“Because of (Brann’s) efforts, Nordic ski trails were developed in Cordova, Ninilchik and Homer, where he became a founding member of the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club,” AASA announced in a Jan. 23 press release. “In addition to these efforts, Brann coached Nordic skiing and coordinated ski races for 20 years. His trail building efforts through the Homer Rotary Club have led him to Russia to work on the 1,000 mile trail which circles Lake Baikal. Even in his retirement, Brann continues to work with young people to convince them that keeping fit in the outdoors while embracing nature is a worthwhile pursuit.”

Careful to recognize the work of others, Brann said, “This is one of those things that you appreciate, but don’t deserve.”

Cheryl Rykaczewski of Homer disagreed. In fact, she nominated Brann for the honor.

“I heard about (the Hall of Fame) through Homer High School’s booster club and Dave Brann came to mind as a major contributor,” she said.

Criteria for that category include being someone who has made an extraordinary contribution resulting in a significant benefit, or someone who reflects great credit to the school or to ASAA.

“‘There would be no high school ski program if it were not for Dave’s efforts.’ This is the comment I heard repeatedly while researching this nomination,” Rykaczewski wrote in her nomination.

Among Brann’s contributions, she listed constructing and maintaining hiking and ski trails across Southcentral Alaska; his involvement with a Nordic ski trail in the Cordova area that has been used for Boy Scout ski trips and winter camps; developing the first Nordic ski trials in Ninilchik while teaching and coaching at Ninilchik School; being a founding member of Kachemak Nordic Ski Club; and constructing and maintaining year-round trails in the Homer area.

Tim Daugharty, a teacher at Homer Middle School, supported Brann’s nomination.

“Dave Brann is the epitome of what the ASAA Hall of Fame recognition is designed for. He has touched the lives of future generations of Alaskans and is more than worthy of such a lofty honor,” Daugharty wrote.

Barbara Seaman, the executive director of Kachemak Heritage Land Trust and a parent, also wrote in praise of Brann.

“I have known Dave Brann since he taught Project Adventure classes at both the Homer Middle School and high school to my kids probably over eight years ago,” Seaman wrote. “My children were privileged to participate in this program and in his class, and found it one of the most rewarding experiences of their grade school years. Dave is a man of great integrity and high ethical standards. Additionally, as executive director of Kachemak Heritage Land Trust for many years, I worked with Dave on trails and property management issues, especially with regard to student skier use on local trails.”

Shelly Laukitis, president of Homer High School Cross Country Ski Booster Club, and Ginny Espenshade, co-president of Homer High Big Booster Club, also added support for Brann’s nomination.

“Without (Brann’s) dedication to skiing and the youth of Homer, our high school program would not be as successful as it is today. … Because of skiing, these students are spending time pursuing healthy interests, setting goals, learning respect for themselves, their teammates and coaches,” Laukitis wrote.

A “who’s who” dinner and induction ceremony will take place at the Marriott Downtown Hotel in Anchorage. Tickets are $50 per plate or $350 per table of eight. They are available by calling ASAA at (907) 563-3723.