U14 Alpine Racers Return to HoliMont for State Championships
U14 Alpine Racers Return to HoliMont for State Championship
Special appearance by 2x Olympian and HoliMont alumni Tricia Mangan
From all across the state of New York U14 alpine racers and their families have come to experience our slice of ski heaven in WNY for the Mud Sweat n’ Gears (MSG) U14 State Championship.
“This weekend is unique … HoliMont is hosting the U14 State Championships and Holiday Valley is hosting the Kandahar,” Kim Reading, co-owner/operator of MSG told me. These two events will bring upwards of 500 ski racers to our beautiful village. “These families travel from ski resorts much larger than Holiday Valley and HoliMont.”
In talking with HoliMont’s Snowsports Director Travis Widger, he explained more about the selection process for an event such as this. “Each spring clubs bid on events to host for the following winter with consideration of cost, venue, location, and event size, among others.” (Writer’s note: I personally like to think the atmosphere our area provides helps, but I may be a little bias … Insert smirk here.)
“It is an honor to host events that promote healthy competition, create community, and spread the passion for winters sports in all,” Widger expressed. “Athletes will be looking to qualify for Eastern Regional Championships at Sugarbush, VT and Eastern Finals at West Mountain, NY. There will be 20 athletes who get to move on to these events.”
For several years, Mud, Sweat n' Gears has been the title sponsor for the New York State Ski Racing Association U14 Series. MSG co-owner Miguel Azcarate is passionate about ski racing in New York State and has strong emotional ties to the sport - he has coached thousands of athletes including former and current olympians. Azcarate has a way of talking about skiing without ever talking about skiing and it is remarkable. (I would watch people ski better just by being around him.)
“Not only is sponsoring the series a positive contribution to the ski racing community, it generates exposure to Mud, Sweat n' Gears. It's a mutually beneficial relationship,” Reading said lovingly. “This weekend provides a great opportunity for our local ski areas and the village to shine!”
This event is a big undertaking and in ski racing it is all about community. If you can you show up and help, you do. “All events take the help and effort from all departments at our resort from the General Manager to the Cleaning Staff to make sure that we have a top notch venue for our guests and athletes while many of our Membership also volunteer their time to ensure well run professional events while they showcase their Club,” Widger told me. If you want to get more involved in the future, call the HoliMont Snowsports School. A lot of times there is a free pass for course workers and volunteers. (Hint hint … wink wink … nudge nudge …)
HoliMont Race Club - now HoliMont Snowsports - began as a low key family based organization in 1967 and remains such today with a vibrant and growing community of winter sports enthusiasts from learn to ski and ride through life long enjoyment of winter sports. “We are thrilled to host the Technical Events, Giant Slalom, and Slalom for the U14 State Championships this season as we reminisce from the Olympics where we had 5 Alumni HoliMont Athletes Competing: Tricia Mangan, Kevin Drury, Megan Farrell, Jennifer Hawkrigg, and Kaylie Buck.”
AND GET THIS! Two time Olympian and HoliMont alumni Tricia Mangan, along with Canadian World Cup skier Stef Fleckenstein will be at Mud, Sweat n’ Gears signing posters on Friday, March 11th at 4:00pm!
The world of snowsports is ever growing and never ceases to amaze me. The joy it can bring to you is unlike any other sport and if you want to check out some of the action this weekend, the race finish will be at the bottom of the Cascade Chairlift at HoliMont; walking distance from the village! So get up, get out and enjoy!