Colorado University Athletics
Dominant '77 For Hienzsch A Big Part Of CU's Skiing Dynasty
October 28, 2015 | Skiing
For Stephan Hienzsch 1977 was a special year. He was the first member of the University of Colorado ski team to win the NCAA Giant Slalom championship in only its second year of existence.
But more success was on the way. Two days later, Hienzsch also won the slalom, completing the rare sweep of both races.
“I think I won every collegiate competition I was entered in that year,” Hienzsch said. “For some reason I found a confidence that year that put me in an athletic zone that I still can't explain today.”
Hienzsch was also the only collegiate skier to be invited to race in the 1977 World Cup series, and he was the champion in the 1977 RMISA/NCAA West Regional Giant Slalom and slalom events.
His stellar individual season was capped off with the sixth consecutive NCAA team title for CU. The Buffs won four titles during Hienzsch's time at CU, during an unprecedented run of eight straight titles from 1972 to 1979.
“Back when I was on the team we were more concerned about not being the team that ended the title streak,” Hienzsch said. “Today, having contributed in a small way to the 20 national titles the Buffs have won and sharing such a wonderful legacy with all the Buff skiers is what means the most to me.”
Heinzsch's part of the legacy began in a small Washington logging town, where his love for skiing began at a young age.
“I started skiing at the age of two and a half,” Hienzsch said. “My parents were both ski instructors, so growing up skiing was a way of life for my sister and me.”
Eventually, Hienzsch was given the opportunity to attend CU by legendary Buffs coach Bill Marolt.
“Looking back two of the best decisions I've ever made were deciding to pursue an education while furthering my ski racing career, and doing so at CU,” Hienzsch said.
During his time at CU Hienzsch was a four-time All-American and was the 1977 recipient of the Dick Schoenberger Award given to the best Buffs skier for that year.
He graduated from CU with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. And he looked to continue his career in skiing.
He raced on the World Tour for several years and eventually got involved with coaching and directing several ski programs, including being the head coach and director of the United States Disabled Ski Team for four years.
But after 27 years of success in the skiing community, Hienzsch was given the opportunity to reevaluate his career and go in another direction.
Hienzsch decided it was time to trade the racing skis for a horse saddle.
“My wife had been a long time equestrian competitor and we had owned sport horses for a long time,” Hienzsch said. “While a stretch to switch from the ski industry to the equestrian world, I applied for the Executive Director Position at the United States Dressage Federation.”
Hienzsch has been with the USDF for 13 years now and has been a key part of improving the facilities and overall performance of the USDF during his time with the organization.
“I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to come into a CU program that had already established a tradition and expectation of excellence both athletically and academically,” Hienzsch said.
He has done nothing but uphold that CU tradition for years, both athletically and professionally. The Buffs are proud to welcome him as a part of the 2015 Hall of Fame class.
