VARSITY BOYS' WIN PODIUM 3RD AT GS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
After a 20-plus year gap, the Sparta Boys' Alpine Race Ski Team has won a podium placement at the NJ High School State Championships. Congrats on capturing podium 3rd in Giant Slalom Championship!
It was a thrilling State Championship race on the Kamikaze race trail at Mountain Creek yesterday. Skiing an early, tight line on the giant slalom course was the key to avoiding the deep ruts that developed in order to complete both runs. After the first runs were completed, the pressure escalated on five of our racers to deliver finish times on their second runs, knowing one of our racers did not finish (DNF) their first run. Should one more racer DNF or DSQ we would have to play it safe, but this was not the time to entertain that approach, we still had to go full send it if we wanted to reach the podium. More than half the other race teams were also dealing with DNFs and DSQs from the first run. We remained focused on racing aggressively and finishing our runs. We depended on our consistent four All-League alpine racers to improve their times and get it done. Our four All-League racers rose to the occasion and clearly demonstrated their talent and strength. Sophomore George Flint shined and delivered our two fastest race times for the team with a combined time of 1:35.76 and finished 13th overall. Captain Kanna Pasunuri contributed to the team time next with a time of 1:38.57 (17), followed by Drew Young 1:39.27 (20) and Asst Cpt James Kressman 1:42.42 (25). I am very proud of our racers for their positivity and willpower all season long. Bravo Spartans, this is truly a well-deserved podium victory!
Two private schools led the event. Don Bosco won the race with a team time of 6:15.63 and Delbarton took 2nd place with a time of 6:25.20. Sparta won podium third with a team time of 6:36.02.
The girls' varsity ski team all performed well on the first run. Not so fortunate on the second run, which deprived half of our varsity girl's team of finishing. The second GS course was set faster and more direct. Junior Julia Mooney had an outstanding day and led the varsity girl's team with an 18th-place finish and a combined time of 1:45.81. Devon Dobbs contributed to the team time with a time of 1:50.83, along with Asst Cpt Elizabeth Flint with a time of 1:52.18. With just three finish times, the Sparta girls' team took on a ghost time and finished the race in 9th place with a time of 8:16.19. Tenafly won the race with a time of 6:14.58. Pingry placed 2nd with a time of 6:25.82 and Vernon finished third with a time of 6:32.37.
NEXT RACE: Slalom State Championship - Monday, Feb. 27 at 12:30 pm at Mountain Creek.