Greetings IC parents,

Perseverance triumphed over ideal training conditions leading up to our initial race for the 2016 season. Results can be categorized as incredible, no phenomenal. Catamount parents accompanied a total of 76 racers to Blandford. In attendance were an even number of boys and girls; 38 each. Results from this race surpass any opening race day in the past 15 years; or any previous race during this period.

A total of 27 racers, 36%, powered their way to podium recognition (i. e., top 5 places). On this day, boys led the charge with 16 top five finishes, or 42% of their total, and girls captured 11 top five spots, or 29% of their respective total. Working our way down the depth chart, we can observe that numbers are even more impressive. Catamount racers commandeered 43 top 10 finishes, or 57% of our racers achieved this result. Slicing the pie into smaller pieces, we see that 20 girls or 53%, competed ski-to-ski tip with our boys. Boys added 7 additional racers to round out their total of 23 top tens. Viewed in another light, 61% of our boys raced to a top 10 finish.

From a group perspective, top honors are bestowed upon our boys 7 & U class. The podium was a canvas of Catamount racers for this class. Several additional racers within this group “edged” their way into a top 10 finish. Girls class 11 and boys age 10 are close behind. But for now, boys 7 & U rule!

Yes results occupy our attention, and rightfully so. But the racer who shows up for training with a smile and returns for a 2nd run in spite of falling short of his/her expectation for the 1st run deserves equal attention and recognition. Skill improvement and acknowledgement of a racer’s effort to refine their skills remain a priority of our program. This aspect of the learning process can be molded and influence race results. We continue to emphasize this aspect of ski racing over achieving a particular result. Attitude counts.

Regards,

John Greaser