On Friday, January 16, SSWSC Snowboard athletes competed on the East Face at Steamboat Resort in a challenging and exciting big mountain event. Low snowfall this season gave the venue a dramatically different look, with more exposed terrain and visible features than ever before. These conditions demanded smart line choices and creative riding, raising the level of competition across the board. A total of 18 athletes from four programs represented SSWSC, and according to Tony Lodico, this marked the highest number of snowboard competitors he has ever seen at this event.
One of the biggest highlights of the day was a Steamboat podium sweep in the U15 Men’s division, with Phineas Walters taking first, followed by Summit Lynch and Jackson Helberg. Strong results continued across age groups, including Amelia Bennett earning first place in U12 Girls and podium finishes from U19 Women Riley McNew in second and Ava Lilly, an SSWSC alumnus who came straight from a halfpipe podium at the Copper Rev Tour.
In the U19 Men’s field, Julian Wright placed fourth in his first competition of the season and his first year with SSWSC, signaling a strong start. Another memorable moment came from Cooper Malia, who threw a massive backside 360 off the side of Million Dollar. While he wasn’t able to ride it out, the attempt stood out as one of the boldest moments of the day, with a level of courage and technicality that set him apart.
Wyatt Landy was SSWSC Snowboard’s youngest competitor in the event. Wyatt’s competition goal was to have fun, and he certainly accomplished this. He rode well, said he felt more excited than nervous, and got lots of encouragement from the older Devo Team riders.
U12 Girls:
1. Amelia Bennett
2. Ellie Bennett
4. Brooklyn Einfeld
U12 Boys:
2. Beckett Patch
3. Wyatt Landy
U15 Men:
1. Phineas Walters
2. Summit Lynch
3. Jackson Helberg
4. Leo Frisbie
U19 Women:
2. Riley McNew
3. Ava Lilly – SSWSC Alumnus who came straight from a podium finish in half pipe at Copper Rev Tour
U19 Men:
4. Julian Wright
Photos:
1st place: Amelia Bennett
2nd place: Ellie Bennett
4th plac: Brooklyn Einfeld
Credit: Maddie Davis
2nd Place: Riley McNew
3rd Place: Ava Lilly – SSWSC Alumnus
Credit: Jake Kaufmann
Phineas Walters with his 1st place trophy
Credit: Maddie Davis
1st place: Phineas Walters
2nd place: Summit Lynch
3rd place: Jackson Helberg
4th place: Leo Frisbie
Credit: Maddie Davis
