Local racers shine in U16 Qualifier

by Shep Snow For Bee
| January 21, 2016 6:00 AM

• World Cup Update — This week featured the Men’s Downhill and Combined at Wengen, Switzerland on the fabled Lauberhorn track. Top downhill finishers were Steve Nyman in 16th followed by Andrew Weibrecht in 21st. The US fared better in the Alpine Combined (Downhill and Slalom) where Jared Goldberg posted a strong 12th followed by Bryce Bennett in 22nd.

The ladies skied Giant Slalom and Slalom at Flachau, Austria, where the only US racer in the points was Resi Steigler with 28th in Slalom. Next up is the Men’s Downhill at Kitzbuehl, Austria.

• U16 Qualifiers — Mount Spokane hosted the opening qualifier for the U16 Championships. A handful of local racers participated in one Giant Slalom and two Slalom races. Farli Boden started the weekend solidly, with 11th in Giant Slalom and 7th in Slalom. Unfortunately she hiked in the second Slalom, but hung in there for 42nd.

Morgan Wohlaib, a first year U16, had a great weekend, finishing 27th in Giant Slalom and 4th in the first Slalom (missing the podium by just .5 seconds) and 10th in the second. Addison McNamara had a mishap in Giant Slalom, but bounced back with finishes of18th and 11th in Slalom. These racers will race three more weekends to determine who makes the Pacific Northwest Team and represents at the Western Region Championships.

• Junior Race Series — The series continued with another night of good snow and decent weather. First time racers showed more confidence this week, while almost everyone improved their handicaps. The team competition is heating up, with Aurora Borealis and the Rut Monsters neck to neck for the lead.

The top five girls for the week were Avery Edmundson (23.83), Emilia Lynch (24.54), Laura Boge (25.16), Erika Edmundson (25.23) and Olivia Lynch (25.33). On the boy’s side, Wes Simko was fastest (21.51) followed closely by Slate Fragoso (21.72). Crosby Schmidt jumped up into third with a time of 22.28. Chris Swider was 4th at 24.99 and Nate Wyatt fifth at 28.17. Racing resumes Friday with a 5:30 p.m. meet time.

• Smoking Aces Slopestyle — Schweitzer hosts slopestyle competition on Saturday. Call the Events Center at 255-3081 for additional information.

• Western Region Speed Series — The Schweitzer Alpine Ski School will host the top rising speed talent in the West on Jan. 25-31 on Zip Down. Come watch these talented youths ages 16 years and older compete. Even better, get a front row seat by volunteering to help. Call SARS at 946-7859 for further information.

• Potpourri — The adult Starlight Series is coming up in two weeks. Have you put your team together yet? Call 255-3081 for information. Any comments, recommendations or contributions to this column may be sent to Shep Snow by email at shep@thesnowschool.com.

The Inside Edge runs every Thursday during ski season in the Daily Bee.