CU dominates the slopes
The Spartans’ men’s and women’s alpine ski teams continued their dominant form with their showing in the giant slalom at West Mountain on Feb. 9. The men finished first while the women finished second.
Even with their second-place finish, Castleton’s women took home their third straight MacConnel
l Division title. The men finished their first undefeated season in the same division.
The men’s victory came with pure dominance, placing four skiers in the top six, and winning the event by more than seven seconds.
Junior Robby Kelley continued his peak form, posting the two fastest runs of the day while topping the field by more than three seconds.
“It’s always a good feeling to cross the finish line with the lead,” Kelley said. “I’m happy I was able to help on our way to an undefeated regular season.”
On the women’s side of things, Karoline Rettenbacher was able to secure her spot on the podium with a third-place finish. Her total time was 2:14.32.
After the team’s finish at the event, co-head coach Chris Eder was pleased, and reflected on the regular season.
“I am proud of the way our men and women have competed at each race so far this season,” he said.
With the regular season coming to a close, the Spartans turn their attention to the USCSA Eastern Regional Championships this coming weekend. Members of the team are treating it like business as usual.
“We did a couple non-college races this weekend to stay in race mode during our week off, and then we’ll be back up at Killington training this week like it’s any other race week,” Kelley said.
Rettenbacher is continuing to work hard in training sessions leading up to the big race.
“I am trying to get the most out of every training session,” she said. “Mostly focus on the aspects of my technique that need to be improved.”
Eder knows the importance of this weekend coming up and said that while there are other teams peaking towards the end of the season his Spartans are ready for anything.
“There is a lot riding on this weekend. I feel that we are ready for the challenge and have what it takes to win,” he said. “We cannot sit back and relax.”
The USCSA Eastern Regional Championships take place this weekend at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine.
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