CARRABASSETT VALLEY -— In a year highlighted with alumni winning four Olympic medals and seniors gaining acceptance to some of the country’s finest colleges and universities, Carrabassett Valley Academy Headmaster, John Ritzo and the academy’s board chair, Kevin Burns, announces Mike Mallon as Snowboard Program Manager.

“In the world of snowboard coaching Mike’s credentials are unequaled,” according to Ritzo. “He has placed numerous athletes on National Teams, he was named Domestic Coach of the Year and three times his snowboard programs were recognized as Program of the Year by the United States of America Ski and Snowboard Association.

“The CVA board of trustees, faculty and staff are excited to integrate Mike’s experience and talent as a program manager and coach with the Academy’s long history of producing world-class snowboarding athletes the likes of two-time Olympic gold medalist Seth Wescott and eight-time Big Mountain Rider of the Year Jeremy Jones,” Ritzo concluded.

Prior to joining Carrabassett Valley Academy Mallon served as Snowboard Program Director at Stratton Mountain School in Vermont, Head Snowboard Coach at Holderness School in New Hampshire, and Snowboard Program Director/Pro-am Head Coach at Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club in Colorado.

“I am really excited to be heading to CVA. When I was competing they always had the strongest program,” Mallon stated. “The legacy that former CVA students like Jeremy Jones, Mark Fawcett and Seth Wescott, to name a few, left behind has very deep roots in the Carrabassett Valley. I am honored to have the opportunity to take this program to the next level and continue CVA’s long-standing tradition of excellence.”

Additional honors bestowed on Mallon include the Westhaven Award 2009 given to the outstanding FIS/USSA technical delegate and the Anna Mcintyre Citation 2010 given for distinguished achievement in snowboarding. A leader in the development and management of competitive snowboarding Mallon served as Chairman US Snowboard Executive Sport Committee, served on the USSA and USASA Board of Directors, and FIS Snowboard Technical Delegate.

“I am really looking forward to supporting Mike as he brings his coaching and program management skills to CVA. Mike’s credentials and awards speak to the devotion and dedication that he has placed on developing his athletes,” commented Seth Wescott, current CVA board member and decorated snowboarder, on Mallon’s appointment.