During the mid-January cold snap, the SSRA Snowboard Team began the competition season. Mt. Spokane hosted a great event with some unique features to keep things interesting. One of which was a florescent green, flat rail that stood 6 feet tall and 8 feet long made by our own Auston Sorensen. A jump was built 13 feet in front of the rail, which was set up across the access road in front of Lodge 2!!!
With the athletes starting through a large Red Bull arch, they could choose between three rails of increasing difficulty. Most of the participants chose the intermediate route, a flat to down kink rail. They could then use a ¼ pipe that was built up to the railing of the deck to finish their run. A hand full of competitors chose to attempt what was called “Big Green” by then end of the night.
SSRA snowboard athletes met the challenge of a field of over 40 competitors from many of the local areas. SSRA took the top 3 spots in the 11 and under. Griffin Clements (7) rode strong and performed up to his ability to claim third. Ryan Sorensen (9) showed great improvement in the past year to score second. Leading the way was “Super Vis” Austin Visintainer (8) with difficult tricks handled as smooth as many of the older athletes.
SSRA was represented by Kyle Woodley (12) and Ian Anderson (14) in the 12-16 age group. In his first snowboard competition Kyle rode well finishing mid pack among a fearless group of kids. Ian’s hard work in the off-season and leading up to this event paid off with a first place in this very competitive group.
Auston Sorensen (15), after a small mistake in his first run, used his personal knowledge of “Big Green” to receive the highest score of the night in the Open class. Although he missed the overall win, this was a great effort considering he was competing with the best of the best that night and one of only two snowboarders to attempt the most difficult feature.
It was a great night for our team and the expectations for the rest of the season are high. Great Job, guys!!!