Saint Michael's College sophomore Danny Duffy, Warren, a Green Mountain Valley School graduate, was named Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) Collegiate Skier of the Year this week. His former teammate Brad Farrell, GMVS Class of 2016, received this award after the 2014 race season.
Collegiate Skier of the Year, established in 2006, acknowledges Vermont college skiers in NCAA and United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) programs for their accomplishments at the regional and national levels. Winners are judged on devotion to the sport, team leadership, camaraderie, sportsmanship and overall character.
According to a Saint Michael’s College press release, Duffy put together a standout rookie campaign last winter, finishing 22nd or higher in seven races on the competitive Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association (EISA) circuit. He took 13th in the giant slalom in late January at the University of Vermont Carnival during his first college competition in his home state before tying for eighth in the Williams College Carnival slalom the following month. When qualifiers for the NCAA Championship were determined, Duffy trailed the final East competitor by just two spots, narrowly missing giving Saint Michael's three men at the meet. Two male Purple Knights and one female took part at the 2016 NCAA Championship.
Duffy, who has been a member of the U.S. Development Team, also found success in the classroom, being recognized with a United States Collegiate Ski Coaches Association (USCSCA) National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team nod. Honorees earn the award thanks to posting a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade-point average.
Duffy and all of the VARA award winners will be recognized on October 29 at the VARA Celebration of Vermont Ski Racing Gala at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. For more information, visit vara.org.
