Pat Holland hopes for a big year in snowboardcross

SANDPOINT - When Sandpoint native Pat Holland slides into the starting gate during snowboardcross (SBX) races this season, he'll be chasing many things, chief among them his older brother, an X Games podium finish and a berth in the 2010 Olympics in Van Couver, B.C.

The 2008-09 SBX season is the biggest in the history of the burgeoning sport, with many competitors from around the world not just competing for World Cup points, but for a chance to qualify for the next Olympics. With that in mind Holland decided to kick it up a notch, training intensively in Sandpoint with his old football coach Satini Puailoa for five weeks recently, hoping to make a name for himself this season.

After watching his older brother Nate in the Olympics three years ago he decided to set his sights high and has gone about doing the work necessary to make it happen. After sleeping on floors and admittedly "competing under my brother's wing" during competitions in recent years, Pat finally earned a spot on the U.S. Snowboard team this year.

Both Pat and Nate will race today in World Cup action in Arosa, Switzerland, as the racing schedule starts to pick up. With so many strong  U.S. riders, and considering the unpredictable nature of the sport, every heat and every race becomes crucial to making the Olympic team.

"I feel like this is my breakthrough year," said Pat, who has one podium finish on his short resumé to date. "I've been fast, at podium speed, just haven't put it together in World Cup. This is the year I feel I can make it happen."

Looking for an edge, Pat called upon the training expertise of Satini Puailoa, his old football coach. He said from the first day he was buoyed by Puailoa's energy, as the coach engaged in the grueling workouts along with Holland. He joked that Puailoa has only one speed -  full throttle.

Puailoa said his biggest goal was to improve Holland's symmetry and balance. The workouts included treadmills, strength training, bands and a focus on the core muscle groups. Part of the process was correcting the imbalances that are found in athletes of every sport.

"Most athletes train to imbalance, which makes them susceptible to injury," explained Puailoa. "It should provide stability for when he gets bumped or hit, improve balance. The proof will be in the pudding when he gets up on the hill and competes."

To get into the upper echelon of the sport, Pat will need to catch his older brother Nate, the reigning three-time X Games SBX champion and arguably the best rider in the sport. The two grew up shredding the ample free ride terrain at Schweitzer, and have carried many of those skills into the pro SBX ranks.

Pat hopes the added training regimen will help him challenge his brother for podium spots on a more regular basis this season.

"I'm definitely closing the gap on him," said Pat of his older brother. "Nate's an ace. Every week you can count on him being fast; it's a good gauge."

The Hollands are holding out hope that both of their sons could possibly make the Olympic team, where they could make the relatively short trip north to Canada to watch the Olympics. For that to happen, the brothers will need to have an exceptional year, starting this weekend.

"You go out and win and everything takes care of itself," reasoned Pat, explaining what it will take to win. "Never backing down. You're going head to head with people and have to be willing to put it on the line."