Greetings,

Catamount’s IC race team entered 87 racers in last weekends combined SL/Skills Quest event. The total left us a few shy of our record setting attendance achieved @ the Catamount GS race. On average, we continue to register close to an equal number of girls (41) and boys (46). Of the total boys competing in the single run SL segment, 14 (30%) secured a top five ranking. Nine additional comrades (total 23) joined the ranks to expand top 10 numbers to 50% of total. Out of 7 divisional first place finishes, Catamount boys are credited with capturing 5 or approximately 70% of the pinnacle slots. On the other side of the ledger, eight (8) girls or 20 % of total negotiated the challenging course and earned a top 5 result. Expanding achievements to register top 10 results, we find that 18 (44%) of total girls earned times to qualify for this ranking. In spite of an array of DSQ/DNFs that plagued some of the previous weeks fist place finishers, one Catamount girl reached the pinnacle spot on the podium. Sixty seven or 77% of our racers successfully completed the demanding course. The completion rate is down somewhat from the earlier two races. Arbitrarily splitting our racers into two groups, U9 and younger and U10 and older, an almost equal number of DSQ/DNF surface. The younger racers totaled 9 miscues, whereas the older totaled 11. Looking at these numbers it is probably safe to generalize that the older racers forced tactical errors, whereas the younger group misjudged entry and exit segments while negotiating the three “combination” gates. In time, as we all know, our younger racers will develop stronger course identification skills. Our older racers (veterans) do not lack the desire to ski fast. Over time “tactical” strengths will evolve along with the ability to recognize where tactical adjustments are required in order to increase their chance to complete a course set. The coaching staff will continue to strive to assist our racers improve their tactical decision making development. Just a reminder, no races are scheduled for the immediate weekend. One additional SL race remains @ Otis and the final race, either a GS or “Kombi”, is set for the first weekend in March.

Regards,

John Greaser