Leading in 2018!
On Tuesday, January 2 the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) hosted their New Year’s Giant Slalom (GS). There was a men’s and women’s race with athletes ranging from U16 (under 16 years of age) to Senior (over 21 years of age) levels. In the women’s division, NYSEF and Winter Term athlete, Norah Dempsey (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) took first place overall and in the U16 division.
Dempsey felt “good on the course” and led early. When Dempsey was asked if there was any special ritual before her run, she answered, “to think positive…be consistent and tuck to the finish.” Dempsey’s goal this season is to make Eastern Championships. Dempsey is a part of NYSEF’s Winter Term program. The Winter Term program allows aspiring junior athletes the opportunity to access top-tier training and coaching opportunities, while continuing remotely in their school’s curricula through one-on-one tutoring support. There are several options for Winter Term. Although Dempsey is excited for January’s Winter Term to begin, she will miss some of the athletes from the December term that have gone back home for schooling and training. When Dempsey is not skiing, she enjoys mountain biking and playing soccer. She plans to be a frequent visitor to Lake Placid after the season and hopes to attend Northwood in the near future.
In the men’s division, top NYSEF and Northwood athlete, Jake Reynolds (Rowayton, C.T.) placed sixth place. Reynolds was also the top U19 athlete. Reynolds favorite part of the day was the ‘second run in between the twin tower and head wall.” Reynolds was confident before his second run because he inspected well. This resulted in his time which was a second faster than first run. Reynolds goals this season is to ski consistency in Slalom and be a top competitor in Empire State Games.
Reynolds is a year ahead of Dempsey. He started Northwood last year, “it was a nice change from being a weekend warrior to keeping up with the sport and training every day.” Reynolds is excited for his next race, a Super G at Whiteface in two weeks.
The NYSEF Community is excited for these athletes and their charisma in the sport of ski racing.