Under bright sun and crisp 23-degree skies, thirty-nine JFBB racers headed to Blue Mountain on February 14 for the Turko Memorial Giant Slalom. Set on Razorback, the course featured two relatively short runs that rewarded quick line choices and clean transitions. With the regular season winding down, the day carried its usual competitive edge, but it also marked something more personal: Caleb’s birthday! And what better way to spend it than being clicked in and surrounded by friends.
Run 1: Setting the Tone
Leia drew the No. 1 start and led JFBB out of the gate, immediately setting the tone and earning a spot in the flip. Dylan followed with an aggressive, confident run that placed her squarely in contention. Piper, Mary, Sarah, and Victoria built on that momentum, establishing a strong first-run foundation for the group. Celine encountered trouble in the through gate on her opening run but answered with a strong, clean Run 2. That is how you respond!
In U12 girls, Gabby delivered a composed and assertive first run that kept her firmly in contention. Hope and Delia stayed within striking distance and, alongside Kenzie, Estelle, and Ella, secured places in the flip. The strength continued as Sammy, Lana, Sophia, Jiayin, Lillian, and River skied with confidence and control, reinforcing the group’s depth across both runs.
The U10 boys matched that intensity. Sullivan attacked his first run and moved near the top, with William right behind him, both earning spots in the flip. Logan and Landon stayed tightly grouped, while Kyle and Yash applied steady pressure on the field. Macsen was tripped up by a through gate that caught a few racers but reset to deliver a confident second run. Nice work, Macsen. And then there was the birthday boy, smiling at the start, eager to push out of the gate, and fully in the moment. Caleb swept through the finish with his signature move, punching his arms in the air. Lots to celebrate today.
And finally, the U12 boys. Kenji threw down the fastest run of the day and set the standard outright. Kayus, Keegan, John, James, and Kaydin stayed within reach and made the flip, keeping JFBB firmly in the mix heading into Run 2. Brothers Charlie and Henry stepped into their first U12 race with confidence and composure, while Zaven, Owen, and Erik delivered determined efforts that carried momentum forward into Run 2.
Run 2: Bringing it Home
Run 2 unfolded under the same clear skies, the sun still high and almost warm against the February air. The second course ran fast and straightforward, with limited technical components and an emphasis on rhythm and glide. It rewarded athletes who committed to their line and went full send from start to finish. Across age groups, JFBB responded with fast, confident skiing and a strong set of clean runs.
The U10 girls delivered a standout showing, with Dylan securing third and five JFBB racers finishing inside the top ten. That momentum carried into the U12 girls, where Gabby charged from fifth after Run 1 to claim second, gaining three spots with a precise and aggressive final run. Hope and Delia added top-ten finishes, rounding out a strong day for the girls’ side.
The boys answered in kind. In U10, Sullivan crushed his second run, caught an edge at the last gate, but recovered quickly to earn second. William followed in fourth, and Logan and Landon finished sixth and seventh, posting identical times down to the hundredth. Twins! And at the top of the U12 field, Kenji claimed first with two decisive runs, the headline result of the day.
Podiums and Top Finishes
U10 Girls
🥉 3rd – Dylan
⭐ Top Ten – Leia, Piper, Mary & Sarah
U12 Girls
🥈 2nd – Gabby
⭐ Top Ten – Hope & Delia
U10 Boys
🥈 2nd – Sullivan
🏅 4th – William
⭐ Top Ten – Logan & Landon
U12 Boys
🥇 1st – Kenji
Team Spirit: More Than Results
As the regular season comes to a close, progress is evident across age groups, cleaner lines, stronger second runs, and more confidence from start to finish. The growth has been steady and earned. But the lasting image from the final race was not a time on the board. It was cupcakes shared, teammates gathered, taking a few extra minutes before heading home.
A season of work culminating in a team moving forward, together.