Four U16 athletes represented the SSWSC at U16 Nationals this past March 31-April 5 at Sugarloaf in Maine. Those athletes were- Schuyler Biglow, Molly Fretwell, Pthalo Plomteux and Soren Shepherd (Isabella Konescny qualified but did not compete). The athletes competed against the best U16 ski racers in the country in super-g, giant slalom, slalom and skills quest down the infamous Narrow Gauge Race Trail, one of the most challenging trails on the East Coast. The weather conditions provided further challenges for the racers. Some of the races were postponed due to rain and snow, which was then followed by bitter cold that created a very icy racing surface for the competitors

The Steamboat skiers embraced the challenge and learned how to adapt their skiing to the conditions. In the Giant Slalom- Molly Fretwell led the way for Steamboat with a strong 9th place finish. Schuyler Biglow finished in the front half of the field in 25th, and Pthalo Plomteux finished 51st. In the Super- G race Schuyler Biglow finished 26th, Soren Shepherd finished 42nd and Pthalo Plomteux finished 47th.  In the Skills Quest Competition Soren Shepherd a first year U16 athlete, finished with a strong 13th place finish, Schuyler Biglow finished 34th, Pthalo Plomteux finished 36th, and Molly Fretwell finished 39th. 

FULL RESULTS

PHOTOS:
Super-G Race Start- Rocky/Central Nationals U16 Team- Photo Credit - Tina Bucheister
Burke, VT GS Training- Sky Biglow, Soren Shepherd, Pthalo Plomteux. Photo Credit- Ben Brown
Sugarloaf, Maine GS Race Course- Photo Credit- Ben Brown
Super-G Race Course Inspection- Photo Credit- Ben Brown