About Youth Biathlon

The Blackhawk Biathlon program first started in 2002 when Mark Torresani set up a makeshift range with a handful of air rifles and targets. Since then, it has grown into a full-fledged biathlon club with a ten-lane range and snow making capabilities. Blackhawk Biathlon Club is a racing program for youth ages 10 and older. Beginner and less experienced biathletes will start as a part of the Developmental Race Team. On this team, participants will learn the basics of rifle safety, shooting and racing. Once an athlete has fully developed the basic skills they may then advance to the Junior Race Team to hone their shooting and skiing skills before joining the Senior Race Team.

Our coaches are experienced and USBA certified. Their goal is to make biathlon a safe, fun experience while building self confidence and athletic skills in our biathletes. 

Safety is a priority. To be considered for a spot on one of our race teams, youth must demonstrate the mental and physical maturity to handle a biathlon rifle. 

Blackhawk Biathlon’s winter race season begins in early November for the junior and senior teams and early December for the developmental team.  The season ends in mid-March. There are options for summer and fall training for those interested.

The Developmental Race Team

• Must have a minimum of one year on a nordic race team, such as Nordic Kids Junior Ski team, Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team, Madnorski Nordic Ski Team, etc. and be proficient at skate skiing.

• Need to pass the United States Biathlon Association (USBA) Basic Rifle Safety Certification Course

• Will use 22 caliber rifles and ammunition provided by the club

• Will learn the proper shooting and skiing skills needed to be a biathlete

• Stay for one to two years depending on skills developed, attitude, and available space at the junior level.

• Participate in all Blackhawk club races (usually 4/winter season; other races at other venues will be considered optional)

The Junior Race Team 

• Must have spent at least one year on the Developmental Race Team

• Continue as a member of a nordic race team

• Will develop more precision shooting skills

• Train outside of organized practice team practices. This would include skiing (snow and rollerskiing), dry firing, summer camps, and strength and endurance training.

• Purchase own rifle by 8th grade.

• Moving from the Junior Race Team to the Senior Race Team dependent on development of solid and consistent shooting and skiing skills and available space at senior level.

• Participate in all races in Wisconsin with the possibility of going to nationals' competitions.

The Senior Race Team

• Develop higher level shooting and skiing skills

• Train year around, including high performance camps

• Attend Midwest races, with the possibility of attending the Youth and Junior Nationals and Senior Nationals

Adult biathlon participants are expected to have their own skis, rifle, and ammunition. Adults must take the two-part rifle safety certification course offered by the USBA and become a Blackhawk Ski Club member to participate in any practice at Blackhawk. Please visit the Masters Biathlon page for more information.

Summer Practice Schedule

Practices will begin the week of June 15th and end the week of August 10th.

• Senior Race Team - Tuesday evenings 5:30 - 7:00 pm

• unior Race Team - Thursday evenings 5:30 - 7:00 pm

• Developmental Race Team - TBD practices will be1 hour

Summer fees are $125 for junior and seniors, $100 for the Developmental Race Team. Fees include coaching, ammunition and use of club rifles.

USBA Certification

A USBA membership and Basic Rifle Safety Course, both online and in person portions, are required to participate in practices or races at BlackHawk. 

https://www.teamusa.org/us-biathlon/membership/join-usba-online

For questions regarding the youth biathlon program contact Joe Hamel at jrenehamel@gmail.com