be set. We did manage to ski the available terrain with the racers who arrived on Saturday. and everyone had a good time, but Unfortunately, there was “No race this year!”

However! Not to be outdone by Mother Nature, and in the “True Baca Cup Spirit”, our Ski Racers and their families all had a “Wonderful Time” at our Saturday Evening Celebration!

In following through with our completely Central European menu this year, we wish to recognize Dasha Fletcher for her fabulous Valasske Goulash, the variety of salads and the wonderful Chlebícky. Carol Ellington for those amazing Moravian Beans and Tomas Pavlicek for the outstanding Czech Style Sour Kraut. Carl put on the awesome Venison Roast, Jazyk and Hungarian Chicken Paprikash while Sarka Jaksikova made those incredible Czech Dumplings. The many side dishes and contributions everyone added to the menu were also greatly appreciated and added to a fantastic meal. We also wish to thank Sarka Fletcher and her Amazing Group of friends from Penn State, as well as Diane Stutzman, and Izzy Mowry for their help in every possible direction and special Thanks to everyone else who contributed to the wonderful display of food and beverage we all enjoyed. Heck! This year the fresh Keg of Pilsner Urquell was enjoyed by all of the adults and actually brought to completion! NAZDAR! So! To Recap: The company was Great, the food and beverage were Fantastic, everyone had a Wonderful Time and “we can't wait to do it all again next year!”

Now!, even though we didn't race this year, there are a lot of Wonderful People behind the scenes (Our Baca Cup Race Committee) who deserve our thanks and recognition for doing their part and being ready for this years competition. So!, on behalf of The Baca of Salas Hills, Lukas Mitchell Fletcher, our sincere Thanks go out to: Chaz Wagner, Suzy Hagstrom, “Flyin'” Ian Cruz, Nolan Church, Tomas Pavlicek, Dusan Neuman, Diane Stutzman, Dasha Fletcher, Bruce and Carol Ellington, Miroslav Konvolina, Kiel Knisely, Leslie Mickey and anyone else we may have missed for their contributions throughout the year in “Always Stepping Up” to help out whenever necessary. Truly, Dasha and I could not do this awesome event without these folks and we are sooo grateful for their assistance.

We also wish to recognize our Partners for their participation and contributions in helping us keep this event going year after year: First, Our Brothers and Sisters from Sokol Washington, D.C., our friends at the Embassy of the Czech Republic Washington, D.C., our friends from The Czech Cultural Center and the Bohemian National Hall, New York City and a host of others who have been responsible in helping us pave the way for the Baca Cup Celebration we know and love today.

We also wish to give our very Special Thanks to the Blue Knob Mountain Staff, Cathy, Gary, Coony, Robin and especially Alex (our Snow Making Guru) for their for their outstanding efforts against insurmountable weather conditions, and their awesome hospitality to our Baca Cup Family. We also wish to thank Kiel Knisely, and his Blue Knob Racing Staff for standing ready to build us a safe race course the moment snow conditions allowed. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate this time leaving our racers and our supporters no choice but to wait until next year to showcase their diverse cooperation, talents and skills, skiing prowess and share our overall “Love of the Nordic Experience”.

As always, we just couldn't have done this without the help of ALL these very talented people and Dasha and I are thankful, grateful, appreciative and blessed to everyone for their participation and assistance.

So in closing for 2023, Dasha and I wish to say what a blessing it was to coordinate “The 44th Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race”. We really love watching the children grow up and having the opportunity “for just one day” to enjoy this special time with all our Wonderful Friends, our Salas Hills Family, our Blue Knob Ski Family, our Sokol Brothers and Sisters and our friends from the Czech Embassy, Washington, D.C.. The Overwhelming Camaraderie, the Joy of the Celebration and and the opportunity to have this one special day out of each year to share our “Love of the Nordic Experience" is just a Wonderful thing! It's also Great To Know that after 44 Years – we are still resilient and “The Baca's Dream Lives On”!

We hope everyone had as much fun as we did this year, and wish everyone a safe and happy 2023 ski season. Keep on Skiing dear friends! We hope you are all looking forward to joining us next year as we come together once again and celebrate “The 45th Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race!”.

With Peace and Love from our home to yours,

We can't wait to .. “SKI YA SOON!”

Carl & Dasha Fletcher Baca Cup Race Coordinators

February 23, 2022 - TO ALL OUR BACA CUP SKI RACERS: Despite an unforeseen and very serious weather event that occurred Saturday, February 19th, the 43rd Annual "Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race" came to a close a day late at 2:00 pm February 20th, 2022. After readjusting the race date to accommodate the weather and assure no one got hurt, our race was completed, and the awards presented with what turned out to be near Terrific Ski Conditions and an impromptu awards gathering at the Blue Knob Ski Resort. While many of our racers were unable to participate on Sunday, we enjoyed an excellent celebration Saturday night with Great Food, Great Company, Great Beer, lots of fun for the kids and a “Good Time was enjoyed by all!”

As always, we offer a “Special Thanks” to Blue Knob for their race support and offer our Congratulations to the 2022 Baca Cup Champions Kiel Knicely and Veronika Clewner for their blazing fast and overall impressive Baca Cup victories!!! We also congratulate our Baca, Lukas Fletcher for his Snowboarding Championship Award, Dave Reilly as our most recent Baca Cup Legend and Tomas Pavlicek and Dasha Fletcher for their outstanding efforts and Ambassador’s Cup wins.

We could not do this amazing event without the significant support of so many people and we offer our “Heartfelt Thanks” to Chaz, Ian, Nolan, Tomas, Dusan, Milos, Ingrid, Kiel, Sam, Suzie, Dasha, Hanna, Syd, Robin, Carol and the many other folks behind the scenes who just outdid themselves in contributing to make this year's race another resounding success.

Although the weather Saturday did not cooperate and caused the race to be re-scheduled to Sunday, we are thankful and grateful that ALL 74 of our originally registered racers survived the High Winds, near Glacial Ice and the Incredible 15-minute Snow Squall at race time that lead to the cancellation. Sunday was almost 100% better with blue skies, no wind, sunshine and everyone who was able to remain with us had a safe and happy ski experience with much better snow conditions than we experienced on Saturday.

We also wish to recognize Dusan Nueman (Czech Television - Videography), Sam Arbogast (Awards Event Photography), Blue Knob Racing (Race Course Design and Timing), Chaz Wagner (Annual Certificate Design and Statistical Support), Kiel Knicely (Race Timing Coordination), Suzie Hagstrom and Dasha Fletcher (Registration and Flight Coordination).

In addition, we offer our sincere thanks to Mirek Konvalina, President of the Czech Cultural Center, New York City who stepped in to handle the Ambassador’s Cup Presentation on behalf of Petr Tuma who represented the Czech Embassy Washington, D.C. on behalf of Hynek Kmonícek, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic. We also recognize American Sokol Washington Starosta Milos Toth for his various contributions and support and are sooo grateful to all of these wonderful people in taking time from their busy schedules to offer their special talents to our race. As Race Coordinator’s, Dasha and I know how very lucky we are to have such “Fabulous” Race Coordination and support to help make it all look easy.

Special thanks are also offered to Lukas Mitchell Fletcher “The Baca of Salas Hills” for carrying on “The Baca Tradition” in honor of his grandfather Jiri (Baca) Parma. Baca Lukas' message “to enjoy the experience and have as much fun as possible” is always well received and truly is offered from his heart. We also thank Dasha Parma Fletcher "The Bacova" for her incredible hospitality in offering her home, her culinary talents and her beauty and grace.

And in closing we wish to recognize Carol Ellington for her limited edition embroidered Baca Cup Patches, Blanka Donihel for the Hot Dogs for the kids, and especially thank Tomas Pavlicek for the wonderful Sauerkraut and Pork, Carl for the terrific Venison Roast, Smoked Turkey and Jasik and of course to Dasha for her fantastic "Moravian Goulash" and Chili. Once again, a true feast was prepared and enjoyed by all.

As we again move past this year's event, we are Thankful, Grateful, Appreciative and Blessed to know The Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race is recognized worldwide as a shining example of Euro-American relations and with the core group of volunteers and ski racers involved it is truly an honor for us to coordinate such a special event. WE LOVE YOU ALL!

SO! … A Great Time, Great Participants and another Great Race has gone into the books as we all participated in making history and the "2022 Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race" another Awesome Ski Racing Event!

"It Just Doesn't Get Better Than This"!!

Have a Great Year Everyone and Ski Safe! We can't wait to ... “SKI YA SOON!”

Carl and Dasha Fletcher
Baca Cup Race Coordinator’s

February 17, 2022 - Attention Baca Cup Ski Racers: Final Preparations for the Baca Cup Ski Race are almost completed and we are ready to "Rock n Roll"!! But before we move forward, I would like to thank everyone involved in helping this amazing event happen.

First, I would like to Thank Everyone on the Baca Cup Racing Committee, all the Cooks Involved and especially our co-sponsors for this year's event. We recognize our brothers and sisters from American Sokol Washington, D.C., the Embassy of the Czech Republic Washington, D.C., the Czech Center New York City and our special guests from the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the UN in New York. It is with the help of all these wonderful people and organizations that we are able to keep "The Baca's Dream Alive"!

SO!! The Beer is Chillin', The Goulash is Cookin', The Venison Roast is Marinadin', the Jasik is Boiling, the Race Course is set and everything is in finally in place for the Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Registration Desk at 9:30 am, All Racers and Family at the Group Photo at 11:30 am. and Racers Ready at 12:00 noon. Directions to the celebration will be handed out at the registration desk and we just can't wait to "SKI YA THERE"!

Sincerely Yours,

Carl and Dasha Fletcher
Baca Cup Race Coordinators

February 17, 2021 - Attention Baca Cup Ski Racers: This past weekend should have been our Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race ... Instead for the first time in history a Pandemic got in the way, and while conditions were great for a ski race we just couldn't risk the safety of the Baca's flock. So as the ski season continues (without 2021 Champions) we would encourage our "The Baca Squad" racers to race Nastar where possible and hope you will all make plans to join us as we come "Roaring Back" in 2022. On behalf of the Baca Cup Racing Committee and the Baca of Salas Hills we wish you all a safe and happy ski season and continued health for the coming year. And in loving memory of our Baca's, Jiri Parma and his beloved grandson Jiri Parma Fletcher we present this Memorial photo and ask you to share in our continued celebration of the Nordic experience and the Love that keeps us coming back year after year.

Blessed be to all!

We can't wait to "Ski ya Soon"!

Carl & Dasha Fletcher
Baca Cup Race Coordinators

January 15, 2021 - Attention Baca Cup Ski Racers: After much deliberation we have decided that due to the ongoing Pandemic we cannot offer a safe and secure Baca Cup 2021. While conditions at Blue Knob are improving and Skiing\Snowboarding has been fun for the locals, the safety of "The Baca's Flock" is our prime concern.

So ... HEAR YE! HEAR YE! On Behalf of The Baca of Salas Hills and the Baca Cup Racing Committee we are hereby officially Canceling this years event. We offer our sincere Thanks to all who have participated and will look forward to "Skiing" you all at the 2022 Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race. Please Stay Safe Everyone as we all navigate these difficult times.

We Can't wait to "Ski Ya Soon"!

With Love to all,

Carl and Dasha Fletcher
Baca Cup Race Coordinators

On February 15, 2020 - A new chapter in Baca Cup Racing History was made as we entered the Roaring Twenties to celebrate the 42nd Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race. This year we were blessed with cold weather, fine snow conditions, an excellent day and some sensational performances on the race course. With an outside temperature of just 21 degrees at race time, our Baca Cup Ski Racers took to the course to demonstrate why this is one of the most enjoyable races in the world and a wonderful example of Euro-American relations. While Snow Blowers added to the base our racers and racing staff made a very strong showing and showcased the diverse cooperation, talents and skills, skiing and snowboarding prowess and overall dedication to the Nordic Spirit of everyone involved.

Special Congratulations go out to our 42nd Annual Baca Cup Ski Race Winners, Tomas Pavlicek and Maria Tuma for their Baca Cup victories and to our Ambassador's Cup Winners Petr Tuma and Dasha Fletcher. We also wish to congratulate our 2020 Baca Cup Snowboard Champions Autumn Rhea and Patrick Butler for the fastest times in our Snowboard Division. Another really fun ski race was held in a little over an hour with very few falls and NO major injuries. In addition, our Woman's Baca Cup Winner Maria Tuma became the youngest (Age 11) Baca Cup Winner in Baca Cup History and showed us all what a real Ski Prodigy looks like. Truly, Maria has a future in this sport and we will look for her as a National Team Candidate or an Olympian representing the Czech Republic in the not to distant future.

Special Thanks also go out to our Baca Cup Racing Committee for another superior performance in making this one of the safest and smoothest events ever. We especially recognize Chaz Wagner, Glenn Horenberg, Dasha Fletcher, Suzie Hagstrom, Ian Cruz, Tomas Pavlicek and Dusan Neuman for their contributions in registrations, race and gate coordination, videography, photography, communications, statistics, results and awards coordination and overall assistance in putting on another fine ski race. As always, Dasha and I couldn't have done this without the help of all these very talented folks and we are grateful and appreciative to everyone for their outstanding participation and assistance.

We also wish to offer our sincere thanks to Sokol Washington for their continued partnership and to the Blue Knob Ski Resort for allowing us to carry on with our ski racing tradition for all of these years. We especially wish to thank Robin for helping us with the discounted lift tickets and our awesome friend Kiel Knicely from Blue Knob Ski Racing in helping set the course, calibrating and running the timing, overseeing the race structure and results and keeping the technical race processes under control.

This year our Awards Celebration was really fun as everyone worked together to ensure all the details were in place, the food and beverage were prepared, the kids were a joy to see and our celebration went on as scheduled. Our Presiding Baca (and Natural Children's Ambassador) Lukas Mitchell Fletcher wore the Baca Outfit in representing his Grandfather, the Fletcher/ Parma family and recognized his Czech Heritage in carrying on the Baca tradition.

Special thanks also go out to “The Bacova” Dasha Fletcher for her fabulous Valasske Goulash. Bruce and Carol Ellington for those Terrific Serbian Beans, Tomas Pavlicek for the Czech Style Sour Kraut, Carl for the Venison Roasts, Klobas and Smoked Chicken Breast and to Ingrid, Chaz, Sidney and everyone else who contributed to the overall culinary offerings and the final clean up after the gathering. Your involvement and contributions were greatly appreciated!

We also wish to offer our sincere thank you to Zdenek Beranek, Deputy Chargé d'Affaires a.i. to the Czech Embassy Washington, D.C. Mr. Beranek took time away from his busy schedule to participate with his family in representing the Embassy and in presenting the Ambassador's Cups to our 2020 Champions. We were so grateful for his kind words and to his wife Lucie for honoring us with their involvement. We are so happy to consider them among the many Wonderful Friends we have made at the Embassy and we look forward to their participation for many years to come.

In closing for 2020, Dasha and I want to say how much fun it is to coordinate the Baca Cup Ski Race. We really love watching the children growing up and the opportunity to spend time with all of our Wonderful Friends, our Friends from the Czech Embassy, our Salas Hills Family, our Blue Knob Family and our beloved Sokol Brothers and Sisters. The competition is always ferocious but the overwhelming camaraderie, the joy of the celebration and and the opportunity to take this one special day out of each year to share our “Love of the Nordic Experience is an absolute blessing. “The Baca's Dream Lives On” ...

With the final results all in we are sure our founder, Jiri V. Parma would have enjoyed the race and loved to see our young skiers doing so well as we are all blessed to keep this amazing tradition alive.

We really hope everyone had as much fun as we did and wish everyone a safe and happy 2020 ski season.

With Peace and Love to All,

We can't wait to “SKI YA SOON” !

Carl and Dasha Fletcher
Baca Cup Race Coordinators

On February 16, 2019 in near perfect conditions, Baca Cup Racing History was again made as we celebrated the 41st Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race. This year Mother Nature provided us with Clear Blue Sky's and Sunshine, Lovely Snow Conditions and in true “Baca Cup Spirit” our racers and families all had a “Fantastic Time”! On behalf of Baca Lukas Mitchell Fletcher Congratulations go out to our 41st Annual Baca Cup Ski Race Champions Tomas Pavlicek and Natalia Girstlova for their outstanding Baca Cup victories and to Ambassador's Cup Winners Pavel Steen and Dasha Fletcher for their spectacular performances. We also wish to congratulate our 2019 Baca Cup Woman's Snowboard Champion Autumn Rhea and Men's Snowboard Champion Dan Butler for their dominant performances in our Snowboard Divisions. Another really great race was held with some wonderful characters, plenty of laughs, very few falls and NO major injuries which in our estimation is a “VICTORY” for everyone involved!

In recapping the weekend; Mother Nature helped out in providing almost 12” of fresh snow throughout the week which allowed Blue Knob the opportunity to build us an excellent race course and with the weather cooperating so well, our racers and families were able to come and go to the race and the awards celebration safely with everyone having an “Outstanding Time”.

On Saturday evening we shared a brief history of The Baca Cup, recognized our founder Baca Jiri V. Parma and shared a heartfelt moment of silence in memory of Baca Jiri Parma Fletcher (November 15, 19954 – August 6th 2018) who we recently lost to the Opioid Epidemic. We also recognized all of this years participants, our brothers and sisters from Sokol Washington, D.C., our friends at the Embassy of the Czech Republic Washington, D.C. and a host of others who have been responsible in paving the way for the Baca Cup we know and love today.

We also wish to give Special Thanks to the Blue Knob Mountain staff and Kiel Knisely and his Blue Knob Racing Staff for their outstanding work and awesome hospitality. We had an excellent course and our racers made another strong showing while showcasing their diverse cooperation, talents and skills, skiing prowess and overall Love of the Nordic Experience.

In addition, we wish to thank Chaz Wagner, Suzy Hagstrom, “Flyin'” Ian Cruz, Tomas Pavlicek, Dusan Neuman, Ingrid, Abigail, Dasha Fletcher, Glenn Horenberg and Bruce and Carol Ellington for their ongoing contributions throughout the year in “Stepping Up” to help out whenever necessary. Truly, we could not have done this awesome event without them and we are sooo grateful for their assistance.

On another positive note; we thanked Carol Ellington for her many years of participation as a Baca Cup Ski Racer and Race Committee Member and in doing so we also acknowledged her as a Baca Cup Legend. We also recognized Dusan Neuman as a Baca Cup Legend in offering his video and photo journalism talents to Baca Cup Racing year in and year out. No matter what the weather conditions may be or how far he may travel, Dusan has always been there for us and this year he was in Europe less than 24 hours before race time and arrived in the U.S. just in time to be with us again. So Congratulations go out to Dusan and Carol for all they have done and for being our newest “Legends of Baca Cup”! You are now officially acknowledged and firmly placed in Baca Cup History for all time.

As for the Celebration; we wish to thank Dasha Fletcher for her awesome Valasske Goulash, Carol Ellington for those amazing Moravian Beans, Tomas Pavlicek for his outstanding Czech Style Sour Kraut, Tomas and Ingrid, Victoria and Abby for their help in every possible direction and everyone else who contributed to the wonderful display of food and beverage we all enjoyed. Heck! Even the slightly burnt “Pigs in a Blanket” and Smoked Ham were enjoyed to completion while the fresh Keg of Pilsner Urquell was savored by all of the adults. The company was great, the food and beverage were wonderful and “we can't wait to do it all again next year”!

Special Thanks also go out to all our Baca Cup Racing Committee members for another impressive performance in making this one of the safest and smoothest events ever. Their contributions throughout the year in registrations, race and gate coordination, videography, photography, communications, statistics, results, awards coordination and overall assistance helped us once again to put on another first-class ski race. As always, we couldn't have done this without the help of ALL these very talented people and we are thankful, grateful, appreciative and blessed to everyone for their participation and assistance.

We also wish to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed a little extra for Baca Cup Racing and The Salas Hills Sports Club, to Sokol Washington for their continued support and to the Blue Knob Ski Resort for allowing us to carry on with our ski racing tradition for all of these years.

In closing for 2019, Dasha and I wish to say what a blessing it was to coordinate “The 41st Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race”. We really love watching the children and having the opportunity to spend this special time with all our Wonderful Friends, our Salas Hills Family, our Blue Knob Ski Family and our Sokol Brothers and Sisters. The competition is always fierce but the overwhelming camaraderie, the joy of the celebration and and the opportunity to take this one special day out of each year to share our “Love of the Nordic Experience is just amazing.

It's Great To Know after 41 Years - “The Baca's Dream Lives On”!

We hope everyone had as much fun as we did and wish everyone a safe and happy 2019 ski season.

Can't wait to “Ski Ya Soon”!!

With Peace and Love from our home to yours,

Carl & Dasha Fletcher
Baca Cup Race Coordinators

Dear Baca Cup Racers, Friends and Family:

It is with Great Sorrow the Fletcher/Parma Family must notify you Baca Jiri Parma Fletcher passed away on August 6, 2018 as a result of The Opioid Epidemic. Jiri had been happy and living in the Cherry Hill, New Jersey area and was 2 days short of being 2 years sober when he overdosed and died. The sadness we feel today is a “Call to Arms” to make everyone aware of how important it is to speak with your children about the dangers of Opioid use. It is also just as important to reach out to anyone you know who is suffering from addiction and offer them hope in helping them find their true path to recovery.

For this reason we offer you The Sermon from our Wonderful Minister delivered at Jiri's Celebration ofLife on September 1, 2018. We hope you will share the Love and Remembrance of our Beloved Baca, Son, Brother, Partner and Ski Racer. Jiri Parma Fletcher November 15, 2994 – August 6, 2018.

With Love to All,

The Fletcher/Parma Family

Carl, Bacova's Dasha, Ute and Sarka, Baca Tomas and Baca Lukas

A Celebration of Resurrection – Jiri Parma Fletcher – September 1, 2018Isaiah 61.1-3 – Mark 4.37-41 – The Rev. Sarah D. Odderstol

Why? Why did this happen, Lord? Why did a brilliant, beautiful, empathetic, loving, young man die from addiction and overdose? Why?

Because you are here, because you knew and loved and cared for Jiri, no doubt, you have been asking the same kinds of questions. If you are hoping that I can answer your why questions, I am about to disappoint you. Jesus, himself, asked the same kind of question from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And God…God was silent.

This silence, a silence that leaves us with no answer to our why questions, can lead people to say some pretty unhelpful things. Among them are: “This must have been a part of God’s plan.” and “God needed Jiri more than we did.” or my personal favorite…“Everything happens for a reason.” My friends, everything doesn’t happen for a reason. Saying everything happens for a reason is like saying that addiction has some sort of divine purpose. That is ludicrous. While it is comforting to think that God needed Jiri in heaven, that would imply that God wills us to suffer.

Jiri’s death is not God’s will. Causing Jiri’s family, Gabriel, and all Jiri’s friends, pain and grief is not apart of God’s plan. God wills for each and every one of us to have long, happy, healthy lives. Sometimes life gets in the way. Today, God’s heart is broken. Today, God grieves with us.

So, I have a question for you, “Has God ever answered your why questions?” Why is there poverty? Why do you allow children to die? Why is life so unfair? I have never received an answer to my why prayers. I don’t know anyone who has.

This is a question that intrigues me, “Why doesn’t God answer the question why?” The word why is used some 488 times in the English translation of the Bible. Of course, not all of these whys are questions posed to God. Of the “whys” asked of God, I have yet to find an instance where God actually answered the question why. That does not mean however that God did not respond. God seems to prefer to redirect. Let me give you an example.

In the book of Numbers, Moses had been leading the people of Israel in circles in the wilderness for decades when finally Moses had enough. The people complained about the food and the accommodations. This was not the scenic tour they thought they signed up for… Moses said to God, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I not found favor in your sight?” God did not give Moses an answer to his whys, but God did, however, offer Moses a ‘what now’. God told Moses to gather seventy elders to help in the task of leadership. God will respond with a “what now” if we are willing and able to listen.

So, what now? All of you now KNOW someone who has died from an opioid overdose. The Opioid Crisis is real! Talk to your family and friends about addiction and the dangers of opioid use. Lobby for increased access to quality addiction treatment; demand funding so that the cost of treatment doesn’t bankrupt families. Learn from Jiri’s death.

But also learn from Jiri’s life! Jiri had healing hands; he saved multiple lives with the skills he learned as a lifeguard. What’s to stop you from getting your CPR certification? Learn about Narcan, insist that your state sell this lifesaving overdose treatment over the counter.

Be curious, welcome strangers, love your grandma, explore the outdoors, dance in the rain…embrace your colorful, kind, unfiltered, and goofy self. People will thank you for it!

Sascha Daniels and Jiri were each other’s first friends. They spent hours exploring the woods around their neighborhood and Grandma Phyllis’ house. Where other children may have been fearful of things they didn’t understand, Jiri got curious and learned. Even as a little girl, Sascha cherished the time she spent with Jiri; with Jiri she had no inhibitions: she picked up bugs, got dirty, and learned about the outdoors. From Jiri and his family, Sascha learned to try new foods; she learned about other cultures. Sascha told me, “By being around Jiri, I learned to expose myself to new things, and I believe this really laid a foundation for who I became as an adult with such a strong interest in other countries and cultures.”

Learn from Jiri’s life. Be generous with yourself. You will change lives. Jiri changed lives.

Jiri weathered storm after storm in his lifetime. Jiri was born with a birth defect. When he was old enough to ask, he wanted to know why. Why did this happen to me? There is no answer to that questionthat can satisfy a child. Jiri was bullied in Middle School. Then the surgery to correct his birth defect left him addicted to opioid painkillers and led to his heroin addiction. Is it any wonder that Jiri questioned God’s existence and was disdainful of organized religion? Life gave Jiri too few reasons to be able to believe in a good and loving God. Does this mean Jiri is lost?

In our story from Mark’s Gospel, did Jesus abandon his disciples when they panicked for their lack of faith as the chaos of their storm overwhelmed them? Jesus could have just walked away, you know. He did have a gift for walking on water. No! Jesus had compassion for them and he saved them despite their fears and lack of faith.

God’s mercy and love and compassion are beyond human comprehension. It is human hubris to think that we can set limits on our creator’s mercy. God’s love knows no limit. Jiri has returned to the God who created him…to the God who loves him.

One final what now…when you talk about Jiri and tell your friends about the man you loved and cared for, please do not say, he lost his battle with addiction. This implies that Jiri’s death was ultimately his own fault. He lost – had he just tried a little harder he could have beaten his addiction. No… Addiction is a disease that becomes terminal when someone overdoses or when overuse causes the body to fail.

Until addiction is talked about in the same way we talk about ALS or dementia or leukemia, addiction will carry with it a shadow of shame…as if having addiction or dying from addiction is the result of a personal failure. We – all of us – can change the way we talk about addiction. I wonder…Maybe when people hear us talk about addiction differently, they will come to think about addiction differently. And when people think about addiction differently, addiction becomes a disease whose prevention and treatment are worth funding. Could happen!

Jiri Parma Fletcher lived a life worth learning from…with our help; Jiri’s death will make a difference

On February 17 & 18, 2018 Baca Cup Racing History was made as we celebrated the 40th Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race. This year Mother Nature played every trick she had on us but in “True Baca Cup Fashion” our racers and families managed to overcome all obstacles and have a “Wonderful Time”!

Congratulations go out to our 40th Annual Baca Cup Ski Race Winners, Drew Swope and Kathryn Swope for their closely won Baca Cup victories and to our Ambassador's Cup Winners Patryk Tararuj and Natalie Toth for their outstanding second place performances. We also wish to congratulate our 2018 Baca Cup Woman's Snowboard Champion Autumn Rhea and Men's Snowboard Champion Phil Hughes for leading the way in our Snowboard Divisions. Another really fun race was held with some colorful characters, lots of laughs, very few falls and NO major injuries which under the circumstances was a Victory for everyone involved!

In recapping the weekend; Torrential downpours in Pennsylvania Thursday night almost left us with no snow which caused us to postpone the Baca Cup Ski Race until Sunday. This gave Blue Knob the opportunity to pull off a “Mountain Miracle” in making and managing the snow to ultimately build us an excellent race course for Sunday. Mother Nature also helped out by providing us with 6 Inches of fresh powder but the fresh snow arrived Saturday evening about 30 minutes before the 40th Annual Baca Cup Celebration. This made for a mess on the driveway but our racers and families were able to come and go safely with everyone having a “Great Time”. On Saturday evening we followed through with this years theme as we “Recognized Those Who Came Before Us”. This included the recognition of Baca Jiri V. Parma and Bacova Ute Parma and the Baca's brother and former Baca Cup Champion Vladimer Parma. We also recognized David and Larry Fulop, Tony Svehla, Sokol Washington, D.C. and a host of others who were responsible for paving the way for the Baca Cup we know today. We especially wish to thank Glenn Horenberg, Michael Kubalak and Bruce and Carol Ellington for sharing their memories with everyone and Dasha and I are especially grateful to Milos Toth and Tibor Bartolos of Sokol Washington, D.C. for presenting us with a beautiful Crystal Plaque recognizing us in keeping 40 years of Baca Cup Tradition alive.

We also recognized Baca Cup Legends Carol Ellington and Michael Kubalak for their many years of participation in Baca Cup with Outstanding Achievement awards and officially installed Lukas Mitchell Fletcher as our Baca and Dasha Parma Fletcher as Bacova for the foreseeable future. We wish to thank Carol Ellington for those amazing meatballs, Dasha Fletcher for the Awesome Valasske Goulash and Jasik, Tomas Pavlicek for the Czech Style Sour Kraut, Susie Hagstrom for the fresh veggies, Sarka Jaksikova for the Czech Donuts, Tomas and Ingrid for their help in every direction and everyone else who contributed to the wonderful display of food and beverage we all enjoyed.

We were further honored by the presence of Zdenek Beranek, Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of the Czech Republic Washington, D.C. and his lovely wife Lucie as we greatly appreciate them taking time from their busy schedules to celebrate with us. Special thanks also go out to Jan Kaliba, Foreign Correspondent in the USA from Czech Radio and Dusan Neumann, Retired International Correspondent and Videographer for covering the Baca Cup Celebration and we also had the extra treat of watching and commenting on Ester Ledecka's (Czech Republic) Amazing Gold Medal Winning Race.

On Sunday, at race time we had beautiful blue skies (a Blue Man) and some sensational performances on the race course. Despite all the weather obstacles Baca Cup Ski Racers took to the course and again proved why this is one of the most awe-inspiring races in the world and a wonderful example of Euro-American cooperation. Thanks to the outstanding work of the Blue Knob Mountain and Racing Staff we had an excellent course and our racers made another strong showing while showcasing their diverse cooperation, talents and skills, skiing prowess and overall dedication to the Nordic Spirit.

Special Thanks go out to our Baca Cup Racing Committee for another spectacular performance in making this one of the safest and smoothest events ever. We especially recognize Chaz Wagner, Milos Toth, Sarka Fletcher, Kendal Ridner, Amelia Dudley, Ingrid Dasha Fletcher, Suzie Hagstrom, Ian Cruz, Tomas Pavlicek, Pavel Pitel, Dusan Neuman and Glenn Horenberg for their contributions in registrations, race and gate coordination, videography, photography, communications, statistics, results and awards coordination and overall assistance in helping us put on another excellent ski race. As always, we couldn't have done this without the help of ALL of these very talented people and we are thankful, grateful and appreciative to everyone for their participation and assistance.

We also wish to offer our sincere thanks to Sokol Washington for their continued support and to the Blue Knob Ski Resort for allowing us to carry on with our ski racing tradition for all of these years. We especially wish to thank Robin for helping us with the discounted lift tickets, Keil Knisely from Blue Knob Ski Racing for running the timing and a Special “Thank You to Drew Swope” for his racing expertise in helping coordinate and set the course, calibrating the timing and overseeing the race structure and results to help keep the technical race processes under control and assure we had a race.

This year the Awards Celebration was a really fun gathering as we held the awards at Blue Knob for the very first time. Special Thanks to Blue Knob General Manager Gary for his “Can Do” attitude in doing everything possible to help our event along and to Pavel Pitel, Consul, Head of the Consular Department for the Embassy of the Czech Republic, Washington, D.C. for presenting the awards on behalf of The Ambassador Hynek Kmonicek.

In the spirit of Baca Cup everyone worked together to assure all the details were in place for the celebration and our Baca Lukas Mitchell Fletcher once again made our family proud in representing his Grandfather, the Fletcher/ Parma family and most importantly recognized his Czech Heritage in carrying on the Baca tradition.

In closing for 2018, Dasha and I wish to say what a blessing it was to coordinate “The 40th Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race”. We really love watching the children grow up and the opportunity to spend this special time with all our Wonderful Friends, our Salas Hills Family, our Blue Knob Ski Family and our Sokol Brothers and Sisters. The competition is always ferocious but the overwhelming camaraderie, the joy of the celebration and and the opportunity to take this one special day out of each year to share our “Love of the Nordic Experience is an absolute blessing.

After 40 Years - “The Baca's Dream Lives On”!

We hope everyone had as much fun as we did and wish everyone a safe and happy 2018 ski season.

We can't wait to “Ski Ya Soon”!!

With Peace and Love from our home to yours,

Carl & Dasha Fletcher
Baca Cup Race Coordinators

On February 18, 2017 another chapter in Baca Cup Racing History was made as we celebrated the 39th Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race. This year we had beautiful blue skies with record breaking warm temperatures and once again some stunning performances on the race course. With an outside temperature of 45 degrees at race time our Baca Cup Ski Racers took to the course and again proved why this is one of the most awe-inspiring races in the world and a wonderful example of Euro-American cooperation. With temperatures soaring up to 65 degrees our racers and racing staff found a way to make another strong showing while showcasing their diverse cooperation, talents and skills, skiing prowess and overall dedication to the Nordic Spirit.

Special Congratulations go out to our 39th Annual Baca Cup Ski Race Winners, Drew Swope and Kathryn Swope for their blazing fast Baca Cup victories and to our Ambassador's Cup Winners Tomas Pavlicek and Renate Altman. We also wish to congratulate our 2017 Baca Cup Snowboard Champion Autumn Rhea for leading the way in our Snowboard Division. Another really fun ski race was held in a little over an hour and a half in Spring like temperatures with very few falls and NO major injuries which from our perspective is a Triumph for everyone involved!

Special Thanks go out to our Baca Cup Racing Committee for another outstanding performance in making this one of the safest and smoothest events ever. We especially recognize Chaz Wagner, Milos Toth, Sarka Fletcher, Kendal Ridner, Dasha Fletcher, Suzie Hagstrom, Ian Cruz, Tomas Pavlicek, Pavel Pitel, Dusan Neuman, Glenn Horenberg and Anthony for their contributions in registrations, race and gate coordination, videography, photography, communications, statistics, results and awards coordination and overall assistance in putting on another fine ski race. As always, we couldn't have done this without the help of all of these very talented folks and we are thankful and grateful to everyone for their outstanding participation and assistance.

We also wish to offer our sincere thanks to Sokol Washington for their continued support and to the Blue Knob Ski Resort for allowing us to carry on with our ski racing tradition for all of these years. We especially wish to thank Robin for helping us with the discounted lift tickets, Tim Corles and our awesome friend Matt from Blue Knob Ski Racing in helping set the course, calibrating and running the timing, overseeing the race structure and results and helping to keep the technical race processes under control.

This year the Awards Celebration was once again a really fun gathering as everyone worked together to ensure all the details were in place and the celebration went on as scheduled. Our Presiding Baca, Lukas Mitchell Fletcher also provided us with a very special moment as he wore the Baca Outfit for the first time in representing his Grandfather, the Fletcher/ Parma family and most importantly recognized his Czech Heritage in carrying on the Baca tradition.

Special thanks go out to Drew Swope for offering his hospitality and for the burgers and beers after the race! We also thank our presiding Bacova Sarka Phyllis Fletcher, “The Bacova” Ute Parma, Bruce and Carol Ellington for those Terrific Meatballs and the Green Pepper Soup, Dasha for her fabulous Valasske Goulash, Tomas Pavlicek for the Czech Style Sour Kraut and to Ingrid, Chaz, Lucie and everyone else who contributed to the overall culinary offerings and the final clean up after the gathering. Your involvement and contributions were greatly appreciated!

We also wish to offer our sincere thank you to Zden?k Beranek, Acting Ambassador and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. to the Czech Embassy Washington, D.C. Mr. Beranek took time away from his busy schedule to participate with his family in representing the Embassy and presenting the Ambassador's Cups to our 2017 Champions. We were so appreciative to Zdenek for his kind words and to his wife Lucie for all of their help. We are very honored to consider them among the Wonderful Friends we have made at the Embassy over the last 25+ years and we look forward to their involvement for many years to come.

In closing for 2017, Dasha and I want to say what a joy it is to participate in coordinating The Baca Cup Ski Race. We really love watching the children growing up and the opportunity to spend time with all of our Wonderful Friends, our Salas Hills Family, our Blue Knob Family and our Sokol Brothers and Sisters. The competition is always fierce but the overwhelming camaraderie, the joy of the celebration and and the opportunity to take one special day out of each year to share our “Love of the Nordic Experience is an absolute blessing. “The Baca's Dream Lives On” .

With the final results reported we are sure our founder Jiri V. Parma would be sooo proud of our young skiers and we are blessed to be a part of this in seeing his grandchildren so involved in keeping this amazing tradition alive.

We hope everyone had as much fun as we did and wish everyone a safe and happy 2017 ski season.

On February 13, 2016 Baca Cup Racing History was again made with record breaking cold temperatures and stunning performances on the ski race course. With an outside temperature of 5 degrees Celsius and a -21 degree wind chill factor, Baca Cup Ski Racers took to the course and again proved why this is one of the most amazing races in the world and a shining example of Euro-American Relations. With stinging cold and near white out conditions at times, our racers and racing staff found a way to make an incredible showing while showcasing their diverse cooperation, talents and skills, skiing prowess and overall dedication to the Nordic Spirit.

Congratulations go out to our 38th Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race Winners, Patryk Tararuj and Kathryn Swope for their Baca Cup victories and to our Ambassador's Cup Winners Vladislav Krestan and Karolina Kocourkova. We also wish to congratulate our 2016 Baca Cup Snowboard Champions Sean Carey and Paula Bartosiewicz for their fine efforts in the snowboard competition. An excellent ski race was held in a little over an hour and a half in arctic temperatures with only a few falls and NO major injuries which in our perspective is a Victory for All!

Special Thanks go out to our Baca Cup Racing Committee for another outstanding performance in making this one of the safest and smoothest events we have ever held. We especially recognize Glenn Horenberg, Milos Toth, Robert Rehak, Tomas Pavlicek, Sarka Fletcher, Dasha Fletcher, Suzie Hagstrom, Ian Cruz, Pavel Pitel and Lexi and Anthony for their contributions in registrations, race and gate coordination, photography, communications, statistics, results and awards coordination and overall assistance in putting on another fine ski race. We also have an honorable mention to Mellisa and her lovely assistant at Staples for their last minute design and preparation assistance in helping create our racer numbering and associated stickers. Truly, we couldn't have done this without the help of all of these very talented folks and we are very grateful to them for their outstanding participation.

We also wish to offer our sincere thanks to Sokol Washington for their continued support and to the Blue Knob Ski Resort for allowing us to carry on with our ski racing tradition for all of these years. We especially wish to thank Robin for helping us with the discounted lift tickets really “Big Up” our good friend Matt from Blue Knob Ski Racing in helping set the course, calibrating and running the timing, overseeing the race structure and results and helping to keep the technical race processes under control.

This year the Awards Celebration brought another set of challenges as the power went out in Salas for the majority of the celebration but in “True Baca Cup Fashion” the lanterns came out, the flashes went on the camera's, the beer was tapped and everyone worked together to assure the event went on as scheduled. Special thanks to “The Bacova” Ute Parma, Bruce Ellington for the Pulled Pork BBQ, Tante Margaret for those Wonderful Meatballs, Dasha for that incredible Valasske Goulash and Jasik, Carol Ellington for those Amazing Serbian Beans, Tomas Pavlicek for the Salmon and to Chaz, Sean and everyone else who contributed to the overall culinary success of the gathering.

We also wish to offer our sincere thanks to Jaroslav Zajicek, Deputy Ambassador to the Czech Embassy Washington, D.C. for taking time from his busy schedule to participate with his family and in representing the Embassy in presenting the 2016 Ambassador's Cups. We are so grateful to Jaroslav for his involvement over the last several years and we ask you to join us in wishing him well in the future as his tour of duty in the United States has him scheduled to transfer out later this year. We will really miss him and ALL of the wonderful friends we have made at the Embassy during the last few years and as always we look forward to hearing of their accomplishments in the future.

In closing for 2016, we wish to say the Baca Cup has become such a joy to participate in and we continue to marvel at the wonderful friends, the fabulous competition, the overwhelming camaraderie, the joy of the celebration and most importantly the opportunity to watch the children growing up and share our “Love of the Nordic Experience. We are sure our founder Jiri V. Parma would be extremely proud of these young skiers and we are so proud to be involved and see his grandchildren involved in keeping this amazing tradition alive.

We hope everyone had as much fun as we did and wish everyone a safe and happy ski season.

Peace and Love to All … We can't wait to

“SKI YA SOON” !

Carl and Dasha Fletcher
Baca Cup Race Coordinators

On February 14th, 2015, “Valentines Day History” was made with the conclusion of The 37th Annual “ Ba?a Cup International Invitational Ski Race” The race finished at 12:45 pm and we wish to offer our “Heartfelt” congratulations to our 2015 Champions, Patryk Tararuj and Victoria Toth for their spectacular Ba?a Cup victories. In addition, we wish to congratulate Lukas Bartosiewicz and Renata Altman for winning the Ambassadors Cups and also recognize Lukas Bartosiewicz and Paula Bartosiewicz-Reese for their stunning Snowboard success. This year we had a “Wonderful Snow Day” and other than a few falls, the race and award celebration was a remarkable success with “Terrific Ski Conditions”, “Outstanding Beer”, “Awesome Food” and a “Fun Celebration” enjoyed by all!

This year our race was completed in one hour and forty five minutes and everyone had a safe and happy ski experience. Special thanks to Glenn, Sarka, Dasha and Suzy for their assistance in coordinating registrations and statistics and to Dusan Neuman for Videography and our own Jeff Thomas in providing Race and Awards Photography. We also wish to offer a “Special Thank You” to Milos Toth for performing “Gate Coordination” in “Amazing Fashion” and making it possible to stage one of the “Best Flowing” Ba?a Cup Ski Races ever. Truly, these wonderful people were responsible for helping to make this years race an outstanding success and we couldn't have done this without them.

We also wish to recognize; Tim Corles, and our “Blue Knob Race Guru” Matt for preparing the race course and timing. We also offer a “Very Special Thank You” to Robin, and the Blue Knob Resort Staff for their amazing support in providing us with Half Price Ba?a Cup Racer discounts! In addition, we also wish to thank Petr Gandalovi? and Tomas Pavlicek for helping set our race course and being so helpful throughout the entire event. We also send a thank you to Ian Cruz for his website assistance and coordination and Sarka Fletcher for her “Outstanding Service” in once again being of assistance wherever and whenever she was asked. Once again, Sarka wore so many different hats for Ba?a Cup Racing that she really was a part of “The Glue” that helped make this all happen. Thank You Sarka!

On another note, we wish to recognize and especially thank our new friends Ambassador Petr Gandalovi? and his lovely wife Pavlina for their attendance and we especially appreciate “The Ambassador” for his wonderful speech and the presentation of this year’s Ambassador’s Cups on behalf of the Embassy of the Czech Republic Washington, DC. Over the years, the Ba?a Cup Ski Race is a shining example of Euro-American relations. and with the support of our core group of volunteers, our Brothers and Sisters from Sokol Washington, The Czech Embassy and our Ba?a Cup Ski Racers it just keeps getting better!

We also wish to thank our “Presiding Ba?a and Children's Ambassador” Lukas Mitchell Fletcher for addressing the flock on behalf of the Fletcher/Parma family and his grandfather Jiri (Ba?a) Parma. We are absolutely sure the Ba?a would be sooo proud of his grandchildren in helping to keep this “Wonderful Tradition” and the “Baca's Dream” alive.

Also of special mention, we wish to thank Dasha Parma Fletcher, "The Presiding Ba?ova" for her incredible hospitality, her culinary talents and her beauty and grace, Ute Parma in in offering her home, Carol Ellington for the amazing Macaroni and Cheese, Jeff Thomas for the fantastic Pulled Pork, Tommie Helwig for her “Very Generous” Donation of the Venison Filet Mignon, Michael and Connie Kubalak for the Au Gratin Potato’s, Margaret Lessiak for the wonderful Chile, the Bartosiewicz Household for the incredible Meatballs and Salad, Dasha for her amazing "Moravian Goulash" and “Jasik” and everyone else that contributed food and beverage to the celebration. Truly, an incredible banquet was prepared and enjoyed by all.

In closing, we wish to congratulate American Sokol on the celebration of their 150th Anniversary and say how proud we are to be part of this amazing organization. The continued support and involvement of our Sokol Brothers and Sisters is a big reason for the success and longevity of our race and I am sure “The Baca” would be so happy to see all of the young skiers and their families continuing his “Dream” and furthering their “Passion” for the Nordic Experience.

Have a Great Year Everyone and Please Remember to Always Ski Safe.

With Love to All … We can't wait to “Ski Ya Soon”!!

Carl and Dasha Fletcher Ba?a Cup Race Coordinators

We can't wait to ski everyone there !

SKI YA SOON !!

With ski conditions already the best they have been in years, an additional 8" fell at Blue Knob yesterday after skiing. In looking ahead, the forecast has more snow coming Wednesday and Thursday with the weather clearing Saturday just in time for the Ski Race. So at this point here is where we stand ... The Snow Conditions are "Perfect", the Czech Beer is Chillin’, the Venison Roast is in the Marinade, the Goulash is being prepared, the Race Staff, Photography and TV Crew are standing by and on line registration is up and growing at www.bacacup.com. With only a few days left, "Please Register Now"! Because the "Time Has Come and We Are Ready" for the "36th Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race" !

We can't wait to ski everyone there !

SKI YA SOON !!

The ski conditions at Blue Knob are the best they have been in years with plenty of snow and more on the way ! "The Baca Squad" has been tearing up Nastar Race Courses throughout the region and the Race Committee is hard at work planning the details. The Deer Roast goes in the marinade next week and the Czech Beer is already chillin'. Things are all falling in place for another "Amazing Race" ! On line registration for Baca Cup invitees is now open at www.bacacup.com . "Ski Ya There" !!

“The Baca Squad” a Family and Friends Ski Racing Team out of Salas Hills, Pennsylvania has now ranked in the top 6% in the nation in the 2013 Nature Valley NASTAR Team Ski Racing program. With a team record 16 racers having qualified for the 2013 NASTAR National Championships in Aspen/Snowmass Colorado, “The Baca Squad Family and Friends” team has made quite a showing for the 2013 Ski Racing Season and is making a name for itself throughout the eastern region.

NASTAR is the largest recreational ski race program in the world and avid ski racers from approximately 45 states, ranging in age from three to 90, will converge on the world-class resort in Aspen/Snowmass Colorado this year to compete for national titles in various divisions during the Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships.

Congratulations go out to all of “The Baca Squad” team members for their participation this season and their dedication to the sport. We look forward to reporting on many more years of “Ski Racing Glory” from this “Up and Coming” Ski Racing Team.

Dear Baca Cup Racers:

On February 16, 2013 we are celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the "Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race" at the Blue Knob Resort in Claysburg, Pennsylvania, and as of yesterday (2/10/2013), the ski conditions were excellent and the Blue Knob racing staff was hosting a major college ski event with preparation for Baca Cup next up on the schedule.

This Saturday, we will be making history and hope you will find the time to join us in celebrating this "Outstanding Milestone". If you have not already registered, please do so at www.bacacup.com as there are only a few days left before we "Go Live" with the 35th Annual "Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race" !!

So at this point here is where we stand ... The Czech Beer is Chillin’, the Venison Roast is in the Marinade, the Goulash is being prepared, the snow is “Perfect”, the Race Staff, Photography and TV Crew are ready and standing by which really means "We Are Just About Ready" for the "2013 Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race" !

We can't wait to ski everyone there !

SKI YA SOON !!

PRESS RELEASE: Feb. 24, 2012 - A little known family and friends team called “The Baca Squad” based primarily out of the Blue Knob Ski Resort in Claysburg Pennsylvania has been “Burning Up” the ski slopes for the 2012 NASTAR ski season and has placed a total of 18 members in the National Championships. The Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships is much more than just a competition, it's a happening! The 2012 National Championships is a festival celebrating the sport of alpine racing and it is a reunion for the nation’s top recreational racers and US Ski Team members. Congratulations to Baca Squad members: Michael Cruz, Ian flyin’ Cruz, Tomas Pavlicek, Marcella, Renata, Isabella & Jonathan Altman, Dasha & Carl Fletcher, Zanetta & Karolina Kocourkova, Tibor Bartalos, Riener Lessiak, Annie Rokus, Victoria Toth, Carol & Bruce Ellington and Blaine Weitzel on receiving this honor. The National Championships are the ultimate reward for anyone who races NASTAR! The National Championships will be held at Winter Park, CO March 22-25, 2012 and will bring together top NASTAR racers of all ages and abilities from across the country for three days of spirited competition, first-class hospitality, partying and fun!

BACA CUP UPDATE: February 14, 2012 - Everything is now in place for the 2012 Baca Cup Ski Race including last weekends "Fresh Snowfall" and cold snow making temperatures all this week at Blue Knob. There was “Fantastic” skiing and racing last weekend and Blue Knob www.blueknob.com has once again committed to providing us with “Great Race Course”. Please keep in mind the race is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am. so plan your travel accordingly.

Also, be aware the on-line registration will close at 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon but we will accept registrations at the start gate as needed and any emergency updates will again be found on our Facebook page as necessary. Also, we have made arrangements with Blue Knob for discount lift tickets for Baca Cup racers and their families. So please be sure to purchase your tickets at the far left ticket booth where we will have a sign up for Baca Cup. As always, when the course is set and ready, "The Baca" will call for the flock with the 200 year old Velaske Bell so listen for it when you are on the mountain Saturday morning and head to the course for your race numbers and start information at that time.

Fellow skiers, we have every reason to believe the ski conditions will be "Great" this year! The Czech Beer is Chillin’, the Venison Roast is in the Marinade, the Goulash is being prepared, the snow is “Perfect”, the Race Staff, Photography and TV Crew are ready and standing by.

This means "We Are Ready" for the "2012 Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race" !

Last Minute Update! Due to a forecast of high winds Blue Knob may not open until noon on Saturday and the Baca Cup race has been postponed to start at 1:00pm.

Baca Cup UPDATE: We are getting close !! Everything is now in place for the 2011 Baca Cup. As you may be aware, Blue Knob received over 10" of fresh snow last weekend. The weather pattern is not calling for too much more snow this week (a couple more inches), but Saturday should be Sunny and "Perfect for Racing". We met with the Race Staff and once again Blue Knob is committed to setting us us a “Great Race Course”. Heather is "On Board" to help out this year and "She is Cool" !! Please keep in mind the race will begin at 11:00 AM, so plan your travel accordingly. Also, just to be safe, please try and coordinate with those who have 4 wheel drives to get up to the awards celebration. The driveway was in good shape last weekend but there is only one lane available. If necessary, we will ask our local farmer friend to plow us a parking lot area at the top of the hill, but either way we ask anyone who is able to walk down the lane to do so as there is limited parking at the cabin. For now, the Czech Beer is Chillin’, the Venison Roast is in the marinade, the Bar-B-Q is slow cooking, the Goulash is already prepared, the snow is “Perfect”, the Race Staff is ready and everything is on track for Baca Cup, 2011 !! Ski Ya There !!

Snow Update: For the last month the skiing at Blue Knob has been excellent ! The weather in the last few weeks has been very interesting with just about every type of weather known to man occurring at some point in the last few weeks. At the end of Saturday the 12th, there was about 10 new inches of snow and the mountain was completely open and groomed. On the race front, "THE BACA SQUAD" Friends and Family Race Team are now ranked in the top 2% in the nation. The Squad has been having a great time burning up the Nastar Race Course and there is still a few weeks left to join in the fun. Just be sure to list "THE BACA SQUAD" as your family/friends team when you race at Blue Knob or at any mountain in the nation offering Nastar Ski Racing!

Race Info:Please note the race time is again at 11:00 a.m. this year so plan your travel times accordingly. Also, upon arrival at Blue Knob, make sure to go to the far left ticket (group sales) ticket window to get your Baca Cup (group rate - http://www.blueknob.com/winter/group.php) discount on lift tickets. Robin will be in the window waiting for Baca Cup Ski Racers. The race will be held on the Nastar Race Course directly on top in the middle of the mountain and (as always) we will be ringing the Velaska Bell at race time to call the racers to the course. Blue Knob has requested a $2.00 per race (Max – 2) donation this year for the race fee and that will be collected at the awards gathering. Please don't forget to see Dasha and pay your fee at the awards. Registration will be accepted at the gate, but please make sure to pre-register at www.bacacup.com if at all possible. On-line registrations will be gathered up until Friday February 18th at 5:00 p.m and checked once more after 9:00 p.m.

Technology Update: Due to a technological break down on our website this fall, we had to re-create a lot of content and have temporarily lost some of our photographs from previous years. But in " TRUE Baca Cup FASHION" we have brought our photo section back "Better than Ever" by launching our new Baca Cup Community page on Facebook !! Feel free to post up photo's you may have or just join in the fun by adding in a few of your Comments, Stories or Memories.

As for the Awards: The Venison Roast is marinading, Dasha will again make her incredible Goulash, Bruce is cookin' up a "Real" North Carolina Bar-B-Q this year, Tante Margaret has the Meatballs and the keg of Czech Beer is in stock and ready for pick up. The Baca Cup Race Committee is hard at work preparing the final details and our Technology is in place to gather and calculate the results. With the kind of support we have at Blue Knob, and our "Wonderful Baca Cup Racing Staff", and of course the "Amazing Hospitality" of the Bacova , we are looking forward to the 33nd Annual Baca Cup International Invitational Ski Race again raising the bar and being yet another "Wonderful Time" for everyone.

In Memorial: It is with "Great Reverence" that the Baca Cup Race Staff recognizes the passing of former Baca Cup Champion Vladimer Parma in 2010 at the age of 86. "Uncle Ladia" as he was lovingly known was among the "Pioneers" of our race and a "True Champion" until his passing. We will always remember his relentless competitive spirit, his keen wit and his incredible skiing ability. "God Speed Uncle" !!

Discount Lift Tickets: Group Prices for Baca Cup can be found at http://www.blueknob.com/winter/group.php Just make sure to go to the left group sales window at Blue Knob and tell them you are with "The Baca Cup" for the discounted rates. This rate is also available for any family or friends who are not participating in the race too, but please encourage everyone to race as "Everyone Wins at Baca Cup" !

Press Release: "THE BACA SQUAD Has Moved Up To 87" !!

"THE BACA SQUAD", a club racing team has moved into 87th place in the nation! Keep up the good work and ski fast! Check out the NASTAR web site where they list the Top 150 Family / Friends Team Rankings.

Press Release: "THE 2011 BACA SQUAD IS MAKING A NAME FOR ITSELF" !!

"THE BACA SQUAD", a club racing team out of Maryland and Pennsylvania (with team members participating out West as well) is lighting up the slopes in the NASTAR Ski Races. The "Squad" is currently ranked 132nd out of 2594 ski teams nationwide and is now ranked in the top 5% in the nation. With a very strong showing the 2nd week of January at Blue Knob, and Keystone Colorado (and even earlier for some members) the "Baca Squad" is "Up and Racing". We encourage everyone who ski's to join in the fun and join our team. If you have not registered to participate, please go to www.Nastar.com and register on line, or you can register at any Mountain nationwide that offers NASTAR ski races. You don’t have to be local to participate. Just be sure and register as a member of "THE BACA SQUAD" as a family/friends team member. Racing NASTAR is great fun and a great way to improve your skills. We wish you all a "Fantastic Ski Racing Season" !!

As the 2010 Nastar Ski Racing Season winds down, we wish to thank everyone on our team for participating this year. Thanks to all of your efforts, "THE BACA SQUAD" finished out the 2010 Season ranked 257th in the Nation leaving us in the top 7% of all Ski Racing Team nationwide. Great Job Everyone!!! What a Fantastic Showing!!!

The National Championships are the ultimate reward for anyone who races NASTAR and once again "THE BACA SQUAD" has placed racers in the competition. Special Congratulations go out to our 2010 invitee’s. Michael Cruz, Aden Lessiak, Reiner Lessiak, Tomas Pavlicek, Carol Ellington, Dasha Fletcher, Jiri Fletcher, Lukas Fletcher, Karolina Kocourkova and Lucas Bartosiewicz.

These racers qualify for the National Championships by earning a top-three ranking in their age division at any of the 120+ Nature Valley NASTAR ski resorts throughout North America. In 2009, competitors age 3 to 90 from 43 states as well as Canada, Australia, Chile and England competed in age and gender categories in alpine, telemark, snowboard & physically challenged categories for the chance to win a National Title.

This year, Winter Park Resort in Winter Park, Colorado, will be the official host site for the 2010 Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships March 25 – 28, 2010. this year we would love to see another member of "THE BACA SQUAD" appear on the podium as our 2008 team member Annie Rokus did when skiing legend Phil Mayer presented her with the Silver Medal.

Good Luck Everyone !! Once Again it’s time to "Go For The Gold"!!

Once again we are getting great response from everyone who attended Bača Cup 2010 and can’t wait until next year. We also wanted to make sure and recognize Jr. Bača Lukas Mitchell Fletcher, for jumping up to volunteer and hand out the medals for all the younger skiiers. It was “Especially Special” to see him give the first medals out to our youngest skiers and (we hope) this is just the beginning of many long years of tradition. Lukas is truly a big part of the future of Bača Cup and we are “VERY” proud of him. Also, don’t forget there are “Fantastic Ski Conditions” right now and we encourage everyone to keep skiing while the snow is soooo good. The "Bača Squad" Friends and Family Race Team (now ranked in the top 9% in the nation) invites everyone to join our team on the Nastar Race Course and “Have Some Fun”!. Please join in and help the cause by registering as a member of "THE BACA SQUAD" whenever you race at Blue Knob or at any mountain offering Nastar Ski Racing! Ski Ya Soon !!

Bača Cup UPDATE: Everything is now in place for the 2010 Bača Cup including an “AMAZING” amount of snow at Blue Knob. As you may be aware, the mountain received over 2 feet of snow last weekend with another foot due this week. Nothing short of “Fantastic” skiing will be there for us and Blue Knob is committed to cutting us in a “Great Race Course”. Please keep in mind the race will begin at 11:00 Am. , so plan your travel accordingly. Also, please try to coordinate with those who have 4 wheel drives to get up to the awards celebration. The driveway has a large amount of snow on both sides and there is only one lane available. We have asked our local farmer friend to plow us a parking lot area at the top of the hill and will ask everyone who is able to walk down the lane as we have a huge amount of snow at the cabin too. The Czech Beer is Chillin’, the Venison Roasts are in the marinade, the Goulash is already prepared, the snow is “Perfect”, the Race Staff is ready and everything on track for Bača Cup, 2010.

Attention Bača Cup Ski Racers! Blue Knob has issued a "POWDER WARNING" for this weekend with predictions of at least a foot of fresh powder falling overnight this Friday. In addition, the National Weather Service is tracking another storm front which could drop another significant snow on Tuesday or Wednesday next week. This makes the forecast extremely good for having "Fantastic Ski Conditions" for the "2010 Bača Cup Ski Race". So get out those skis’s and head for the hills to take advantage of the coming snows to practice up for the race.

We look forward to seeing everyone next week!!

Snow Update: For the last month the skiing at Blue Knob has been fantastic with the largest amount of snowfall in over 10 years. It got a little warm late last week but it’s snowing again with more due by the weekend. On the race front, "THE BACA SQUAD" Friends and Family Race Team (once again ranked in the top 11% in the nation) has been having a great time burning up the Nastar Race Course but we need more racers. Please join in the fun and help the cause by registering with "THE BACA SQUAD" when you race at Blue Knob or at any mountain offering Nastar Ski Racing!

Race Info: Please note the race time has been moved up to 11:00 a.m. this year so plan your travel times accordingly. Also, upon arrival at Blue Knob, make sure to go to the far left ticket (group sales) ticket window to get your Bača Cup (group rate) discount on lift tickets. Robin will be in the window waiting for Bača Cup Ski Racers. The race will be held on the Nastar Race Course directly in the middle of the mountain and (as always) we will be ringing the Valaska Bell at race time to call the racers to the course. Blue Knob has requested a $2.00 per race (Max – 2) donation this year for the race fee and that will be collected at the awards gathering. Please see Dasha to pay your fee. Registration will be accepted at the gate, but please make sure to pre-register at www.bacacup.com if possible. Online registrations will be gathered until Friday February 12th at 9:00 p.m.

Technology Update: Due to a technological break down on our website this fall, we had to re-create a lot of content and have temporarily lost our photographs of previous years. We are now in the process of capturing what we can and will be uploading more pictures in the near future. In the interim, please feel free to e-mail or send us any photo’s you may have from years past as in " TRUE Bača Cup FASHION" we will be bringing our photo section back "Better than Ever"!!

As for the Awards: The Venison Roast has been secured, Dasha has agreed to make her incredible Goulash and the Czech Beer is in stock. The Bača Cup Race Committee is hard at work preparing and our Technology is back in place to gather and calculate the results. With the kind of support we have at Blue Knob, and our "Wonderful Bača Cup Racing Staff", and of course the "Amazing Hospitality" of the Bacova , we are looking forward to the 32nd Annual Bača Cup International Invitational Ski Race being yet another great success.

Take a look at some photos we have gathered of the staff in our Photo Gallery.

HOTEL DEAL Bača Cup Skiers.  Call 1-800-283-4678 or 814-623-8107.  Manager's name is Mac Patel.
2 Persons - 2 Beds $ 46.666
2 Persons - 1 Bed $ 43.32
1 Person - 1 Bed $ 39.95

Children under 10 Years stay free
Children over 10Years add $ 5.00
Breakfast includes 2 different Cereals, Coffee and Bagels with Cream Cheese from 6 AM to 9.30 AM.
Racers and their guests can check in at 9 AM. Check out time is 1 PM. If you wish to check out at 4 PM it is $ 20.00 additional. Note: Who ever checks in should say that they are Skiers.
 

OTHER LODGING OPTIONS -
1. West Vu Motel Pleasantville, PA. 814-839-2632
2. Best Western Bedford, PA. 814-623-9006
3. Quality Inn Bedford, PA. 814-623-5188
4. Super 8 Motel Bedford. PA. 814-623-5880
5. Econo Lodge Bedford, PA. 814-623-5174
6. Hampton Inn Bedford, PA. 814-624-0101
or try http://hotel-guides.us/pennsylvania/bedford-pa-hotels.html

For additional information, and directions to the Blue Knob Ski Resort, please call 800-458-3403, or 814-239-5111 or visit http://www.blueknob.com