Finnigan Donley Takes 2nd Overall at U18 Junior National Alpine Championships
Strength in Speed Delivers Solid Showing for SVSEF Team
Nine members of the SVSEF FIS team were selected to represent the Western Region at last week's U18 Junior National Alpine Championships; more than any other team within the region’s selection quota of 20 athletes. The series was hosted at Vail, CO Mar. 1-7 and included Men’s and Women’s Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, and Slalom.
SVSEF athletes representing the Western Region were Finnigan Donley, Nils Galloway, Colin Hanna, and Kai Subith on the men’s side; and Jessica Blackburn, Paige DeHart, Saba Grossman, Maya Lightner, and Lauren Stendell for the women.
“We had an incredible series at U18 Nationals in Vail,” said KJ Savaria, SVSEF FIS Coach. “Every SVSEF athlete showed up on race day and gave it their all. The SVSEF FIS coaching staff couldn’t be more proud of them and their efforts this season!”
The championships kicked off with the Downhill, with Paige DeHart taking 3rd place and Maya Lightner 4th for the women, and Finnigan Donley grabbing a podium spot in 4th. Kai Subith earned a top 10 finish. Next up was Super G and Paige DeHart stepped onto the podium again in 5th, with Finnigan Donley in 4th, and Colin Hanna and Nils Galloway landing in the top ten in 6th and 7th.
In the Giant Slalom for the women, Paige DeHart placed 16th and Maya Lightner raced to a strong 25th in a field that saw only 45 athletes finish both runs and more than 30 DNFs. The competition was also fierce for the men with Finnigan Donley just 0.09 seconds off the podium in 8th, Kai Subith cracked the top 10 only 1.77 seconds back, and Nils Galloway nailed the top 20.
For Men’s Slalom, Finnigan Donley made his third trip to the podium in 3rd place, securing his 2nd Place Overall title for the 2022 U18 U.S. Junior National Alpine Championships. In women’s Slalom, it was Jessica Blackburn landing in the top 20 in 18th.
“Our athletes brought everything they’ve been working on this season to their races at the U18 Junior Nationals and we came away with results they should be really proud of,” said Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director. “Competing at Vail against athletes who have grown up skiing there on their home snow, on their home hill, elevated the level of competition at a venue unfamiliar to our athletes. I’m super psyched for our entire team, and Finn coming away with the 2nd Overall, along with the performances in the speed events, just emphasizes the focus, talent, and teamwork these athletes continue to display.”
SVSEF Athlete Results
Men's Downhill (DH)
Finnigan Donley – 4th
Kai Subith – 10th
Nils Galloway – 29th
Men's Super G (SG)
Finnigan Donley – 4th
Colin Hanna – 6th
Nils Galloway – 7th
Kai Subith – 24th
Men's Giant Slalom (GS)
Finnigan Donley – 8th
Kai Subith – 10th
Nils Galloway – 20th
Men's Slalom (SL)
Finnigan Donley – 3rd
Men's Overall – Finnigan Donley – 2nd
Women's Downhill (DH)
Paige DeHart – 3rd
Maya Lightner – 4th
Lauren Stendell – 42nd
Women's Super G (SG)
Paige DeHart – 5th
Maya Lightner – 21st
Jessica Blackburn – 23rd
Lauren Stendell – 49th
Women's Giant Slalom (GS)
Paige DeHart – 16th
Maya Lightner - 25th
Women's Slalom (SL)
Jessica Blackburn – 18th
Lauren Stendell 44th
Saba Grossman – 49th
For complete race results, visit: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=AL&eventid=50117&seasoncode=2022
Featured Photo of SVSEF Western Region team members, pictured L-R:
FIS Coach KJ Savaria, Nils Galloway, Kai Subith, Finnigan Donley, Maya Lightner, Colin Hanna, Saba Grossman, Jessica Blackburn, Paige DeHart, Lauren Stendell.
2022 Air Barn Action Sports Adventure Camp
2022 Air Barn Action Sports Adventure Camp Registration and Cancellation Policies
We are excited to open registration for the 2022 Air Barn Action Sports Adventure Camp on TUESDAY, MARCH 15 at 9:00 A.M. Mountain Time.
Registration will be posted online at Ski Club Pro
We understand SVSEF Air Barn Action Sports Adventure Camp is a special opportunity, and our goal is to be able to offer this learning experience to as many kids in the Wood River Valley as possible. Last year we experienced an unprecedented demand for the summer camps, and our hope is to maximize participation in the camps for the kids in our community and minimize disappointment due to near-immediate sellouts and unavailability for new campers.
Registration Policy:
To allow for more kids to attend the camps, registration will be limited to two (2) week-long sessions per athlete.
We ask that you please consider your summer schedule and plan to choose a week or two of Air Barn Action Sports Adventure Camp that works best for your family’s schedule.
Requirements for Camp:
1. SVSEF SkiClubPro Account
2. USSA General Membership
3. Water bottle and Lunch
4. Skateboard, scooter, or rollerblades
5. Bike
6. Helmet
Cancellation Policy:
• If you cancel more than 21 days out from the start of the camp session, there will be a $75 cancellation fee.
• If you cancel 15-21 days out from the start of the camp session, there will be a $100 cancellation fee.
• If you cancel 7-14 days out from the start of the camp session, there will be a $175 cancellation fee.
• If you cancel less than 7 days out from the start of the camp session, there will be no refund.
We appreciate your understanding as we do our best to serve the kids and the families of the Wood River Valley and provide this unique camp experience for as many kids as possible.
CAMPS SCHEDULE
Week 1 June 8-10
3-day (ages 8-11)
Time: 10:00-3:00
Cost: $375
Week 2 June 13-17
5-day (ages 9-15)
Time: 10:00-3:00
Cost:$525
Week 3 June 20-24
5-days (ages 9-15)
Time: 10:00-3:00
Cost:$525
Week 4 June 27-30
4-days (ages 8-11)
Time: 10:00-3:00
Cost:$444
Week 5 July 11-15
5-days (ages 9-15)
Time: 10:00-3:00
Cost:$525
Week 6 July 18-22
5-days (ages 9-15)
Time: 10:00-3:00
Cost:$525
Week 7 August 1-5
5-days (ages 9-15)
Time: 10:00-3:00
Cost:$525
Week 8 August 8-12
5-days (ages 9-15)
Time: 10:00-3:00
Cost:$525
Pastry Cup Kombi Preps Athletes for Upcoming U12 IMD Champs
With the U12 IMD Championships quickly approaching, the SVSEF Alpine North Series Team held their 2-Run Pastry Cup Kombi race on Sunday. Kombi races are designed to teach the athletes how to manage rhythm and speed changes within a course. This weekend, the "funnel-shaped" course took the athletes from moguls to shorter "stubby" gates, into bigger giant slalom turns, then panel slalom, and finally regular slalom gates to the finish. Athletes were required to finish both runs to qualify for awards.
"It was a tough and long Kombi race out there on Sunday!" said Adele Savaria, SVSEF North Series Head Coach. "The athletes all showed true grit and persevered with their best efforts; and for the athletes racing in the upcoming IMD Championships, this gave them a good idea of what the Kombi will be like."
Results from Pastry Cup #4 (Kombi) - Sunday, Mar. 6, 2022
Women:
1st - Sasha Preuss
2nd - Bianca Smith
3rd - Lucy Stevenson
Men:
1st - Wyatt Limburg
2nd - Henry Questad
3rd - Kai Sammis
The U12 IMD Championships will take place Mar. 18-21 at Sun Valley. The event will include a 2-run giant slalom, 1-run Kombi, 2-run slalom, and 1-run panel slalom for all racers. Men and women will each compete over two days during the championship event.
SVSEF FREESKI TEAM SWEEPS PODIUMS AT TAMARACK
The SVSEF Freeski Team was at Tamarack this weekend. Both the Future's team and Progression team athletes took part in Saturday's slopestyle event. Braden Smith took 1st in the 7-8 year old division. Brody Smith finished in 2nd place in the 9-10 age group. The 11-12 year old boys division was a sweep for Sun Valley, with Barrett Beyer taking 1st, Emmett Crist in 2nd, and Landon Delancey in the bronze medal position. Blue Allen skied her very best and took home the gold in the women's 11-12 year old group. There was another sweep for the SVSEF Freeski Team in the 13-14 year old division; Zeppelin Pilaro finished in 1st, with Kai Van Bueren in 2nd, and Zack Torres in 3rd. Anton Holter took home the gold medal in the 15-16 year old age group with some very clean skiing.
On Sunday, the teams took part in the rail jam competition. In the 7-10 age group, Brody Smith placed 1st, securing two medals in Tamarack. The 11-14 age group was yet another sweep for the SVSEF Freeski Team, with Zack Torres in 1st, Barrett Beyer in 2nd, and Landon Delancey in 3rd.
"The whole crew did a great job showing what this team is all about," said SVSEF Freeski Head Coach, Gui Mattheis-Brown. "High energy, full commitment, and undeniable support for one another. I am very proud of the display the entire team put on this weekend, and what's to come in the next month!"
Unicorns, Dinosaurs, Skiers Unite for Devo XC Festival
One thing we love about our Cross Country teams is the tradition that shines through in all they do, all season long! This past weekend's XC Devo Festival is yet another example of how celebrating the pure joy that the sport's culture elicits, is simply the magic sauce on top. Go team!
“Saturday’s XC Devo Festival 2022 was a smashing success with almost 200 skiers, parents, and friends celebrating the end of the season at Lake Creek. Paddy’s Famous Obstacle Course was a huge hit and our mass start races were flanked by celebrity SVSEF XC Prep Team appearances. To top off the season in epic tradition, our famous 'Anything Goes Race,' where skiers, parents, unicorns, and dinosaurs all tangle together for a lap of the racecourse—celebrated the real reason we are all out there together! Thank you, coaches, families, and skiers for another unforgettable season!”
—Martha Pendl, SVSEF XC Devo North Head Coach
2022 U12 IMD Championship Coming to Sun Valley
From March 18-21, 2022, Sun Valley will host the U12 IMD Championship!
This championship event will bring ski teams and clubs from the south in Utah, to compete with those from the north in Idaho and Wyoming. 100 boys and 100 girls will compete exclusively amongst U12 athletes.
SVSEF U12 IMD Champs Roster
(Athletes Qualified)
GIRLS
Irie Black
Brady Bloomfield
Aviella Buoncristiani
Blakeslee Davis-Jeffers
Elle Deckard
Colette Duke
Carolyn Fleming
Jennings Fraser
Ava Gilmour
Olivia Harrington
Alexandra Heidel
Fernanda Hurtado
Gaia Luem
Galena McMahan
Sasha Preuss
Savannah Pringle
Camille Reid
Taylor Rundell
Jasmine Smiley
Bianca Smith
Lucy Stevenson
BOYS
Cameron Beck
Brixen Ehleringer
Corbin Flood
Henry Flynn
Brooks Gove
Alex Grant
Jack Heinz
Coen Lamb
Wyatt Limburg
Thijs Lloyd
Finn Malone
Bear Matthews
Asher May
Jaxon McGrew
Cash Mintz
Axel O'Donnell
Declan O'Toole
John Pertel
Charlie Pfau
Henry Questad
Sam Robins
Kai Sammis
Jake Schlatter
Briggs Stevenson
In the Words of... SVSEF XC Comp Team Athlete, Sammy Smith
Just back from the Junior World Cross Country Ski Championships in Lygna, Norway, we asked Sammy Smith to share a bit about her experience. Sammy took 5th in the Individual Skate Sprint after qualifying 8th in the prelim, then advanced through the quarters and semis into the final.
Here's what she had to say!
"World juniors was an experience that I will cherish for a very long time. To be able to compete against the top juniors in the world is an incredible opportunity. Be it my first international event, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was blown away when I got there. To have all the different nations staying in the same hotel, eating in the same rooms, riding on the same shuttles—all of it encouraged a really unique atmosphere. I felt like I learned a lot about different countries’ ski cultures, and none topping the host nation, Norway, where cross country skiing is truly engrained into the lives of every person. Beyond that, the actual racing was incomparable and so was the venue. To stand on the line with skiers from all nations knowing you were going to be competing against the best juniors the world had to offer was so nerve racking and motivating! It was such a privilege to be able to attend World Juniors and I’m so grateful for all of the people who made it happen! Thank you to all of my coaches, wax techs, teammates and especially my parents for their endless love and support!"
—Sammy Smith, SVSEF XC Comp Team
Photo L-R: Johnny Hagenbuch (SVSEF XC Gold Team), Sammy Smith (SVSEF XC Comp Team), Paul Smith (SVSEF XC Post Grad Coach)
SVSEF Wins Overall Team Award at Intermountain Youth Championships
By Kelley Sinnott, SVSEF XC Assistant Program Director and Head Prep Team Coach
Fifty-three SVSEF XC Prep and XC Devo skiers traveled to McCall, ID for two days of racing as part of the Intermountain Youth Championships. Skiers, coaches and parents toughed out the cold Saturday morning for interval start skate distance races, followed by a skier-X obstacle course race under the sun in the afternoon.
Sunday was a snowy morning for mass start distance classic races. As the largest team at the event, SVSEF had boys and girls competing in every age class from U14 to U8 including one U16/novice gal, and SVSEF walked away with the Overall Team award!
"My biggest takeaway from the weekend was my appreciation for all of our skiers and parents for their enthusiasm and energy all weekend," said Kelley Sinnott, SVSEF XC Prep Team Head Coach. "In moments when we weren’t the fastest skiers, we were still the happiest! The excitement for skiing and ski culture was alive and well this weekend and it was awesome to be part of it."
At the final awards ceremony, the Intermountain Division awarded the IMD U14 cup. This was a final ranking of U14 top 10 skiers after a full season of racing. Skiers were ranked based on their top three races from the season. In the U14 cup, SVSEF’s Charlie St. George was 2nd and McCallen Campbell was 5th.
SVSEF Result Highlights:
U8F Hazel Schmidt 1st in skate, 1st in classic, and 2nd in the skier-X
Skate distance – U14M Charlie St. George 5th, U14F Eavan Brown 20th, U12M Bailey Kurtz 9th, U12F Stella St. George 4th, Sydney Nelson 5th, U10M Jeddidiah Schmidt 4th, U10F Payton Daley Scheingraber 3rd, U8M Ford Ramsay 2nd, Spencer Flynn 3rd.
Skier-X – U14M Charlie St.George 7th, U14F Riley Siegel 21st, U12M Jake Jacoby 10th, Stella St. George 6th, Sydeny Nelson 7th , U10M Jedidiah Schmidt 5th , U10F Payton Daley-Scheingraber 3rd, Nina O’Sullivan 4th, U8F Hazel Schmidt 2nd
Classic distance – U14M Charlie St. George 13, U14F Riley Siegel 24th U12F Stella St.George 4th, Sydney Nelson 7th, U12M Baliey Kurtz 10th, U10F Nina Osullivan 5th, Payton Daley-Scheingraber 6th,U10M Jedidiah Schmidt 7th, Cody Lloyd 8th, Jack Flynn 9th, U8F Hazel Schmidt 1st, U8M Ramsay Ford 2nd, Spencer Flynn 3rd
Full results from the weekend : http://summittiming.net/races/race_results.php
Lowie Watkins and Karsten Schillinger Take the Win at 31st Annual Laura Flood Memorial Race
IMC U16 Qualifier Showcases Many of the Best U16 Athletes in the Region
SUN VALLEY, Idaho – Feb. 28, 2022 – More than 150 athletes from around the region traveled to Sun Valley for the 31st Annual Laura Flood Memorial Race held Feb. 25-27. The race also served as an IMC U16 qualifier. At the conclusion of the weekend, the Laura Flood Memorial Race Perpetual Trophy was presented to the top U16 female and male skier after two giant slalom and one slalom race. SVSEF’s Lowie Watkins took the overall win for the women, and Romark Ski Academy’s Karsten Schillinger for the men.
Lowie Watkins was in top form taking 3rd in Friday’s giant slalom, 1st in Saturday’s giant slalom, and 4th in Sunday’s slalom. Watkins started skiing at the age of three, and has skied for SVSEF since the second grade. She started on the Mini World Cup team and has worked her way up through the North Series and IMD teams, and is now skiing for SVSEF’s USSA team as a U16 athlete. Following the event, Watkins said, “I’ve been working at this sport for a long time. It was great to have such a successful weekend especially in my home town.”
When asked what the best advice is that she’s received from a coach, Watkins shared, “training is the time to push yourself and acquire new skills and races are the time to use those skills.”
“The USSA Staff was very proud of our team this weekend,” said Nate Schwing, SVSEF USSA Head Team Coach. “It was very rewarding to see the many hours of training we put in result in an inspiring display of skiing and camaraderie from the group over the weekend! The team represented very well on our home hill in front of friends and family!”
Over the three days, SVSEF took home 18 podiums including six in the Open (U18) category and 12 in the U16 category. Awards were given to top three in the U18 category and top five for U16. In the U18 Men’s Giant Slalom, SVSEF swept the podium in both races. On Friday, it was Carter Sammis, Nicolas Tilander, and Cole Curci taking one, two, three; and on Saturday, it was Shaw McCoubrey, Nicolas Tilander, and Halston Wilkey in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively.
Max Meucci had a solid weekend taking 1st place in Friday’s U16 giant slalom and 2nd in Sunday’s slalom. In the women’s U16 slalom, three of the five podium steps went to SVSEF with Natalie Gowe in 2nd place, Lowie Watkins in 4th, and Taylor Hovey in 5th. Gowe also took 5th in Saturday’s giant slalom, 3.29 seconds back from Lowie Watkins in 1st. Meredith Bromley took the top step in Friday’s U16 giant slalom with her teammate Watkins just 0.82 seconds behind in 3rd place. Alan Dugan raced to 5th in Friday’s U16 giant slalom and Will Kogelman 4th in Sunday’s slalom to round out the successful weekend for SVSEF.
The Laura Flood Memorial Race holds a very special place in the ski racing and local community, held each year in memory of Laura Flood. Laura lost her life during a ski training accident at the age of nineteen while racing for the University of Colorado. The Race is made possible through the efforts of the entire community—the Flood family, coaches, volunteers, families, athletes, and of course Sun Valley Company and everything they do to help ensure an incredible race venue.
For complete event results, visit: https://www.imdalpine.org/news/2022-Laura-Flood-results-are-in/
Photo: Tim Carter
Sammy Smith Skates to 5th at Junior Worlds
SVSEF XC Comp Team athlete, Sammy Smith, took 5th in the Individual Skate Sprint at Junior World Cross Country Ski Championships in Lygna, Norway on Sunday. She qualified 8th in the prelim then advanced through the quarters and semis into the final where she finished 5th.
SVSEF XC Post Grad Coach, Paul Smith, is at the Junior World Championships working with the U.S. Ski Team Staff in ski service support. He shared the following about Sammy:
"I think the most impressive thing from Sammy's performance was her aggressive attitude, particularly the way she prepared mentally and skied the fast courses here in Lygna. Always watching, always learning. This was apparent with all our staff and even foreign coaches who took notice the way she handled pressure and the unknown; this being her first World Juniors at the age of 16 competing against many 18- and 19-year-olds who have 'been there done that.' To succeed at that level, you can't have any fear of the outcome and that was one of the keys in her success. The best part for me just observing all of this was how much FUN she had."
Smith added, "You have to look back quite far but I believe yesterday's race might be the best female sprint result for the U.S. at a World Juniors."
