RMR Tribute to Dave Battison

Dave was the Head Coach for RMR from 2001 – 2004, and made a significant contribution to the club during his tenure. He was committed to the athletes and supported them in every way possible. The athletes had great respect for Dave and his coaching abilities. He had a wealth of experience with Cross Country skiing, and with RMR had the opportunity to also coach Biathlon. He was totally committed to the high performance philosophy, always demonstrated enthusiasm and innovation, and knew what it took to win. Dave will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him through RMR, and amongst the Nordic community in Canada.

Mike Carleton


I was Dave's athlete for most of my teenage life. He was fondly "Coach Dave" and I think he coached us all in sport and in life. He began coaching RMR at a difficult time in his life but brought an energy and enthusiasm that was infectious. He designed diabolical workouts, carefully laid out training programs, and took us all on some pretty wild adventures. He taught us how to work hard with a smile, to win and to lose. He took me on my first trip to Europe, was there through my graduation and lived in my basement the first time I moved away from home. He was there through my first breakup, my worst injuries and, whether I won the race or not, was always waiting at the finish line with a big hug. He would drive for hours to visit me in Rocky, play techno music and chase me up insanely steep hills while I did squat jumps. He was always supportive, always had an opinion and good humour and made every experience memorable. It's been a long time since I've been in the periwinkle van but every time I fail or succeed I have Dave with me. He made a profound impact on my life and I am forever grateful for his dedication, commitment and love.

Alison Madlung


Dave Battison was a coach, friend and true supporter of all his athletes'. He had an ability to connect critical technique elements, create challenging yet possible training plans meanwhile asking his athletes' to understand why and how they would achieve their goals. He was always welcoming, with a smile even at 6:30 am in the wax hut prior to a race. Dave had an ability to incite interest, create comedic relief and make skiing engaging. At RMR, Dave led a group of young athletes' to achieve significant improvements and results. On numerous occasions he helped athletes' who needed support and guidance with sport, but also personally. In addition, Dave participated himself in long-distance running and coached Ultra mountain bike races. Dave truly loved his vocation, his athletes and the sport. He will be sadly missed."

I remember training and spending time with Dave in many different locations; doing many different activities. A few stand out. We were doing plyometrics (a brutal workout devised by Dave) at the Canmore Nordic Center on a blustery autumn day. Always seeking improvement and increased performance, Dave created a bungee cord system in which he could harness the athlete and pull from behind to create resistance. I remember his encouragement each time I faced the hill, and while I inched my way up. After completing the workout, I felt an enormous sense of accomplishment and pride that we had done it together. For me, whether out skiing or in life, Dave will always be behind me, urging me forward."

Kit Richmond