Alpine Ski Team Races Toward States with Slalom Meets
February 23, 2023
Over the last few weeks, TA’s alpine ski team has competed at Pico, Saskadena Six, and Bromley. They faced a wide range of weather and snow conditions, but this is a group that’s flexible, hardworking, and up for anything.
In January, they competed in the giant slalom at Pico. It was a cold and windy day and the course was challenging, with a 100 yard steep section at the top. Despite the tough conditions, the women’s team skied strong with Maya Dixon finishing 6th, followed by Bianca Pulaski in 17th, Mavis Downey in 19th, and Addy Holzer in 20th. On the men’s side Harley Ransom topped the order in 18th followed by Isaac Yukica in 20th, Hardy Payson in 21st, and Connor Gaine in 25th.
On February 8, TA’s they were off to Saskadena Six for their second slalom race of the season. The team had been focusing on slalom in practice, and for many who started the season a bit tentative and unfamiliar with blocking the gates, the practice more than paid off in race results. Coach Paul Dixon was proud of the team’s progress: “We saw several standout performances on both teams. The top finisher for the women’s team was Maya Dixon in 10th, followed by Charlotte Reimanis in 14th, Addy Holzer in 15th and Mavis Downey 16th. On the men’s side, Isaac Yukica finished 14th…followed by Oliver Yukica in 18th, Harley Ransom in 20th, and Gabe Limlaw in 21st.”
In the most recent meet last Thursday, TA’s alpine skiers were at Bromley for the Dave Pinder Memorial Slalom. This was the last regular season race before the District Championship next week at Pico on Monday, February 27th. The team had continued its heavy focus on slalom training over the last few weeks, translating to some strong performances on both the women’s and men’s side on race day. The team also welcomed back Anne Hesser, who had an early season injury and needed to take a few weeks off.
For the women, Maya Dixon was the fastest skier finishing in 7th place and also claimed the fastest time of the day for the overall team. Anne Hesser had a great finish in 11th, followed by Charlotte Reimanis in 15th and Alicja Perdrizet in 22nd as the top four finishers for the ladies out of the starting field of 40. Full results here – https://www.live-timing.com/race2.php?r=247763
On the men’s side Isaac Yukica claimed the top spot finishing in a very respectable 17th place, followed closely by his brother Oliver Yukica in 18th with less than a second separating them. They were supported by Harley Ransom in 24th and Gabe Limlaw in 28th out of a starting field of 49. Full results here – https://www.live-timing.com/race2.php?r=247762
Coach Dixon says the team is “looking forward to the District meet on the 27th, and will bring our best in an attempt to qualify for the State Meet held at Burke in early March.” The team is also planning to hold the Hometown Flannel Classic at Storrs Hill in Lebanon on Wednesday, March 1st with racing starting at 5:30 PM. This is a chance for TA to compete on its “home hill” against some of the other teams that train there. All are welcome to come out and cheer on the Panthers Alpine Team!
