We just got done with two tough, yet successful weekends at Jackson, NH (UNH carnival) and Stowe, VT (UVM carnival/US Super Tour).
UNH (Day 1): We started off well in the classic sprint on Friday qualifying 3 men into the rounds (Connor, Sam, and Sylvan) and 4 women (Abby, Nicole, Natalie, and Caitlin). Unfortunately none of the girls made it out of the quarterfinals and the first quarterfinal for the men consisted of the three male Bobcats that qualified with only two to move on. Sam and Sylvan continued through after Connor fell back due to some questionable moves by a UVM skier. Again Sam and Sylvan were in the same semi-final heat. With a desire to get both into the A-Final, Sam ended up getting taken out after setting up perfectly for his final move for total domination in the ensuing 100m to the finish. Sylvan moved on to place 6th in the A-final while Sam was 2nd in the B-Final for a 8th place showing.
UNH (Day 2): Another beautiful day in the Mt. Washington area. Not a cloud to be found in the sky with 20-30 degree temperatures. The Lady Bobcats were led with an impressive finish from Sophie Leonard in 11th place. Open skier Beth Taylor was 15th while Abby Samuelson and Caitlin Curran rounded out the top-30 in 28th and 29th respectively. The men had a 3rd place showing on Saturday in the 10k freestyle race right behind Dartmouth and UVM. Sylvan had his first win of the season while Sam Evans-Brown was 15th. Our 3rd scorer came in 43rd.
***We were happy with the weekend considering the many illnesses that hit the team. Harry, Kirsten, Megan, and Nathan all got hit but are back at it now***
UVM (Day 1): With almost 500 races in total this weekend it was sure to be a long day. The women went off first for their 5k freestyle race. It was a beautiful day and a new homoglated course (I don't know what it means...try googling it) provided for some fast times. Beth Taylor was the first Bates skier followed closely by Kirsten Gill in 15th, Sophie 18th, and Natalie 19th. The men had their best showing of the year in second place right behind Dartmouth. Sylvan placed 2nd, Sam was 8th, and Tim Whiton in our last scoring spot in 28th.
UVM (Day 2): What a day...it went from raining when we woke up to a wintery mix down at the hotel to 30 miles per hour winds when the boys showed up for the girls race with snow blowing everywhere. Little would anyone know that 2 hours from then it would be sunny and calm in the 20 degree range. Difficult day for many people. Not traditionally where many of the skiers on the team place, but there were some very impressive results nonetheless. Natalie Ruppertberger had a her best collegiate finish in 8th place. Beth Tayler was in the mix again placing in the teens (although her place is unknown due to her "open skier" status). Sophie and Megan placed 29th and 30th. The men ended up toughing it out in the 15k with Sylvan in 4th and Connor Cushman in 31st. While the results may not be what we wanted or needed, it was still an impressive day. All of the skiers had do dig deep today and see hwat they were made of.
This past weekend was Nicole Ritchie's last with the Bates Ski Team. She will be missed every weekend but she is on to bigger and better things. We wish her luck with her rowing endeavors and hope that we'll be able to say we know "that girl" on the US Olympic boat.
Also a HUGE THANK YOU to all the parents, especially the Evans-Brown's, that came to the race and cheered and most importantly fed us so much food after the races. You are all so great and are part of the reason that this team is so close. Thank you for everything.
We'll let you know how Dartmouth goes. GO BOBCATS!!!
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