University of Nevada Athletics

Skiing (1935-38)
Known as the original developer of Squaw Valley and father of three national champion skiers, Poulsen was also the prime mover in starting skiing at the University of Nevada. Leader of a self-supported group of student skiers who traveled at their own expense to tournaments, Poulsen was then named student coach when the sport was officially adopted as a university sport. A four-way competitor, he won Nevada and California titles. He originated the idea of a collegiate Winter Carnival at Nevada in 1936. The event became the West’s oldest and most prominent collegiate tourney. Poulsen always dreamed of developing little-known Squaw Valley into a great resort, and after graduation in 1937 made this a reality. After World War II service, he began a supplementary career as a Pan American pilot on trans-Pacific flights. His daughter, Sandra, and son, Eric, made the 1972 U.S. Olympic team, while son, Lance, was an international champion.