Jim Ruttger - Head Coach, Brainerd Warrior Alpine Ski Team
Now in his 37th year as Head Coach of the Brainerd Warrior Alpine Ski Team, Coach Ruttger has been a cornerstone of the program and a passionate leader in developing young skiers on and off the hill. A former Brainerd Warrior Alpine skier himself, he competed at the Minnesota State Meet during both his junior and senior years, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the sport.
Coach Ruttger is a PSIA Level 3 Certified Instructor, a distinction he has held for over 30 years, reflecting his deep technical knowledge and commitment to professional excellence in ski education. His leadership and impact were recognized statewide when he was named the 2024 Girls Alpine Coach of the Year by the Minnesota Alpine Skiing Coaches Association. In May of 2025, he was honored to be inducted into the Brainerd High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Beyond coaching, Ruttger has played a pivotal role in the local skiing community. He served as the last president of Gull Lake Recreation, Inc. and became the first president of Ski Gull, Inc., a non-profit organization created to redevelop the hill.  It was a position he held for 10 years. During his tenure, he introduced the 6th Grade Learn to Ski Program, which has now taught over 40,000 local 6th graders the joy of skiing.
A third-generation real estate broker and appraiser, Coach Ruttger continues a family legacy of service and integrity in the Brainerd Lakes Area. He is also a proud father of three State Meet participants and grandfather to eleven. He shares his love of skiing, family, and community with his wife, Merilee.

David Ude — Assistant Coach, Brainerd Warrior Alpine Ski Team
David has been passionate about skiing since he first hit the slopes at age four. He began racing at seven and went on to compete at the collegiate level for Montana State University under the USCSA organization. As an assistant coach for the Brainerd Warrior Alpine Ski Team, he brings years of experience, enthusiasm, and a deep love for the sport to every practice. David focuses on helping athletes develop strong technique, race confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for skiing. When he’s not coaching, David enjoys skiing with his wife, Jenna, and their two daughters, ages 6 and 11. During the off-season, he can often be found mountain biking, golfing, or boating. He’s also an avid hunter and enjoys working with the family dog to find upland birds.

Andy Rangen - Assistant Coach, Brainerd Warrior Alpine Ski Team
Andy brings a lifelong love of ski racing to the Brainerd High School Alpine Ski Team. A former collegiate racer and then coach, he led multiple teams to qualify for the USCSA National Championships and now serves as the Director of National Championships for the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA). Honored as the 2024–2025 Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year for Alpine Skiing, Andy is dedicated to helping young athletes grow in skill, confidence, and passion for the sport. Andy is also the Chief Technology Officer of a software and AI company, blending his love of innovation with his lifelong passion for skiing and mentorship. Married with four children, Andy credits his family for keeping him grounded — and for making sure he stays fluent in the latest teen slang. When Andy isn't coaching, you can find him cycling (all kinds), pulling kids behind the boat, and going to soccer games.
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Scott Moen – Brainerd Alpine Assistant Ski Coach
Scott Moen brings a lifelong passion for skiing and athlete development to his coaching. A former Brainerd High School and UMD collegiate ski racer, Scott competed at a high level including as a member of the UMD team taking sixth at Nationals-one of the highest place finishes for a club team in USCSA history. After college, he transitioned to coaching, spending six years leading UMD athletes to success, including multiple additional USCSA National Championships.
With 14 years of experience as a nurse, Scott developed strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills that enrich his coaching style. He blends technical precision, disciplined training, and a focus on athlete well-being to help skiers reach their full potential.
Guided by respect for the sport and genuine care for his athletes, Scott strives to foster resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of skiing. Inspired by his family, he has found joy in racing with his wife and teaching his kids to ski—experiences that have shaped his approach to communication and mentorship. In the off season he loves to fish, hunt and wake surf, because it’s easier on the knees!!
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Eric Charpentier - Brainerd Alpine Assistant Ski Coach
Eric Charpentier is a former Brainerd Alpine and University of Wisconsin-Madison Alpine athlete and has continued to be involved in the ski racing community from a local to a national level for the past 20+ years.  Eric currently serves on the Board of Directors for the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) and volunteers as a ski racing official with the Midwest Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (MCSA). Passionate about the sport, Eric is dedicated to passing along his knowledge and insights to the next generation of Warrior athletes.  


Away from the hill, Eric is the Executive Director for the Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority helping to provide affordable housing and redevelopment opportunities to strengthen the City's neighborhoods and community.  In his free time Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter exploring the outdoors and traveling the world.