Generally, we can count on each winter to bring us hot chocolate, warm blankets, and the occasional, unexpected snow day. This winter was different; one day would present a white wintry scene, and the next would bring 50 degree weather with tons of rain.
While some people loved the snowstorms, most MLHS ski team members were bummed to have to race in 20 inches of slush. However, the MLHS ski team persisted.
This year, ski team kicked off their season with their fun parent-child zumba class, an annual highlight for many ski team members. The success of this event was followed up by another successful fundraiser: selling laker pom-pom hats.
Four days each week, the MLHS ski team loaded onto the familiar bus that would take them to Mountain Creek, with a pit stop at their favorite bagel place. The ski team practices ran from 4:20 to 6:30, during which the students would bond over music and a fiery passion for hitting the slopes. During “dry land,” the ski team’s version of preseason, the team usually played volleyball, tennis, soccer, yoga, or went on short runs around town.
When the big race day finally came, MLHS Ski team really knew how to shred the slopes. Before the race, the ski team members would get changed into their ski suits. Next, they would get on the slope and “slip it,” which means they went down the course in a pizza formation with their skis to see what kinds of turns today’s course would bring, with feedback from their coaches.
When speaking with some of the senior ski team members as they reflected on their final season, Karis Vecchione noted that before a big race: “You are quite nervous because it is just not about you. Yes, it is an individual sport but you are a part of something bigger than yourself, and we want to win as a team.”
Senior skier Ana Zorlas added: “The ski races are really fun and nerve-racking before you fly (or slowly descend) down the course.” Besides the fun team-bonding events, including team dinners and friendly bowling nights at Boonton Lanes, Senior Lauren McCrink shared that “the best part about being on a team is, of course, having people with the same interests and talents by your side everyday. We all became closer and have a lot more fun together.”
After talking with these ski team veterans, it seems like the overall atmosphere is very calming because everyone is accepted and all types of skiers are welcome. One can only imagine how exhilarating it is to hear your friends cheer you on, with the finish line and the blur of the crowd in sight. One skier said, “It’s about improving yourself as a skier and person. It’s definitely the happiest sport in the high school.”
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Very nice article. Sure the girls had a wonderful season. Thank you for shareing.