First away race of the season delivers experiences in teamwork and triumph

Junior ski racing athletes from across the Intermountain Division descended on Grand Targhee this weekend for the North Series GS races. At the end of two days of racing, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s U12 Travel Team brought home four podium spots for the girls and seven for the boys. 

One of the team’s favorite away races came complete with sunshine, fog, timing delays, crashes, lost skis, good skiing, fun in the pool, BBQ’s in the finish area, and most importantly a whole lot of fun as a team.

“The U12 Travel Team had so much fun this weekend at their first travel races of this season in Targhee,” said Adele Savaria, SVSEF U12 Travel Team Coach. “Many athletes learned how the weather can change at a moment’s notice and how to be patient at races due to various potential delays. Many thanks to their parents for providing snacks and lunch at the tent for the athletes and coaches and also carrying their coats when needed. The kids all showed how to be great teammates by cheering each other on and also taking coats down for each other. I’d call it a success all-around for the whole team!”

On Saturday for the U10 Boys, Asa Sattler came in third and Walker Gove just behind in fourth. The U12 Boys saw Charlie Spengler take second and Theron Andra fourth. For the U12 Girls, Savannah Pringle won the race and teammate Jennings Fraser placed fourth.

On Sunday, Walker Gove moved up one spot to third in the U10 Boys race, while the U12 Boys took four of the five podium spots—Theron Andra (1st), Alex Grant (3rd), Charlie Spengler (4th) Brixen Ehleringer (5th). Savannah Pringle took another win for the weekend in the U12 Girls, with Brady Bloomfield racing to fourth place.

“A big thank you to the coaching staff,” said Chuck Harris, SVSEF Junior Program Director. “I took a few opportunities over the weekend to step back and watch the coaching staff do their jobs and I am simply amazed at their knowledge, experience, and dedication to every child on our team. Most importantly I am impressed with their ability to relate, communicate, and teach every child on our team—we are all extremely lucky!”

SVSEF Athlete Results:

U10 Boys GS Jan. 20

• 3rd Asa Sattler
• 4th Walker Gove

U12 Boys GS Jan. 20

• 2nd Charlie Spengler
• 4th Theron Andra

U12 Girls GS Jan. 20

• 1st Savannah Pringle
• 4th Jennings Fraser

U10 Boys GS Jan. 21

• 3rd Walker Gove

U12 Boys GS Jan. 21

• 1st Theron Andra
• 3rd Alex Grant
• 4th Charlie Spangler
• 5th Brixen Ehleringer

U12 Girls GS Jan. 21

• 1st Savannah Pringle
• 4th Brady Bloomfield

For complete race results visit IMD Alpine North Series.