Spokane Ski Race Association

McCLELLAN LEADS SSRA BUDDY WERNER TEAM AT MT. HOOD

March 18- SSRA was represented well at the 1st annual PNSA U14 Chamionships (Buddy Werner Championships) at Mt. Hood, March 15-17. SSRA sent a team of 8 athletes including Korbyn Edmondson, Aiyana Erbeking, Jared Farley, Sidney Goranson, Rachel Grzelak, Cole McClellan, Hunter Scheidt and Scot Simpson. Every PNSA team sent a contingent of racers ages 12-13.

Saturday's race was mens giant slalom and womens slalom. The men powered up with 5 top 30 finishes. SSRA U14 Cole McClellan led the surge wiith a 9th place podium finish. The race was won by Minam Cravens of MBSEF in 2:22. McClellan stopped the clock in 2:28.08. Korbyn Edmondson (SSRA) was rock solid in 16th with a combined 2:27.95. Next for SSRA was Jared Farley in 25 with a time of 2:33.46, Hunter Scheidt in 28th in 2:34.95, and Scot Simpson in 29 with a 2:35.21. On the women's side, Rachel Grzelak was 52nd in 1:50.82 in the race won by Skylar Cooley of CMAC in 1:28.67. Aiyana Erbeking had a fast first run but encountered trouble in the second heat, while Sidney Goranson succumbed to the flu and was unable to take her second run.

SSRA U14 Athlete Cole McClellan

Sunday's race was womens giant slalom and mens slalom. The women were paced by Aiyana Erbeking with a 40th place finish and a combined time of 2:55.17. Next for SSRA was Rachel Grzelak with a time of 2:58.05. The race was won by Erin Smith of MBSEF in 2:32.85. The men again showed that they were a top team in the division. After first run, all five were in the top 37. After the matinee run, Devon Toribio of CMAC topped the leader board with a time of 1:22.63. Close behind was SSRA's own Cole McClellan with a silver medal time of 1:24.52. Luke Musgrave of MHRT rounded out the top three with a time of 1:24.80. Hunter Scheidt was the second SSRA male finisher with a 22nd place in 1:33.42 while Jared Farley also cracked the top 30 with a 1:36.38, good for 29th place.

Combined awards for the weekend completed the event ceremony. Cole McClellan put his 2nd and 9th place finishes together for a 3rd overall in the championship event. "Cole showed outstanding composure throughout the event. He showed that he can compete with anyone in both SL and GS. He began with two very competitive GS runs before crushing two slalom runs on Sunday. It was awesome to watch," said SSRA coach Chuck Holcomb following the races.

At the team level, the boys nearly got a podium spot. After a point recount, the boys finished 6th out of over 20 teams. "We know that our boys are a top 3 team in PNSA. We had some exceptional team performances. We had some tough luck too. However, I am incredibly proud of the boys for their focus, their attack, and their support of each other through everything," remarked Chuck Holcomb, "Our girls team was smalll, but had some very respectable results. I know that Aiyana, Rachel, and Sidney have worked hard with this championships in mind. They have a few things to prove at the EEYSL finals next weekend at Bluewood. Look for them on the podium!"

EIGHT SSRA U14'S COMPETING IN BUDDY WERNER CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 15- Eight SSRA U14's will compete in the Pacific Northwest Ski Association's Buddy Werner Championships; this year a U14 championships for the division. Aiyana Erbeking, Sidney Goranson, Rachel Grzelak, Korbyn Edmondson, Jared Farley, Cole McClellan, Hunter Scheidt and Scot Simpson will be competing. "This year, due to the change in format of the race, our team isn't full, but it is extremely strong and talent-laden. The group has been working hard to prepare for this event. They will be competitive and it should be a lot of fun," said SSRA Coach Chuck Holcomb.

SSRA BRINGS PODIUM SHOW TO LOOKOUT; EXTENDS TEAM LEAD

March 4- SSRA again showed it's power as the Emerald Empire Youth Ski League leader at Lookout Pass in GS and slalom racing on March 2-3. The team extended it's lead to nearly 3000 points in a strong team performance.

EEYSL Team Standings

EEYSL Individual Standings

Individual results were remarkble with some new faces joining the podium romp. See the complete results below. GO SSRA!