Hacker’s Hope
Hacker’s Hope
Fundraiser to Help Offset Medical Expenses for HoliMont FLITE Team Coach.
Some know Corey Hacker as a nine-year member of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. Others know him as the director of the HoliMont FLITE Team. Still, others know him as “Dad” or “Uncle Corey.” No matter who knows him or how, all can attest to Corey’s unique ability to offer support at any level, while also inspiring everyone he meets to explore the full range of their potential.
Next week, friends, family and community members have the chance to offer Corey the same support and encouragement he’s provided to the Ellicottville community for so many years. On Friday, Oct. 2nd beginning at 2:30pm (until sold out), the Lakeview Fire Hall, 2005 Lakeview Road, is hosting a chicken barbecue fundraiser for Corey, who has been fighting an unknown neuromuscular condition for over two years.
Just a few years ago, Corey noticed muscle weakening and cramping, and when he ran a 5K last spring, he realized the situation had become much more serious, as he struggled to lift his legs. Corey has been seen by more than 30 doctors, none of whom have been able to determine the exact cause of Corey’s condition, which affects both his muscular and nervous systems. While some neurologists wanted to diagnose his condition as ALS, others pointed out that Corey’s symptoms have not followed the traditional progression or signs of that particular disease.
Corey’s time on the slopes has decreased over the past two winters, which has not been an easy situation for someone who has spent most of his life on skis. A western New York native, Corey began skiing at HoliMont when he was in high school and served as an instructor in their freestyle program. In the 1990s, he moved to Park City, Utah, where he skied competitively and met his wife, Kelly, who is also a western New York native. During their time in Utah, the couple, both competitive aerial skiers, competed in World Cup competitions around the world. In 1998, Corey was crowned the Nor-Am Grand Prix Champion, and in 2001, he was a member of the World Championship Team, where he placed fifth.
In 2006, the couple returned to the area, where they’ve been coaching HoliMont’s FLITE team since 2007. “When I retired, we came back and started the program at HoliMont,” said Corey. “It’s grown quite a bit. We started off with 15 to 20 skiers in the program; we had close to 70 last year.”
The FLITE (Focus Leads Individuals to Excellence) Team is an exciting program for skiers ages six and up who want to learn the bumps and jumps of aerial skiing. Students come from all over the area including Buffalo, Ohio and Canada to learn from Corey, who has developed an unmatched reputation for excellence.
“Highly regarded in the Freestyle community across the U.S. and Canada, Corey coached many athletes who got their start at HoliMont and then went on to other Freestyle programs across North America,” said Sean Crotty, Corey’s brother-in-law. “
For Corey, who now has three children, two of whom are in the FLITE program, coaching is as much an inspiration for him as it is for his students. “For me, the best part is seeing the kids learn new things and develop more than just the physical skills, but develop into young adults who move on to college,” said Corey. “I think that knowing I shaped some part of their life is really special. Most of them, in some respect, enjoy this as a life-long endeavor.”
Importantly, Corey gives all of his students a strong foundation by demonstrating the skillset needed to be successful on the slopes and in life. “Corey brings a sense of humor to situations where athletes are stressed under the pressure of performance, which allows them the confidence and encouragement to succeed,” said Crotty. “He always puts a priority on athlete safety and advocates for providing them with opportunities to be the best they can be.”
Few can attest to Corey’s talent like his own students, including his niece, Lexi Crotty, who is now coaching alongside her uncle. “He is always there to support me and push me beyond my limits, both during my time on the hill, as well as life in general,” said Lexi. “Now that I am coaching, I see what he went through with me (being the difficult athlete I was). However, he was always there at the bottom of the mogul course no matter what.”
Due to COVID-19, planning a fundraiser has been difficult. What was originally scheduled for the end of March at HoliMont had to be cancelled, but Corey’s friends and family are excited to finally host the Oct. 2nd barbecue. All funds raised will support the Hacker family as they pay for Corey’s treatments, many of which are expensive, not covered by insurance, and require significant out-of-state travel. From stem cell injections to laser therapy, Corey has been fighting to regain his health with the same strength that has fueled his entire career.
In the words of Corey’s wife, Kelly, “We instill life experiences through sport, and we want the kids to fight through any challenges that they have on the hill, and then carry those through life experiences. That’s my theory for myself and my family. I’d like to thank HoliMont and our family, friends and entire community for continuing to support us.”
Tickets for the Oct. 2nd barbecue are $12 and can be purchased in advance online at hackershope.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/3849302788422779. The barbecue is a drive-through event, and there will be several raffle prizes available, including items signed by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel. Tickets for the raffles can be purchased online at hackershope.com. To learn more about Corey and his journey to recovery, visit hackershope.com.