SVSEF Cross Country Gold Team Preview, 2018-2019
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With four young, new athletes joining second year skier Kevin Bolger for the 2018-2019 season, the SVSEF Cross Country Gold Team is looking solid and refreshed going into fall training. We sat down with Head Coach Chris Mallory to get the scoop on the team and how the season is shaping up.
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Kevin Bolger
Age 25
Minocqua, WI
University of Utah
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Cate Brams
Age 22
Belmont, MA
Middlebury College
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Peter Holmes
Age 22
Tahoe City, CA
University of New Hampshire
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Katie Feldman
Age 22
Ketchum, ID
Middlebury College
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Adam Luban
Age 22
Syracuse, NY
Middlebury College
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.3.1" custom_padding="0|0px|54px|0px|false|false"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.3.1"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.3.1" parallax="off" parallax_method="on"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.3.1"]You have a lot of new athletes on the roster this year – how is the dynamic?
The team dynamic has been great, and they’ve put in some great training this summer. New athletes always bring some fresh energy. Some of them were teammates at Middlebury the last couple years, and Peter was on the EISA circuit as well skiing for UNH, so everyone knew each other coming in. We’ve also had a strong Russian exchange athlete, Anna Bizyukova, and Maddie Morgan, from Salt Lake City, who’s taking a year off from college, training with the Gold Team. There’s always a dozen college athletes here training with SVSEF in the summer as well, so it’s been a big training group.
Any stand out results from last year?
Bolger’s 11th place at the World Cup in Lahti last March certainly stood out, as well as his 2nd place at Nationals in the Sprint. This is a bit of a rebuilding year for us, as we had five athletes finish up their racing careers last season. It’s fun to see a few of them staying in the sport though, with Mary now coaching for SVSEF, and Rogan at BSF. Everyone coming in found their form at some point last year. Holmes had a couple EISA wins last year, finishing the season with an 11th at NCAAs and I’m excited to see him be able to sprint race a bit more this year. Luban also finished the year strong with two top 20s at NCAAs and a 20th place finish in the 50km Classic National Championship. Feldman, who just returned from training a bit in Lillehammer, also had a breakthrough season last year, posting two top 20s at NCAAs. Brams also had her best season yet last year recording a pair of EISA podiums. They’re all hungry to take their skiing further, so it should be an exciting year.
What are your athletes’ goals for the season?
Everyone is at a different place in their skiing; some have their sights on competing well at U23 World Champs, some on racing a full SuperTour calendar with some marathon opportunities, while Kevin’s looking to make the most of a bigger World Cup schedule this year. It will be an exciting year for those racing domestically with World Cup Finals in Quebec again, and some Nation’s group WC starts on the line.
What will the training/race season look like?
Our camp schedule is pretty similar to last year’s, with a few less athletes making the trek down to New Zealand to get on snow. Kevin has had a solid camp down there with fantastic conditions, and the rest of the team has been putting the work in here in Sun Valley. We’ll all head down to Park City in early October for a dryland camp alongside the National Team. In late October we’ll go up to Frozen Thunder to get on snow in Canmore, before the race season gets underway in West Yellowstone. From there, we’ll follow the SuperTour Circuit to Silverstar, Craftsbury for Nationals, Lake Placid, race the Boulder Mountain Tour here in Sun Valley, Minneapolis, Hayward, and Presque Isle, Maine.
You’ve been the Gold Team head coach for a few years now – has your approach to it changed at all? I imagine it varies from year to year due to the roster, regardless.
Different athletes will always have varying needs, but we try and support each of them along their skiing journey best we can. This sport is way easier with a motivated team and dedicated support staff around you. We’ll always be trying to win ski races, but also hope to connect the younger juniors in our program with the Gold Teamers as much as possible.
Photos: Kevin Bolger, SVSEF Gold Team, SVSEF Gold Team, Midd Nordic, Midd Nordic
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SVSEF Cross Country Skier Sophia Mazzoni Conquers Three Kings Challenge
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SVSEF cross country skier Sophia Mazzoni is unassuming in demeanor. Her intensity and drive percolate subtly in the facts of the stories she tells, of steep mountains conquered in mere hours or days. Last August, it was Idaho’s nine tallest peaks, all over 12,000 feet, in just three days, seven hours and 37 minutes. As a 16-year-old. Just 10 months later, on July 6, 2018, the 17-year-old Community School senior completed the “Three Kings Challenge,” climbing Glassford, Ryan and Kent, three peaks in the Boulder Mountains all over 11,500 feet, in 11 hours and 45 minutes.
The Three Kings Challenge is a long-standing test established by SVSEF Cross Country Program Director Rick Kapala 30 years ago. It was set with the stipulation that the run must be completed in under 12 hours from car to car. Sophia is the first high school student in those 30 years to finish under the time limit. Her accomplishment did not end there – she is also the first female to do so. The list of those who have found success is short – just five individuals can claim they have completed the challenge in the allotted amount of time. Dave Bingham and Rob Landis, both former SVSEF coaches, are on that list. A group of three male college athletes led by SVSEF alum Pat Casey, who were all around 23 years old when they attempted the climb, fill the remaining spots.
Sophia is not one to take things lightly, and she is not one to back down. Despite swollen feet and foreboding weather, she pushed through the nine peaks last year. LIkewise, at the end of the Three Kings Challenge, she hammered down Kent by way of West Pass Trail, and, to quote the athlete, “went way back into the tunnel” to push through the final section into the trailhead at the end of North Fork Road. Accompanied only by her father Jim on a couple sections, Sophia has unearthed an uncanny ability to charge ahead alone, both physically and mentally. Overruling any doubts that may naturally occupy one’s mind from time to time on a ½ day trek, and having the physical stamina and the determination to do so, is not a combination that comes easily to many.
Her reward for completing the challenge? A full steak dinner and dessert on Rick Kapala’s tab. He thinks she’ll go for the mud pie.
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Mud, Sweat and Cheers: Olympic Day a Hit with Valley Youth
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s fifth annual Olympic Day celebration was deemed the “Gauntlet and Games” and did not disappoint 100 enthusiastic participants ages 7 to 17.
The brainchild of SVSEF coaches and staff, the Gauntlet of Games featured 10 stations designed to test and challenge teams, physically and mentally, to utilize teamwork and cooperation and pump up the fun factor.
Olympic Day is an annual worldwide celebration of the Olympic movement which promotes an active and healthy lifestyle based on three pillars of sport: Move, Learn and Discover. SVSEF’s Olympic Day was one of hundreds staged throughout the nation and world attended by thousands of people.
The event was open to all children ages 7 to 18 in the valley and they showed up ready to rock and roll. Team Wright sported custom made orange T-shirts with their names emblazoned on them. The Smegies were tattooed their team name on any and all bare skin, and The Dream Crushers were outfitted in wild socks and head bands. There was even a purple team that jogged in, reminiscent of the Purple Cobras in “Dodgeball.”
20 teams of five athletes navigated an air bag crossing, pond crossing on paddle boards, pulled a sled and teammates up a dirt road, navigated a mud bug, hopped through tire course, dodged a dusty color highway, fired bb guns at balloons, ran past a fire hose up a hill, ripped down a slip-n-slide, climbed over a wall and scrambled through a maze.
The winning team in the 14-over category consisted of Carter Sammis, Nico Gaggero, Shaw McCoubrey and Sebi Radl-Jones. Second place went to Blake Bathum, Ethan Marx, Ridge Dirksmeier and Jett Carruth.
In the 13-under category, first place was Dylan Prabowo, Teddy Hobbs, Audrey Smith, Reece Walther-Porino, and Nico Lerner. Second place went to Anton Holder, Avery Burrell, Dawson Speth, Braxon Dale and Lilli Peck, aka The Dream Crushers.
Johnny G's Subshack donated gift certificates to the winning teams. Wrapcity certificates were given to second-place participants. Most Inspirational went to "Team Wright" with siblings and cousins, James, Henry, Adam, Emily and Caroline Wright.
“Having been a part of this event for five years, moving the format to adventure racing and a teamwork-oriented experience is an amazing theme. It was dirty, gritty, challenging and fun,” said incoming executive director Scott McGrew. “The kids had to work together to complete all the tasks and, ultimately, that it at the heart of our SVSEF Olympic Day event.”
Adding pomp and circumstance to the festivities were local Olympians Chase Josey (2018-SVSEF), Reggie Crist (1992-SVSEF), Jonna Mendes (1998/2002) and current SVSEF alpine director Will Brandenburg (2010).
SVSEF would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their support of SVSEF, the youth of our community, and making Olympic Day a resounding success: Jonna Mendes, Reggie Crist, Will Brandenburg, Chase Josey, Hank Dart, Sofia DeWolfe, Jose Guerecaechevarria, Keith Keim, Johnny G's Subshack, Wrapcity, Taqueria Al Pastor, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Morgan's Fine Finishes, Community School, Sun Valley Fire Department, SVSEF coaches, staff and Gold Team members.
All photos by Hank Dart.
Alumni Spotlight: Adele Savaria
Adele Savaria, head coach of the Alpine North Series team, has seen the organization from all sides – she's been a coach, mother of athletes, and an athlete herself. Here, Adele discusses what she and her family have taken away from SVSEF.
Yours is kind of an ultimate SVSEF family – you are all alumni, and you have all coached for the program. How would you describe the role SVSEF has played in your lives as a family?
All four of us are alumni and are coaching or have coached. I moved here when I was 16 to be on the ski team. We are all passionate about the sport and enjoy being out in the mountains. SVSEF has given us a way to stay connected as a family and do something we all love to do. I know, speaking for myself, I really enjoy sharing what I know and learned about alpine skiing and racing over the past 45 years with all of the kids. I love seeing them have “the light bulb go on” when they finally are able to do what we are trying to teach them. That is the best feeling as a coach.
What is your most memorable experience with SVSEF as a parent?
There are so many memorable experiences but one that sticks out as a parent is probably when both KJ and Austin had the opportunity to go race in Europe during their senior years for two weeks and have their dad be able to go with them as one of their coaches. Those traveling experiences are never forgotten.
As a coach?
I can’t say I have one memorable experience as a coach. It is always nice to hear from the kids that we have coached over the years how much of an impact we have made on their lives and who they become as adults.
Has being a mother of SVSEF athletes affected your approach to coaching? If yes, how so?
I don’t think being a mother has affected my approach to coaching since I started coaching before I had children. My beliefs and the way I coach have been the same since I started 25 years ago. I do believe having children does help many other coaches sometimes understand why children act they way they do at different stages in their lives.
I know when I was KJ and Austin’s coach when they were on the C-Home team, I did not coach them much at all. I mostly sent them with the other coaches because it’s hard for a child to be coached by their mother. It benefited both them and me. Later on in their careers, they would, on occasion, ask me what I thought about their runs.
What would you say KJ and Austin took away from the program? Do you find the answer is the same for what you hope the kids you coach take away from it?
I think ski team is so much more than just the racing and results. I can proudly say KJ and Austin learned how to take care of themselves on the road traveling to races. The learned things like cooking, getting to places on time, rooming and getting along with other teammates, budgeting their money, taking care of their equipment, having respect for coaches and other adults, learning how to balance ski team and school, etc. They also learned how to move on from race days that didn’t go so well and know there is always another day that will be better. I am always telling the parents and kids I coach that they will learn all of these skills and that the ski racing is a “bonus” to all of it.
Why do you think it is important for athletes to stay involved/connected to the organization as an alum when they graduate?
The ski team alums almost always come back and tell us their days with ski team were some of the best days of their lives, and ski team had much to do with how they became who they are. It is nice to see so many of them staying connected and coming back to give back to SVSEF.
SVSEF Alumni Receive US Ski & Snowboard Coaching Awards
Congratulations to SVSEF alumni Ben Verge and Graham Watanabe, who both received accolades at the US Ski & Snowboard Congress this year. At the annual event, US Ski & Snowboard recognizes outstanding athletes, coaches and clubs from throughout the US for their work and success in snowsports. Ben was awarded the Freeski International Coach of the Year, and Graham the Adaptive International Coach of the Year. A job well done to both – what a testament to the dedication and passion they have given to their athletes and their respective sports. You can find the entire list of award recipients here.
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Names New Executive Director and Alpine Program Director
April 20, 2018
Ketchum, Idaho (April 20, 2018) – The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) announced a change in leadership today, naming current SVSEF Alpine Program Director Scott McGrew Executive Director. McGrew succeeds longtime SVSEF proponent and current Executive Director Sam Adicoff, who has tendered his resignation, effective June 30. Involved with SVSEF in multiple capacities since his move to Ketchum 18 years ago, Adicoff will continue to support the organization on a volunteer basis, and will help ensure a smooth transition.
Sam Adicoff has been involved with SVSEF since his family relocated to the Wood River Valley from California in 2000. His three children participated in SVSEF programming, and Adicoff joined the Board of Directors in July 2011. He served as Treasurer and Board Chair, stepping down from board duties in 2016 to become Interim Executive Director in May. In January 2017, the Board appointed Adicoff to the position of Executive Director. In this leadership role, Adicoff’s dedication to the organization, success in increasing communications with parents, staff and the community and implementation of various process improvements have continued to serve the organization and its 678 athletes.
“I have enjoyed working with the athletes, parents, Board of Directors, and especially our very dedicated staff, who are the real heroes of the organization,” said Adicoff. “I am ecstatic that the Board has selected Scotty to succeed me. He brings an extremely strong work ethic, organization knowledge and incredible passion to the position. I am confident he will be successful leading SVSEF for many years to come.”
“Sam has been an integral part of SVSEF for many years, and provided strong leadership and countless contributions, originally as the Board Chair and then as Executive Director,” said Jim DeWolfe, current Board Chair. “Sam’s tireless commitment has served to deepen our strategic relationships throughout the Valley and comprehensively organize the financial structure, and has provided keen oversight for administrative and programming initiatives. Sam will be missed on a day-to-day basis, however he will provide important guidance as Scotty takes the reins, and will remain a valuable advisor to the Foundation.”
In a meeting on Thursday, April 19, the SVSEF Board of Directors appointed Scott McGrew, who has extensive ties to the organization, to the position of Executive Director.
“Scotty brings a level of passion and commitment to SVSEF that is unparalleled,” remarked Board Chair Jim DeWolfe. “He is highly regarded throughout the Wood River
Valley, and will provide strong leadership for years to come as we strive to improve the Foundation’s programming from grassroots initiatives to the most elite competitive levels.”
“I’m honored to be selected as the SVSEF’s executive director,” said McGrew. “For the past 15 years that I’ve been professionally involved with the organization, I’ve seen a magnificent amount of evolution and change. I’m excited to steward that continued evolution as we work to provide impactful and transformative experiences for our community. SVSEF has a long-standing heritage of excellence through sport, and I’m excited to build on that heritage and further define SVSEF as one of the highest regarded winter sports clubs in the country. Thank you to Sam Adicoff and all the previous EDs and coaches who have built an amazing launch point for the future of the club. “
McGrew has been involved with SVSEF since its early days. He was a member of the alpine program from the age of eight until he graduated high school, gaining important perspective that would prove invaluable when he returned years later. McGrew attended the University of New Mexico, where he earned two B.S. degrees in biochemistry and cultural anthropology. He later pursued a graduate degree, earning a Master of Business Administration from Boise State University in October 2016. Seven years after the close of his career as an athlete with SVSEF, McGrew rejoined the organization in a new capacity – as a coach. McGrew quickly moved up through the ranks, serving first as an assistant FIS coach and then as a head coach. He assumed the role of Assistant Alpine Program Director, and most recently Alpine Program Director, a title he has held since 2014. McGrew oversees the largest SVSEF program; with over 300 alpine athletes and 45 coaches, there are a lot of moving parts. McGrew has worked to grow South Valley initiatives, implemented numerous programmatic changes resulting in accelerated growth and professionalism of the team and generated and nurtured support for the organization as a whole. McGrew’s professionalism, depth of knowledge and enthusiasm and passion for SVSEF and the heritage of this community are qualities that will lend themselves to his new role as Executive Director.
McGrew lives in Hailey, Idaho, with his wife, Sirimukh, and their three children.
With the appointment of McGrew to Executive Director, SVSEF is pleased to welcome Will Brandenburg back to the organization as Alpine Program Director. Brandenburg will step into the position with a broad range of relevant industry experience. Hailing from Walla Walla, Washington, Brandenburg grew up racing with the Spokane Ski Racing Association and Schweitzer Mountain before being named to the U.S. Development Team in 2006. He was a member of the U.S. National Team for the 2010 Winter Olympics, with a top finish of 10th place in the super combined. Brandenburg has experience on the World Cup circuit as well, with a best finish of sixth in the slalom at Kranjska Gora in 2012. In 2013, he finished first in the combined at U.S. Alpine Championships. Shifting to a career in coaching, Brandenburg joined SVSEF in 2015 as the USSA Team Head Coach, and was most recently the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Western Region Coach from 2017-2018.
“SVSEF is extremely excited to have Will Brandenburg return to and lead the alpine program,” said SVSEF Athletic Director Phil McNichol. “His experience as a World Cup and Olympic athlete, combined with his coaching success both at SVSEF and the Western Region is a powerful combination.”
In other personnel changes, SVSEF Athletic Director and Interim Mogul Program Director Phil McNichol will be moving onto new opportunities, and has tendered his resignation, effective June 30. With organizational restructuring, the Athletic Director position will be eliminated. McNichol joined SVSEF in 2014 as Alpine Technical Director. In his expanded role as Athletic Director, which he assumed at the start of the 2016-2017 season, he oversaw all athletic programs and helped guide the growth of the organization, tackling initiatives pertaining to coaches, travel and programmatic strategy and objectives. Before SVSEF, McNichol led the U.S. Men’s Alpine Team for 11 years.
Also leaving the organization at the end of June is Jody Zarkos, who currently serves as Director of Events and Community Relations. Zarkos joined SVSEF in 2011, and has held numerous roles for the organization throughout her tenure. Her work in fundraising efforts has contributed to the continued success of SVSEF programs, and has helped make possible the subsidization of team costs for all participating athletes.
About SVSEF
52 years strong, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) provides year-round ski and snowboard training and competitive opportunities for 20% of Wood River Valley youth in Ketchum, Idaho. The driving philosophy behind SVSEF is to create a positive, fun and productive environment that inspires each one of our athletes to meet his or her fullest potential. Team members acquire the tools for success, not only in their winter sport, but also in the pursuit of their ultimate goals and dreams. In the 2017-2018 season, SVSEF supported 678 student-athletes across alpine, big mountain, cross country, mogul, freeskiing and snowboarding teams. SVSEF has achieved numerous accolades; the organization was named USSA Club of the Year in 1999, was given USOC Olympic & Paralympic Training Site designation, first in cross country in 2012 and then in all disciplines in 2015, and was upgraded from silver to gold USSA club status in 2017.
Contact Us
If you have questions, please contact the SVSEF office at 208.726.4129, or jseyferth@svsef.org.
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Registration Open for SVSEF Air Barn Action Camps
Sign up now through your online account!
If you have questions, please contact the office at 208.726.4129, or Tyler Conway at 970.409.9617 / tconway@svsef.org.
Week in Review: April 10
PARK & PIPE
USASA Nationals, Snowboarding (April 5)
On the fifth and final day of USASA Nationals for Snowboarding, Nico Lerner finished eighth in boardercross. Nico put together a great week of riding, finishing near the top of his field in every discipline (halfpipe-5, slopestyle-4, giant slalom-2, slalom-2, boardercross-8). He really stepped up to the challenge that comes with competing on a grander stage that normal, winning the Grommet age class overall title at USASA Nationals. The coaching staff is extremely proud of how hard Nico has worked all season to get to this point; he came to Nationals prepared and rode with composure and passion, and the results showed. In the halfpipe on day five, Jack Verhaeghe finished ninth for breaker (12-13) boys, Sebastian Lerner was 11th for menehune (10-11) boys and Caleb Hothem was 16th in the same age class. Jack was ninth overall based on all results throughout the week for his age group. (View results from days one through four here).
FULL RESULTS
USASA Nationals, Freeskiing
USASA Nationals continued with freekiing. Walker Woodring and Barrett Beyer went one and two for ruggies (7 and under) in slopestyle. In the freeski open slopestyle, Will Griffith was 25th and Ryan Dobi 35th. In the halfpipe, Ridge Dirksmeier took the win for freeski youth (14-15), and Joey Markthaler was second. For freeski menehune (10-11), Ben Fethke walked away win the win, and Zeppelin Pilaro and Easton Turck were 40th and 43rd. In the rail jam event, Will Griffith finished fifth for the open class, and Ryan Dobi was 16th. Barrett Beyer came in 12th for the ruggies (7 and under) rail jam. Ben Fethke and Easton Turck both competed in slopestyle for menehune boys on Tuesday (results forthcoming).
There is one more day left, with SVSEF athletes competing in slopestyle and halfpipe.
FULL RESULTS
ALPINE
Western Region Spring Series, Mammoth
Fresh off of Junior Championships, FIS athletes jetted to Mammoth for Western Region Spring Series. (Click here for a review of days one through three).
On the final day of racing, Lily Fitzgerald again led the girls, coming in fifth in the giant slalom. Alli Rathfon was ninth, Maddie Ferris was 11th, Erin Smith 12th, Skylar Cooley 24th and Elizabeth Vanderkloot 26th. For the men’s giant slalom, Jack Smith had an impressive finish in third. Jake Blackburn finished fifth, Hayden Terjeson eighth, Max Noddings 12th, Spencer Wright 14th, and Noah Leininger 18th for a successful end to the series.
FULL RESULTS
U14 Spring Project
SVSEF skiers participated in the IMD U14 Spring Project at Grand Targhee. According to U.S. Ski and Snowboard, “the project is designed to focus on bringing the best IMD athletes and IMD coaches together to enhance their skill development and build friendships with fellow IMD athletes.” The top 15 athletes born in 2005 and top five born in 2006 per gender were invited to attend. Max Meucci, Cole Curci, Zephyr Carruth, Tommy Normand, Reece Walther-Porino, Asia Angel, Ruby Crist, Charlotte Davis-Jeffers and Natalie Gowe represented SVSEF.
Gary Black Jr. Memorial Race
SVSEF hosted the second annual Gary Black Jr. Memorial, formerly called the Hobson Memorial. The race is named of the late Gary Black Jr., who was a former SVSEF board member and a big supporter of the organization and of alpine skiing. The race was a dual giant slalom, with athletes taking two runs and ranked on their best run. Costumes were encouraged, and SVSEF skiers came out in full force – rainbows, unicorns, and Harry Potter could be spotted speeding down the course.
In the girls U8 category, the top three racers were Bianca Smith, Jasmine Smiley and Savannah Pringle. In the U10 category, Reese Kelley was first, Frances Goodyear second and Skye Pringle third. For U12s, Taylor Hovey finished on the top podium spot, followed by Ella Shaughnessy and Rowan Desler. Maya Lightner was first for U14s, Anabel Viesturs second and Goldie Kirk third.
Wyatt Limburg led U8 boys, with Declan O’Toole in second and Finn O’Donnell in third. Like his sister, Tommy Hovey won his age class (U10). Will Lamoureaux took silver and Charlie Reid bronze. Will Kogelmann won for U12s, followed by Paxton Sammis and twin brother Drew Kogelmann. In the U14 age class, Jesse Keefe took the win, followed by Bryce Kanowsky and James Wright.
The day ended with awards and a barbeque – thanks to the Ciminos for their generosity in letting us use their space.
FULL RESULTS
PHOTOS
Snow Cup/Last Chance
SVSEF opted to forgo the first slalom of the Snowbird Snow Cup, and competed in their first race on Sunday. Buey Grossman charged to third in the field of over 100 athletes. Max Moss was 32nd, Finn Mallinen 38th, Nils Galloway 40th, Carter Sammis 48th, Shaw McCoubrey 68th, Ethan Marx 71st, Taylor Rixon 79th, Nico Gaggero 81st and Robbie Cullen 82nd.
For women, Merumo Ishimaru was the top finisher for the day, both for SVSEF and overall. She had a combined time of 1:36.50. Sage Curtis finished 19th, Emma MacGuffife 26th, Carly Walther-Porino 33rd, Falon Hanna 37th, Anhwei Kirk 38th, Hannah Ferris 42nd, Agnes Kind 47th and Tatum Minor 74th.
FULL RESULTS