Race to the Cup is a series of North American Cup (NorAm) alpine snowboard racing competitions that serves as a stepping stone for developing athletes progressing from USASA to the FIS World Cup.
The first event of the series was held at Afton Alps Ski Area in Hastings, Minnesota, on January 15–16, in icy, windy conditions with sub-10-degree temperatures. The hard, icy surface challenged athletes to maintain speed on course and required edge sharpening after nearly every run.
Six athletes from the SSWSC—Brionie Wakooli, Mia Chawner, Sydney Wilson, Nathalia Dos Reis Monteiro, Rowan Hanaughan, and Abe Cronkhite—competed in the two-day, three-race series. Given the demanding conditions, Coach Thedo advised the athletes to stay upright and focus on finishing their runs, noting that simply completing each race could lead to strong results.
January 15 – NorAm Cup Parallel Slalom #1 Results
Women
Brionie Wakooli – 5th
Mia Chawner – 14th
Sydney Wilson – DSQ
Nathalia Dos Reis Monteiro – 16th
Men
Rowan Hanaughan – 8th
Abe Cronkhite – 14th
January 16 – NorAm Cup Parallel Slalom #2 Results
Women
Brionie Wakooli – 9th
Mia Chawner – 15th
Sydney Wilson – 6th
Nathalia Dos Reis Monteiro – 16th
Men
Rowan Hanaughan – 8th
Abe Cronkhite – 14th
January 16 – FIS Parallel Slalom Results
Women
Brionie Wakooli – 9th
Mia Chawner – 12th
Sydney Wilson – 3rd
Nathalia Dos Reis Monteiro – 16th
Men
Rowan Hanaughan – 4th
Abe Cronkhite – 16th
Photos:
#4th place athlete Rowan Hanaughan (photo credit: Isaac Krajcik, Frostbite Media)
#3rd place athlete Sydney Wilson (photo credit: Isaac Krajcik, Frostbite Media)
