Greetings,

After completing a productive month of training in every imaginable form of climatic episode, Catamount IC racers traveled to Blandford for the perennial kick off to the race season. 78 (38 girls & 40 boys) racers brought family and friends to enjoy the first GS of the season. Although natural cover was sparse, Blandford operations personnel managed to provide adequate cover; in spite of repairing broken water lines through the night and grooming the freshly made snow only a few hours before the start of the first run.

Ten of our newest and youngest racers (U8s) tested their skills and knowledge at this inaugural race event. An equal number of girls and boys charged out of the start gate. The five U8 girls skied to a top ten finish with one racer, Lillian Dase, achieving a podium spot. Two U8 boys raced to a solid top 10 finish.

Looking at our total girl contingent, we can identify 21 top 10 finishers (55% of total) while 11 advanced to a top 5 (29% of total) finish. In both of these result categories boys were a few shy of matching the girls results. At the end of the day, 16 boys (40% ) raced to a top 10 finish, whereas 8 (20% of total) climbed onto the podium.

Top honors for the most consistent results of the day belongs to the 5 girls comprising our U12/11 contingent. The entire group secured a top “6” finish. Given that 14 total divisions exist, 7 girl and 7 boy, 14 first place awards are possible (excluding ties). Catamount racers achieved 3 of these notable awards. As noted in an earlier posting, Pia Whyte (first year racer) earned recognition for the fastest girl on the hill.

Congratulations to all competitors for your commitment to become better skiers and racers. Next race is on our home turf. Parents please note that it’s not to early to inform Peter Chudy of your preference for race day duties.

Regards,

John Greaser