King Pine Competition Programs Recap - February 2009

King Pine’s Ski Racing and Snowboard Competition programs are having a busy and successful 2009 season so far.  In New Hampshire’s Eastern Division there are over 200 BWL (Buddy Werner League) athletes from 8 to 12 years old. They are split into 2 boys divisions J4 and J5 and two girls divisions.

So far in Giant Slalom racing at Mt Cranmore and Wildcat, the results have been impressive. Among the J5 girls, Emma Niiler was 1st in both races, Maya Bernier was 3rd in both races and Maddie Glavin was 6th at Mt Cranmore. In the J4 Girls Isabelle Strachan was first at Cranmore. And our J4 Boys Powerhouse went 1st 2nd, 3rd, and 7th at Cranmore with Asa Frankowski, Tyler Eldridge, Danny Nash, and Jacob Remick finishing in that order. At Wildcat the results were equally impressive finishing Asa, Jacob, Danny, and Tyler in 1sr, 3rd, 4th, and 6th.  Coming up are a Slalom Fun Run and Costume Race, the final Slalom qualifier, and then The State Finals and State Championships.

Our 13 and 14 year olds are known as J3s. These athletes have been working together since November, towards their goals and Qualifying for the Regional race series was the first big one. From our 7 hard working athletes, we qualified 5. This is particularly impressive since the quota represents roughly 1/3 of the statewide field. Qualifiers were Elizabeth Welch, Last year’s State Champion Elyse Clancy, Danny MacDonald, Boo Strachan, and Kurt Niiler.  Now our J3s race throughout the state in a Super G, a Giant Slalom and a Slalom race with other athletes from around the state.

Our small but motivated Snowboard Team Competes in USASA Competitions in Slope style, Slalom, and Giant Slalom. Morgan Ramsey has had Several 1st place finishes, James Ramsey has been on the podium several times.  And Zack Degroot has also been consistently near the top with several podium finishes this year. These three snowboarders all qualified for Nationals Last year and their sights are set for the same again this year. 

People often wonder how we do it here at King Pine, the credit goes to a group of hard working athletes, committed professional coaches, and supportive parents who make it all happen.

For more info about any of these programs contact Craig Niiler at cniiler @ kingpine.com