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Congratulations to a team of champions that traveled to Stevens Pass to compete in the Buddy Werner Championships last weekend to represent SSRA, Mt. Spokane, and the Inland Northwest. It was a team that truly embodied the essence of SSRA. It was full of young athletes that have a passion for skiing, have begun to develop into outstanding ski racers, and are not afraid to work hard, have fun, and take chances. Myself and the entire SSRA coaching staff are very proud of this group for their season-long efforts, their teamwork, and their achievements.
After the first day of racing, SSRA stood in first place overall; the men were in first, and the women were in 4th. Truly, on that day, the team proved that they could be the best in the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, the team had a tougher day on Sunday and was bumped back. However, no one can take away what this group has achieved. In addition, there were some outstanding examples of teamwork and sportsmanship in the face of adversity and disappointment. These acts are extremely important to acknowledge when we consider the greatest goals in youth sports. For instance, athletes who struggled in first runs were able to leave the hill with exceptional second runs from the back of the pack....just ask Ty Cowles-Meyer.
Although the team results did not materialize, it is important to acknowledge some truly phenomenal individual achievements.
First of all, congratulations to Joseph Estrella who won the giant slalom on Saturday and will forever be known as the 2008 boys Buddy Werner giant slalom champion! In addition, Joe automatically qualifies for the Western Region J4 Festival to held in conjunction with the J3 Junior Olympics on March 21-24 at Bogus Basin, Idaho. Joe is the fourth SSRA athlete in the past four years to qualify for the prestigious event. Joe finished the weekend in 3rd place overall. Way to go Joe, congratulations! In addition, it is remarkable to consider the achievements of each SSRA athlete. This is the most talented group I have had the privilege to work with in my ten years with SSRA:
Girls
Elyse Burandt Overall: 13th place SL: 11th place (1st 1997) GS: 22nd place (2nd 1997)
Taylor Bauernfeind Overall: 15th place SL: 8th place (2nd 1996) GS: 63rd place (19th 1996)
Brigette Benson SL: 37th place (15th 1996)
Claire Organick SL: 49th place (8th 1997) GS: 66th place (10th 1997)
Alisia Schrankel SL: 71st place (25th 1996) GS: 105th place (34th 19960
Berkeley Guenzel SL: 86th place (8th 1998) GS: 95th place (7th 1998)
McKinley Guenzel GS: 98th place (32nd 1996)
Boys
Joe Estrella Overall: 3rd GS: Champion
Vaughn Peck Overall: 12th GS: 16th place SL: 8th place...moved up 45 spots
Ty Cowles-Meyer Overall: 12th GS: 5th place SL: 92nd (5th place on second run)
Michael "Mitch" Estrella GS: 21st (2nd place 1997)...moved up 63 spots SL: 98th
Nick Dixon GS: 69th (11th 1997) SL: 61st (14th 1997)
Will Dubiel GS: 64th (21st 1996)...moved up 53 spots
Jake Elliot GS: 72nd (14th 1997)...moved up 59 spots SL: 58th (12th 1997)...moved up 73 spots
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