Saint Michael's College

Greg McClallen was an outstanding student-athlete and coach for the Purple Knight ski program, and went on to become an icon for the sport in his home state of Vermont. The Knights’ captain and top racer, he returned to Saint Michael’s after graduation to coach the team and attend graduate school. His one season (1964-65) as head coach was a memorable one, as he led the Knights to their most successful season to date, in a year that culminated with the program’s first EISA Division II Eastern title. At that time, Saint Michael’s was the only Catholic college sponsoring a four-event varsity ski program (slalom, downhill, nordic, and jumping) in the nation. Greg then returned to central Vermont, and built a legendary career as a high school teacher and coach of skiing, track and field, and cross country – first at Otter Valley Union and then Rutland High School. During his years at the two schools, he recorded a total of 29 high school state championships in alpine skiing, track and field, and girls cross country. He was named the NFSC’s National Coach Of The Year in 1987, and National Ski Coach of the Year in 1997. He also served in several vital ski program capacities at Pico Resort (including race director) for over 40 years. In 2011, Greg was inducted into the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame – receiving the ultimate tribute from Vermont’s ski community.