They played into March, when some spring teams had already started league play. But they were not the last team still competing, and not even the highest state finisher. That honor would belong to the ski team.
The girls' ski team finished second in the State, and skiers Madeline Lu and Martin Rejmanek both finished third in the state in their individual races. They will each compete next weekend in Loveland, Colo., at the Western Regional High School Championships.
I was able to catch up with coach Jim Sanchirico, who gave his thoughts on this season and his two stars.
"The girls' team over the last four years has placed first, fourth, third and second in the state (in that order),” he said. “They have been a dominant force in the state, and the current seniors have been a large part of that success (Madeline, Reese, Olivia, Emma and Raisa). It has been a privilege to work with them over the last four years.”
Madeline, who entered high school with racing experience, has been remarkable for her consistency and level of performance. It is one thing to have the skills and abilities, but another to do so week after week and year after year. She is impressive as a person and athlete.
"Our girls' success has helped us build one of the state's largest teams,” Sanchirico said. “I look forward to guiding this young group to future state championship contention."
The boys' team has been improving all year, and they pulled off one of their best performances in the slalom race, placing third in the state. The team excelled despite very challenging, icy conditions.
Shifting to individual performers, Martin finished third in the event. Unlike Madeline, Martin came into ninth grade with no ski racing background. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch his improvement. He is now beating kids who have been ski-racing their whole lives, yet he has only been doing it for 2 ½ years. In many respects, Martin epitomizes high school ski racing and why it is so fun to be part of it.
Lu has battled through injuries, falls and poor course setups, yet reached the podium at the state meet. I was able to get some insight into the season from the senior.
"Early in the season, I had fractured my lateral tibial plateau but was able to come back with manageable pain,” Lu said. “Overall, my experience at my last state championship was very positive. The slalom race did not go as well as I had hoped. Due to some machinery error on Sugar Bowl’s part, the part of the run we were on was a sheet of pure ice.
“After running the first 30 athletes, only 14 had finished, with the majority of the top athletes falling in the same spot, myself included. The race department decided to restart the race, running on a new section of the run and using only one run, rather than the typical two-run format.
“Unfortunately, my fall, where I slid about halfway down the pitch, left me pretty bruised and mentally shaken, and I struggled to refocus for the new race. We face many obstacles, including the weather. Early in the season, we were very unfortunate with the warm temperatures and lack of snow. Ski racing is unique, and I never expect consistency. Weather, snow conditions, course sets, and many other factors impact ski racing and practices every day, and it ultimately comes down to adaptability, a quality that the DHS team really emphasizes."
On the boys' side, Rejmanek would represent Davis High on the podium, finishing third in the slalom.
"The State meet was a lot of fun,” he said. “We were lucky to compete at our home resort. It was a great atmosphere, with each team helping the others. You were able to get to know everyone and make some connections that will last.
“I was happy with my racing. It was a bit nerve-racking racing after seeing so many of the girls fall. I was the first one out on the course and didn't know what to expect. Luckily, I was able t... Click here to read full article
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