Alright stop, collaborate, and listen,
Elk’s course was an icy rendition …
Ok …ok… I know that’s cheesy way to start this article, but that was the harsh reality of the U14 SL course at Elk Mountain, Sunday 2/2/25. After heeded warning from the U12 racers, 34 U14 JFBB racers braved the treacherous course resembling something similar to an injected FIS run. Skiing on your outside edge, being fearless, and quick hikes were essential tools to handle the course.
After Run 1, 11 girls had either DNF’d or DSQ’d. The top 30 flip consisted of Lizzy H (3rd), Sophia S (4), Vera Q (5th), Gabby B (7th), Reagan M (22nd), Erin S (25th), and a first time flipper and goal accomplisher, Gabby G (28th).
The boys had 15 DNF’s / DSQ’s which solidified how challenging the course really was. JFBB racers that made the top 30 flip after run 1 were Seiji G (2nd), David R (4th), Noah W (5th), Jude K (6th), AJ S (9th), Evan N (14th), Mason M (16th), Jack C (20th), Ben W(23rd), Scott K (28th), and Jake Bacon (29th).
Run 2 was equally as challenging, with 8 DNF/DSQs from the girls and 8 from the boys. Unfortunately the snow did not soften at all. However, the birthday girl, Lizzy H, prevailed and skied phenomenally. She landed herself in 2nd place with the only JFBB podium finish. The team was excited to celebrate Lizzy’s accomplishment and her birthday afterwards!
Gabby B finished 8th overall, Sophia S (11th) Emily C (26th) and Gabby G (29th).
The JFBB boys went all out and had some fast second runs. Noah W skied into 4th, AJ S jumped up 4 spots to 5th, with the second fastest run. Jude K skied strong and held his spot at 6th. Other JFBB skiers that were able to complete the two runs and earn some points towards states were Evan N (12th), Mason M (13th), Jack C (19th), Ben W (22nd), Scott K (24th), Jake B (25th). It truly became a survival race.
The parents would like to thank the coaches – Kurt, Adam, Liz, Bill, Connor, and Andrew for all of their support throughout the day. It was a day filled with emotional and physical highs and lows for many racers. Each coach stepped up and played a significant roll in helping the skiers battle the conditions.
Things to note:
Vera, skiing beautifully in run 2 and at lightning pace, crashed at the bottom of the course. She was sledded off the mountain for safety. Her teammates were able to find her in the van for quick cheer up and her parents have reported that it was a contusion on her leg and thankfully no fractures or tears.
Coach Bill and Noah W witnessed Puxatawny Phil make an appearance as he ran across the top of the hill and indeed he predicted 6 more weeks of winter! Woohoo! We may only have 1 week left of the regular season for the u14’s but plenty more to have some skitastic fun!
Please don’t forget to volunteer for the U14 race at home this Saturday, 2/8! The U14’s will then travel to Camelback on Sunday 2/9 for their final SL run before state championships.