Mount Greylock girls cross country coach Larry Bell sees a lot of value in having runners and Nordic skiers connected. Many of his Mountie runners, after all, will trade shoes for skis when snow covers the ground this winter. "I think it's crucial," Bell said. "Without our ski team, I wouldn't have a strong running program. We live off the kids who want to be in shape for skiing. Without them, I wouldn't have a shot, competing with volleyball, soccer and the glamour of the lights."It seems that belief has been passed down one generation, and has been taken south. Wahconah Regional's programs have been connected this season, as Nordic coach Kiersten Touponce -- Bell's daughter -- is also a co-head coach of the cross country team with Tom Keefe.