The snowpack this year may be a bit below Minnesota standards, but that did not stop the StormHawks Alpine team from taking to the slopes on Jan. 6 for their first meet of 2025.
The StormHawks, with a few more skiers from Chanhassen than Chaska, participated in a Metro West meet with six other schools (Orono is currently ranked #6 in state for boys). A total of 123 racers (21 for the StormHawks) participated in the meet at Buck Hill in Burnsville, the same hill where Lindsey Vonn got her start.
Alpine races are similar to what one sees during the Winter Olympics. Skiers race down a course of “gates,” making quickly timed turns. Each skier gets two runs down the course and the fastest time (minus any penalties, and a missed gate is most common) for the two runs is the medalist for the meet. Individual results are combined by team and the team with the best time is the winner of the meet.
The course is marked by “gates” that are plastic poles drilled into the snow. Most skiers will pass closely by the gates and hit them with their arms or legs.
Coach Kenzie Burdick-Levang comments, “the skiers have guards on their poles and shins to help them, but after a race it may sting a bit.”
A unique aspect of Alpine racing is the girls race on one side of the hill and the boys on the other. They are not racing head-to-head against each other, but it is a great demonstration of co-educational athletics.
Sophia Admas was the top StormHawks girl’s finisher. She and Molly Bremhorst both had times under 1:00. Alex Bowe was the boys’ top finisher.
First year head-coach Chris Lappi shared that most Alpine skiers get their start at one of the local ski hills due to an individual interest or to enjoy an outdoor activity with their friends. During a meet the coaches meet with skiers after their runs and offer insights and direction on technique. Coach Lappi was encouraged by the teams’ strong performance at the meet.
“There are some good skiers here today, we’re doing great. There is a bit of icy conditions today, yet the team is skiing great”.
The results for the boys’ meet were: Orono, BSM and Bloomington Jefferson as top finishers. For the girls’ it was BSM, St. Louis Park and Jefferson.
The StormHawks’ next meet will be on Jan. 13 at Buck Hill.
