Harwood alpine race team had a busy week
On Monday, January 19, the team competed in the Cougar Cup held at the Cochran's Ski Area.
"It was a slow track with fresh, sticky snow and if you've been there you know it's not the steepest hill around," said coach Lisle Gilbert, thanking his volunteers and parents who helped out.
The scoring was combined girls and boys. The team ended up fourth overall.
Individual results for the girls
Meg O'Shea, 3rd, Callie Anderson, 11th, Mercedes Woolley, 14th, Kate McMann, 20th, Piper Beilke, 22nd, Maddie McGeorge, 23rd, Anna Belongia, 37th, Nina Brundage, 50th. Isabella Harris, Maddie Lowe, Fiona Smith, Ragan McMann and Lauren McMann all ran into some issues and were disqualified (DSQ).
Individual results boys
Austin Taylor, 10th, Johnny Egan, 14th, Alec McGlynn, 22nd, Noah Williams, 26th, Matt Crowell, 27th, Malcolm Purinton, 43rd, Connor Delaney, 80th, Eugene Cleary, 87th. Ian Groom, DNF (did not finish), and Connor Woolley, DSQ.
"This race was OK for the team but not a clear reflection on how they usually perform. They don't match up with flat and slow very well. I guess we need to work on flat training or maybe eat some more cheeseburgers," Gilbert said.
The second race of the week was held Friday, January 23, at Mad River Glen.
"The snow surface was hard and on the steep pitch had some bluish-looking ice poking through. What a contrast to Monday's race. Just what our team needs," Gilbert reported.
"Every one of them learning from Cochran's, working the flats and gaining the most speed possible before attacking the intimidating pitch. Fighting to keep forward and stay on line while traveling over that blue-type surface takes a lot of perseverance and confidence! Matt Groom and I were proud of what we saw. The results speak for themselves," Gilbert said.
The boys came in first with the girls second behind Rice by only two points.
Individual results girls
Meg O'Shea, 1st (top three every race so far), Callie Anderson, 4th, Kate McMann, 6th, Piper Beilke, 8th, Maddie McGeorge, 9th, Mercedes Woolley, 10th, Ragan McMann, 11th, Anna Belongia, 13th, Lauren McMann, 15th, Isabella Harris, 17th, Nina Brundage, 18th, Fiona Smith, 19th, Sydney Adams, 28th (with a hike in the first run), and Maddie Lowe with a DNF first run but 8th in second run.
Individual boys' results
Austin Taylor, 1st, Matt Crowell, 2nd, Johnny Egan, 4th, Ben Friedman, 6th, Alec McGlynn, 8th (3rd second run), Malcolm Purinton, 9th, Connor Delaney, 19th, Eugene Cleary, 21st, Eli Friedman, 24th, Liam Hall, 28th, Noah Williams, DNF first run but 4th in second run with the straightest line we saw on the bottom pitch. Ian Groom, 21st first run, DNF second. Connor Woolley, DSQ and 10th on second run.
"I wanted to point out one individual that had a moment most will not be lucky enough to achieve. That individual is Matt Crowell. I've been coaching here at Harwood for two years. Never seen any results from him in the top 10. Lately he's been having some breakthroughs, but nothing like this. He finished second overall and was close to winning! His mom came up to me at the finish and said she didn't even recognize him and asked, "What did you do to him?" I replied, "Nothing, he just listens," Gilbert said.
The next race is Friday, January 30, at Mad River Glen. Jim Komarmi and Gilbert are setting up a "pro style" dual paneled slalom featuring head-to-head racing. Gilbert also thanked fellow coach Matt Groom.
Harwood Nordic skiers grab top spots
Harwood Nordic ski team posted impressive results at the Morse Farm Classic race on January 22. The girls finished first led by freshman Phoebe Sweet, who is debuting following an early season injury. This was Sweet's s first race of the season where she was full strength and she rocked it, according to her coach Tom Strasser. She set a fast pace and was able to maintain throughout the race, Strasser said. Sweet finished second followed by Madeline Strasser (3) and Isabel Jamieson (9). The boys finished second to a strong Stowe team with Noah Eckstein (1) exhibiting flawless form followed closely by teammate Philip Hekeler (2).
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