Week marks start of competitive season
With plenty of snow cover and athletes chomping at the bit to race, this week marked the full start of the competitive season. It was a busy weekend with athletes in from every level and discipline in the start line.
n Elite FIS Races at Park City/Snowbird - The USA Western Region hosted its first round of elite FIS races for athletes 15 and older this week at Park City and Snowbird, Utah. Two great venues: The Giant Slalom was run on the 2002 Olympic track at Park City and the Slalom was run on the traditional FIS track at Snowbird. The men started with Giant Slalom while the ladies were in the Slalom business. They then switched venues and events for the final two days. The fields were full (140 per race) with top athletes traveling from as far as California, Alaska (and Sandpoint).
The Pacific Northwest Ski Association sent 44 of its own to compete. Lindsey Anderson had a good start taking 17th overall and 2nd amongst J2s in the opening Slalom. Unfortunately a crash took her out of the second race. She bounced back on Tuesday, finishing 12th overall, lowering her points and claiming 4th amongst J2s. Scott Snow also had a great start as a first year FIS racer with start numbers in the 120's and higher. He "attacked from the back" in the first Giant Slalom, climbing from 120th to 38th overall and 2nd amongst J2s. Like Anderson, he crashed in the second race. Tuesday brought 18 inches of new snow and ruts that were 2-3 feet deep in places. He charged from start number 124 into 35th for another big point result and third amongst J2s. He won't be starting from the back once the new points list comes out mid-January. We'll report the final day's results in next week's column.
n Season Opener for Emerald Empire League - The 2009 USSA Youth competitive season started this weekend as SARS hosted the first Giant Slalom for athletes aged 12 and under. A number of local athletes participated, many in their first race ever. Jake Diel took Gold in the J3 division after taking an insurmountable lead in the first run. Michael Demko was third amongst J4's after the first run, but a hiccup in the second run cost him a podium finish and he settled for 4th place. In J5 action, Brennan Powell took 8th place and Quinn Donnelly skied steadily into 9th place. Brayden Demko wrapped it up for the local guys with an 8th place finish amongst J6s.
On the ladies side, the only top 10 finisher was Sara Donnelly with a strong 4th place J6 effort. Other local participants were: Nathan Demko, Cory Diel, Brenden McCoy, Bode Ross, Summer Ross and Lani Wahl.
n Junior Race Series braves the elements - The first evening of competition came off despite bitter cold and almost too much snow. More than 50 local kids signed up and they all seemed to have a great time. No team standings yet, but the fastest boys were Michael Demko (20.49), Alex Baker (20.96), Cory Diel (22.01), Raleigh Hanson (22.08) and Paul Hill (22.07). The fastest girls were Morgan Wohllaib (30.28), Sara Donnelly (30.77), Sandra Crossett (31.40), Madelynn Ogle (32.17) and Megan Murray (32.79). Competition continues at 5:30 p.m. Friday night.
n NASTAR in full swing - The ever popular NASTAR recourse is back in full operation, with citizen racing in a head-to-head format 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Come on down and put the boots to your buddies!
n Potpourri - Schweitzer hosts J1/2 FIS Qualifiers this weekend on Zip Down. The event features two Super G and one Giant Slalom. Volunteers always welcome – SARS supplies a lift ticket and lunch. Call 263-1081 for additional info.
Friday "Own the Night" tickets sponsored by the Girl Scouts this week. Available at Lakeside and Schweitzer Conocos or call Joy Snow at 818-1658 for details. Saturday tickets sponsored by Sandpoint Charter School. Call Alan Millar at 255-7771 for details. Any comments, recommendations or contributions to this column may be sent to Shep Snow by e-mail at shep@thesnowschool.com.
Shep Snow's The Inside Edge appears every Thursday during ski season in the Daily Bee.