By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Most days Jim Bosch is just a normal guy.
The 51-year-old resident of Buchanan works in Niles and doesn't particularly stand out from the crowd.
Until you put him on a ski slope.
Bosch, who has won the Wednesday night race league at Swiss Valley Ski Area 12 of the past 15 years, recenty finished second at the National Standard Race (NASTAR) National Championships in Park City, Utah.
After not skiing for 10 years, Bosch moved back to Michigan and picked up where he left off on the slopes.
Bosch spends 30-45 days a year skiing and the rest of the year keeping himself in shape for the winter ski season.
Bosch has made skiing a way of life and has become one of the best in the country.
Out of 511 men ages 50-54 in the United States, Bosch was one of just 75 who raced fast enough to be considered an expert. From there he was one of just 13 who competed in the NASTAR nationals. So, a second place finish in that field is quite an accomplishment.
Despite a severe knee injury several years ago and persistent, nagging arthritis in his knees, Bosch continues to ski as much as he can and even has gotten most of his family involved in the sport.
His two daughters, son, daughter-in-law and future son-in-law are all involved in ski racing.
Bosch has gone to extreme measures to reach his high level of competition. He has trained with high school ski teams and insists the younger competition drives him to get better.
That evolution is why he got to the NASTAR nationals, along with 1,010 skiers of all ages, at the end of March. And it's what made him a winner.