“A lot of potential”
The past two weekends Western State alpine skiers have been holding their own on the collegiate circuit.
Skiing in United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) competitions, the men’s and women’s alpine teams raced in Beaver Creek last weekend and in Telluride the weekend before. The women’s team took second in Beaver Creek and first in Telluride (out of 10 teams). The men’s team placed second in Telluride. The women’s team is currently tied for first in the Rocky Mountain Conference in the USCSA.
Individually, team members have been placing high as well, with Ciera Glenn finishing second in Telluride and Kara Delaney taking second in Beaver Creek. On the men’s team, in Beaver Creek Josh Kamstra took second place.
“The team is doing really well this season,” coach Eric Grand noted.
The team, which is now a club sport, was formed because the NCAA ski team was cut due to financial constraints this past summer.
“They got a late start on the season, but these kids got a team together and I see a lot of potential in them,” Grand added.
As a club sport, team members have had to take on additional responsibilities to plan logistics regarding practice, competition and even fundraising.
This weekend the alpine team will compete in Winter Park. Additionally a dinner/fundraiser is planned in conjunction with the WSC alumni ski weekend, which is held February 13-15.
The dinner will be held Friday, February 13 at the Aspinall-Wilson Center on the Western State College campus. Tickets are $85 per couple and $50 individually. For more information about this event contact Lauren Korpi at [email protected] or (906) 364-0711.