U.S. Ski Team News - Disabled

Adaptive Alpine Camp Wraps at Hood

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

MT. HOOD, OR (July 1) – Despite bad weather and low snow pack, the U.S. Ski Team's adaptive alpine athletes were energized by a successful camp at Mt. Hood. Focusing on giant slalom speed training, the coaches and athletes worked hard and are looking forward to the upcoming Olympic season.

"We went above and beyond what we wanted to accomplish and got in some really good training," said Adaptive Alpine Head Coach Ray Watkins. "It was tough at the beginning, but we worked with it and it ended up being a very productive camp. Even though the snow pack wasn’t as good as last year, Timberline did everything they could to make it work and set up two really good separate speed programs."

Concentrating on speed, start, and tuck training, the athletes adjusted to the conditions and greatly benefited from the technological resources at the camp.

Adaptive alpine skier Ralph Green (Brooklyn, NY) appreciated the videos and photos they have incorporated into their training program.

"We learn a lot from videos and still photos, it captures the moment and we're incorporating that into our daily team meetings," said Green. "Also, our coaches are taking advantage of Dartfish, so we can closely analyze our form and our technique."

During the camp, athletes tried out new equipment and worked on tactics and mechanics.

"Every single athlete here has made some type of improvement in their skiing, and this is the time to do it, in these camps," said Green.

Not only was the camp a time for strength and technical development, it was also inspiring for the athletes, the coaching staff, and the younger skiers training alongside them.

"It's something for the kids to be training next to elite athletes. It’s a reality check that these kids look up to you, that you're a leader, that you're representing your nation, and being an example for these young athletes," Green said.

The camp was characterized by positive energy as the team elected a new captain, George Sansonetis (Fraser, CO) to lead them into an important Olympic season. The athletes were thrilled at the progress they made, their hard work resulting in a really productive two weeks.

On his personal experience at the camp, Green said, "Overall I improved a lot; I want to be fully prepared for Vancouver. I want to race better than I train, and I'm setting a bar for myself here. I think everyone is going to carry this energy into the next camp."

Pleased with the camp's outcome despite its challenges, Watkins looks forward to the months to come. "We had some lemons at the start and made some lemonade." At the sight of these athletes cruising down the hill at 60-65mph, "coaches' jaws were dropping. It was awe-inspiring. The staff is excited about the breakthroughs and the athletes echo that as well," said Watkins.

The adaptive alpine athletes will have some time off for the 4th of July before they delve into slalom and giant slalom tech training back at Mt. Hood on July 17.

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Adaptive Alpine Works On Snow in Hood

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

MT. HOOD, OR (June 15) - The U.S. Adaptive Alpine Ski Team will join the onslaught of U.S. athletes on the glacier this week as they take to the terrain of Mt. Hood for some crucial on snow time through the end of June.

"Getting back on snow for our team is a very important thing," said Head Coach Ray Watkins. "It's the foundation. They have some time to think about the things they're working on and digest it."

According to Watkins, the team will be training on a course set similarly to what they will see in Vancouver for the Paralympics.

"We have the advantage of knowing the track up in Vancouver and we're going to lay out that same track up here," Watkins said. "We'll build a little terrain so they have some air time and really hammer the 50 to 70 meter radius turns."

While the similarity to the Vancouver course is key, athletes are looking forward to getting ahead of the game by just being on snow so early before the season.

"Keeping the familiarity is important. It will help with the fall and not having such a large gap between time on snow," Allison Jones (standing; Colorado Springs, CO) said. "It's important if you want to be able to start full steam in the fall. If you were starting just in the fall there's no prep time, the equipment won't be figured out and a lot of stuff you'll have to start from scratch."

According to Watkins, an average day for the team at the camp will be getting on the glacier early in the morning, then spending time in the gym, watching video, and then rest.

"When we're working on skills we want to be able to have them be able to repeat them under the pressure of the Paralympics," Watkins said. "We want to have a good learning environment for them to learn these skills."

In addition to the importance of training on snow, Jones said being able to fine tune the settings of her equipment will be important for her.

"I'm really trying to get my equipment figured out. I had some issues last season with my boot and I want to work on that at the camp," Jones said. "I'm really just looking forward to getting on my ski."

Jones, who in addition to being a skier is an adaptive cyclist during the summer, will also be using her training to build strength for when she competes on her bike.

"I've got to train for cycling. I've got a full schedule in the afternoon. I'll do the gym workouts with the team," Jones said. I'm going to try to balance the two sports as evenly as possible and make sure I'm not putting one ahead of the other."

But, off-snow training aside, Watkins is focused on the task at hand.

"Speed is our strength and we always get good training up here at Mt. Hood. We're really going to hammer the fundamentals," Watkins said.

The Team will remain in Mt. Hood for the remainder of the month.

"It's a good camp and it's good to see everyone and see what it's going to look like for the season," Jones added. "I just take it as a camp, get through it and try to get all the goals accomplished."

Raymond Named Chef de Mission

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (June 10) - The U.S. Olympic Committee announced Monday that Steve Raymond, Senior Vice President of National Accounts for Disney and ESPN Media Networks, has been selected to serve as Chef de Mission of the U.S. Team for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games to be held in Vancouver, BC, March 12-21.

As Chef de Mission, Raymond's role is to provide leadership to the U.S. Paralympic Team during the 10 days of competition, as well as serve as the senior representative on behalf of the delegation with the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and other National Paralympic Committees (NPCs).

"The team is excited about Steve being named the Chef de Mission. Steve has been a tremendous supporter of the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team," U.S. Adaptive Program Director Sandy Metzger said. "His knowledge and passion for adaptive sports makes him the best candidate for this position."

"Steve Raymond is a great ambassador for the Paralympic movement both domestically and internationally," said Stephanie Streeter, USOC Acting Chief Executive Officer. "His personal commitment to growing Paralympic opportunities and awareness made him a unanimous choice for the USOC to select him as our leader for the 2010 Paralympic Games."

Raymond is a longtime leader in Paralympic sport. He serves on the board of directors for the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) in Winter Park, CO, and he previously served on the board of the USSA representing the adaptive alpine and nordic teams.

"I am honored to be named Chef de Mission for the 2010 U.S. Paralympic Team," said Raymond. "I have seen firsthand the incredible amount of effort and talent it takes to make the Paralympic Team. I am very humbled to help represent our country and the athletes in Vancouver."

Raymond is a co-founder and co-chair of SkiTAM, an annual fundraising ski event put on by the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Cable Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM), which generates funds for the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team. Since its inception 14 years ago, SkiTAM has raised more than $5 million from the cable television industry to benefit the team.

Raymond resides in Centennial, CO, with his wife RuthAnne and their four daughters.

More than 60 U.S. athletes will represent the 2010 U.S. Paralympic Team in Vancouver. Approximately 600 athletes from around the world will compete in five sports and more than 60 medal events.

Adaptive XC Trains On Snow in Steamboat

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO (June 9) - The U.S. Adaptive Cross Country Team wrapped up a two-week camp on Steamboat Springs' Rabbit Ears Pass last week. According to Head Coach Greg Rawlings, the foundation for the 2010 season has been set.

"It's early enough where they were able to figure out technically what they need to work on and I think it will carry them in to their summer when they head back to their home base and put the hours in," Rawlings said. 'They'll head home and hit the summer training more focused on being in shape for 2010."

According to Greg Mallory (Portland, OR), a two-time Paralympian, while the information the athletes heard at camp may not have been new, it was a helpful start to their summer training.

"I got two weeks of really great training at altitude and I think we gained a lot in the strength training area. We were in the gym quite a bit and we got some new ideas there as to different strength training exercises we can take with us," Mallory said. "None of it was really new, but it's always helpful to hear those things over again.

"I think the goal was to stay on snow for as long as possible while working on techniques to carry through the summer and into next season."

For Rawlings, the most important thing for the athletes to do when they were in Steamboat were soaking up the on-snow time before the summer, as well as experience a variety of activities to test their bodies.

"Our focus was volume on snow and just getting lots of time on snow," Rawlings said. "We also did lifting sessions, biking, roller skiing and kayaking. When we were on snow the purpose was to get hours in. Here they were able to get really tired, recover and train again. It allowed everyone to investigate what their body does."

Rawlings was also happy to have a few extra bodies in Steamboat to give the Team some insight on how they can keep their training up all summer.

"We had some able bodied skiers from Maine there as well. It was cool to see all these athletes training and look at what level they train. It was good to see athletes out there training no matter what," Rawlings.

The variety of training helped the athletes dial in their summer training programs, which they will do from home.

"Right now this is the time of year where you're building a base. Having that many hours of training is good, but more importantly it gets you focused on what you need to do through the summer and into the fall to be prepared," Mallory said. "I think we all have a good idea of what we need to do coming out of that camp."

Washburn Accepts Sanction For Doping Violation

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (June 5) - USADA announced that Brad Washburn (Highland Ranch, CO) an athlete in the sport of Paralympic alpine skiing, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a suspension for his doping offense.

Washburn, 22, tested positive for Carboxy THC, a marijuana metabolite in the class of Cannabinoids, in a sample collected on April 2, 2009 at the U.S. Adaptive Nationals. Cannabinoids are listed as Specified Substances and are prohibited under the rules of the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Paralympic Committee, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List. Cannabinoids are listed as Specified Substances because they could be susceptible to a credible non-doping explanation, and therefore use of those substances can result in a reduced sanction.

Washburn accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, which began on May 29, 2009, the day he accepted the sanction. As part of his sanction, the period of ineligibility was suspended and reduced to time served since he accepted a Provisional Suspension on May 13, 2009, after his completion of a USADA anti-doping educational program, which he completed on June 1, 2009. As a result of the doping violation, Washburn has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on April 2, 2009, the date of his positive test, through and including the date the doping education program was completed, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Guide to Prohibited Substances and Methods, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.

Washburn was a member of the U.S. Adaptive Alpine's B Team in the 2009 season.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.

Sarubbi Rings Opening Bell At NYSE

Mon, 4 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

NEW YORK (May 4) – U.S. Adaptive Ski Team member Caitie Sarubbi (Brooklyn, NY) had the honor Monday of ringing the opening bell to kickoff the week at the New York Stock Exchange. Sarubbi, a 19-year-old visually impaired athlete who has come up through the Adaptive Sports Foundation program at Windham Mountain, NY, is balancing studies at Harvard with her skiing career.

"It was an honor to ring the bell and also to represent the U.S. Ski Team and the Adaptive Sports Foundation. It was great to have that notoriety brought to those two organizations and I appreciate everyone who helped put it together," Sarubbi said. "I was nervous. I didn't want to screw up. But, you press a button and hold it for 10 seconds, then when it rings everyone claps and cheers. It was fun."

Caitie Sarubbi (center) rings the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. (Photo: Caitie Sarubbi)

Sarubbi was born with a Ablepharon Macrostomia Syndrome (AMS) that left her without eyelids. After countless surgeries over many years, she remains visually impaired.

She was introduced to skiing at the age of 11. The young athlete was invited to join her father, a New York firefighter, as a guest to The Hartford Ski Spectacular at Breckenridge, CO. That led to her following her newfound passion at the Adapative Sports Foundation.

"Skiing unleashed a feeling of freedom in me that I had never experienced before," she said. "I felt like I was on top of the world, and that nothing could ever stand in my way. For the first time I felt there was no boundaries, no limits, no disability. I was free to do whatever I wanted. I was fortunate enough to join the family of The Adaptive Sports Foundation, which served as the best place to continue this incredible journey."

The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization located at New York's Windham Mountain. The ASF provides over 2,800 lessons annually to individuals with cognitive or physical challenges. The ASF is among the leading adaptive sport programs in the country.

Sarubbi, who was on the 2009 development team, is nominated for the C Team for 2010 and hoping to qualify for her first Paralympic Team and compete in Vancouver. She is a pre-med undergrad at Harvard.

"Caitie is one of our athletes on the rise. At her first World Cup start in Whistler she was just off the podium. With a full time schedule of training, she can be competitive at the Paralympic Winter games next year," U.S. Adaptive Alpine Head Coach Ray Watkins said. "We are excited to have her for a full season. She is a very talented young lady."

Championships Wrap Up in Winter Park

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

WINTER PARK, CO (April 2) - The 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships wrapped up Thursday with Allison Jones (standing; Colorado Springs, CO) sweeping each of the five event titles for the women's standing division.

"I won all five events and I was really happy with my skiing. I changed up some of equipment last minute and it seemed to work really well with my skiing style," Jones said. "I hope to carry this flow into next year for the Paralympics."

Laurie Stephens (sit-ski; Wenham, MA), Tyler Walker (sit-ski; Franconia, NH) and Monte Meier (standing; Park City, UT) also each took national titles in super combined.

Jones was followed in the women's standing category by Elitsa Storey (standing; Fraser, CO) in second and Canadian Melanie Schwartz in third.

In the women's sitting class Stephens led the way followed by Stephani Victor (sit-ski; Park City, UT) in second and Alana Nichols (sit-ski; Winter Park, CO) in third.

Walker was followed by Chris Devlin-Young (sit-ski; Campton, NH) in the men's sitting class, and Carl Burnet (sit-ski; Winter Park, CO) was third.

Rounding things out was the men's standing class where Meier took the lead, followed by Australian Cameron Rahls-Rahbula in second and Brad Washburn (standing; Highland Ranch, CO) in third.

When all was said and done, Jones swept for women's standing, Meier took titles in slalom, downhill and super combined, Chris Devlin-Young took titles in downhill and giant slalom, Alana Nichols took titles in the downhill and super G, Laurie Stephens took titles in the super combined and giant slalom and Danielle Umstead (Winter Park, CO) swept the titles for women's visually impaired.

The 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships super combined race marked the close of the U.S. Adaptive Alpine Ski Team's season. Athletes now move into summer training in the lead up to the 2010 Paralympics.

SUMMARY OF CHAMPIONS

SLALOM
Danielle Umstead
Allison Jones
Stephani Victor
Monte Meier
Gerald Hayden

GIANT SLALOM
Danielle Umstead
Laurie Stephens
Allison Jones
Chris Devlin-Young
Camero Rahls-Rahbula (AUS)

DOWNHILL
Chris Devlin-Young
Monte Meier
Alana Nichols
Allison Jones
Danelle Umstead

SUPER G
Danielle Umstead
Alana Nichols
Allison Jones
Heath Calhoun
Jeff Dickson

SUPER COMBINED
Danielle Umstead
Laurie Stephens
Allison Jones
Tyler Walker
Monte Meier

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships
Winter Park, CO - April 2, 2009
Super Combined

Men's Sit-Ski
1. Tyler Walker, Franconia, NH, 1:49.94
2. Chris Devlin-Young, Campton, NH, 1:51.01
3. Carl Burnett, Winter Park, CO, 1:51.47
4. Gerald Hayden, Merced, CA, 1:54.53
5. Erik Bayindirli, Deer Mountain, UT, 1:55.95

Men's Standing
1. Monte Meier, Park City, UT, 1:51.62
2. Cameron Rahls-Rahbula, Australia, 1:52.35
3. Brad Washburn, Highland Ranch, CO, 1:52.98
4. Jeff Dickson, Canada, 1:56.12
5. Ralph Green, Vail, CO, 1:56.53

Women's Sit-Ski
1. Laurie Stephens, Wenham, MA, 2:00.39
2. Stephani Victor, Park City, UT, 2:00.60
3. Alana Nichols, Winter Park, CO, 2:01.61
4. Luba Lowery, Cumberland Foreside, ME, 2:11.59
5. Maggie Wauters, Westford, MA, 2:28.51

Women's Standing
1. Allison Jones, Colorado Springs, CO, 1:57.08
2. Elitsa Storey, Fraser, CO, 2:03.95
3. Melanie Schwartz, Canada, 2:08.69
4. Emily Jansen, Australia, 2:14.75
5. Amber Avery, Parker, CO, 2:59.17
# # #

Jones Picks Up Fourth Title

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

WINTER PARK, CO (April 2) - Allison Jones (standing; Colorado Springs, CO) kicked off the final day of racing at the 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships with her fourth U.S. title as she finished first in the women's standing division during the super G race Thursday. It was Jones' fourth win in four events.

Jones was followed by Elitsa Storey (standing; Fraser, CO) in second and Canadian Melanie Schwartz in third.

In the women's sitting class Alana Nichols (sit-ski; Winter Park, CO) locked down her second title with a win, followed by Laurie Stephens (sit-ski; Wenham, MA) in second and Stephani Victor (sit-ski; Park City, UT) in third.

Canadian Jeff Dickson won the super G in the men's standing class. He was followed by Brad Washburn (standing; Highland Ranch, CO) who finished second and took the U.S. title, and Monte Meier (standing; Park City, UT) finished third.

Heath Calhoun (sit-ski; Snowmass Village, CO) took the U.S. title in the men's sitting division. Chris Devlin-Young (sit-ski; Campton, NH) finished second and Tyler Walker (sit-ski; Franconia, NH) was third.

The action at the 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships continues later on Thursday with the super combined.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships
Winter Park, CO - April 2, 2009
Super G

Men's Sit-Ski
1. Heath Calhoun, Snowmass Village, CO, 1:04.19
2. Chris Devlin-Young, Campton, NH, 1:04.90
3. Tyler Walker, Franconia, NH, 1:05.55
4. Gregory Peck, Winter Park, CO, 1:05.68
5. Carl Burnett, Winter Park, CO, 1:06.24

Men's Standing
1. Jeff Dickson, Canada, 1:08.97
2. Brad Washburn, Highland Ranch, CO, 1:09.24
3. Monte Meier, Park City, UT, 1:09.85
4. Cameron Rahls-Rahbula, Australia, 1:10.51
5. Ralph Green, Vail, CO, 1:11.34

Women's Sit-Ski
1. Alana Nichols, Winter Park, CO, 1:06.35
2. Laurie Stephens, Wenham, MA, 1:06.42
3. Stephani Victor, Park City, UT, 1:09.93
4. Luba Lowery, Cumberland Foreside, ME, 1:15.52
5. Anna Turney, Great Britain, 1:18.53

Women's Standing
1. Allison Jones, Colorado Springs, CO, 1:11.44
2. Elitsa Storey, Fraser, CO, 1:15.62
3. Melanie Schwartz, Canada, 1:17.66
4. Emily Jansen, Australia, 1:21.43
5. Amber Avery, Parker, CO, 1:44.07
# # #

Jones Takes Third Title in Downhill

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

WINTER PARK, CO (March 31) - Allison Jones (standing; Colorado Springs, CO) locked down her third U.S. title Tuesday as she finished nearly a second ahead of the competition in the downhill at the 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships.

Jones was followed in the women's standing class by Elitsa Storey (Fraser, CO) in second and Australia's Emily Jansen in third.

In the women's sitting division local skier Alana Nichols (sit-ski; Winter Park, CO) took the U.S. title in first, followed by Laurie Stephens (sit-ski; Wenham, MA) in second and Anna Turney of Great Britain in third.

Chris Devlin-Young (sit-ski; Campton, NH) took first for the men's sitting division, followed by Joe Tompkins (sit-ski; Juneau, AK) in second and Canadian Luke Donovan in third.

In the men's standing division Australian Cameron Rahls-Rahbula won the downhill race followed by Canadian Jeff Dickson in second and Monte Meier (standing; Park City, UT) finished third to take the U.S. title.

The 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships continues Thursday with both super G and super combined races.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships
Winter Park, CO - March 31, 2009
Downhill

Men's Sit-Ski
1. Chris Devlin-Young, Campton, NH, 1:01.43
2. Joe Tompkins, Juneau, AK, 1:02.84
3. Luke Donovan, Canada, 1:04.21
4. Sam Ferguson, Aspen, CO, 1:05.68
5. Carl Burnett, Winter Park, CO, 1:05.88

Men's Standing
1. Cameron Rahls-Rahbula, Australia, 1:05:38
2. Jeff Dickson, Canada, 1:09.08
3. Monte Meier, Park City, UT, 1:10.29
4. Ralph Green, Vail, CO, 1:10.65
5. Ted Broderick, Amherst, NH, 1:11.16

Women's Sit-Ski
1. Alana Nichols, Winter Park, CO, 1:04.07
2. Laurie Stephens, Wenham, MA, 1:07.65
3. Anna Turney, Great Britain, 1:14.27
4. Stephani Victor, Park City, UT, 1:15.69
5. Luba Lowery, Cumberland Foreside, ME, 1:35.28

Women's Standing
1. Allison Jones, Colorado Springs, CO, 1:13.21
2. Elitsa Storey, Fraser, CO, 1:14.16
3. Emily Jansen, Australia, 1:22.35
4. Amber Avery, Parker, CO, 1:43.67
# # #

Jones Wins Second Gold

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

WINTER PARK, CO (March 29) - Allison Jones (standing; Colorado Springs, CO) made it two U.S. titles in as many days as she won the giant slalom at the 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships Sunday.

"I had a lot of fun and I always enjoy skiing at Winter Park," Jones said. "This is a great hill that present a lot of natural challenge. I hope to continue this and have fun in the speed events."

Chris Devlin-Young (sit-ski; Campton, NH) won the men's sitting division U.S. title, followed by Nick Catanzarite (sit-ski; Winter Park, CO) in second and Tyler Walker (sit-ski; Franconia, NH) in third.

"I had a decent first run and I was just barely in the lead, but on the second I got late for a few gates and it was enough to be overtaken by CDY and Nick, who skied very well," Walker said. "Both runs were a lot of fun though and it was awesome to have such a tight race."

Laurie Stephens (sit-ski; Wenham, MA) won the women's sit ski title for the U.S. Stephani Victor (sit-ski; Park City, UT) in second and Luba Lowery (sit-ski; Cumberland Foreside, ME) in third.

"Today's race went well, it was a beautiful sunny day with perfect snow conditions," Victor said. "I am still feeling a little burnt from the non-stop travel so I just could get enough juice to seal the win, but I felt good about my skiing overall."

Cameron Rahls-Rahbula of Australia won the men's giant slalom. Brad Washburn (standing; Highland Ranch, CO) finished second and, as the top U.S. finisher, took the title. Monte Meier (standing; Park City, UT) was third.

The 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships continues Tuesday with the downhill.

Click here for complete results.

Jones Kicks Off U.S. Champs With Win

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

WINTER PARK, CO (March 28) - The 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships kicked off Saturday with Allison Jones (standing; Colorado Springs, CO), Stephani Victor (sit-ski; Park City, UT), Monte Meier (standing; Park City, UT) and Gerald Hayden (sit-ski; Merced, CA) each taking the slalom title in their respective skiing classes.

"I am so psyched to win the slalom today," Victor said. "I just love the U.S. Champs, its always so much fun and a great way to wrap-up our season."

According to Victor, athletes who train at Winter Park had the advantage of being familiar with the challenging slalom course.

"The race course was really fun and challenging with its double fall-line and you can tell the athletes who train here ski it well, like my teammate Gerald Hayden who won in the men’s mono division," Victor said. "We had beautiful weather, the course was in great shape and it was just an all out-rip fest!"

For Jones, the day was all about being able to ski with the future of her sport.

"I had a lot of fun skiing with a great group future teammates," Jones said. "This event is a great opportunity to show the next generation of athletes where they can be after a few years of hard work."

The 2009 Hartford U.S Adaptive Alpine Championships continue Sunday with men's and women's giant slalom.

For complete results click here.

Hartford Alpine Champs at Winter Park

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

WINTER PARK, CO (March 26) - World Champion Stephani Victor (Park City, UT), along with World Cup titlists Laurie Stephens (Wenham MA), Tyler Walker (Franconia, NH) and Chris Devlin-Young (Campton, NH) will highlight the field at The Hartford U.S. Adaptive Alpine Championships that begin Saturday (March 28) at Winter Park Resort. Also contending will be World Championship medalist Allison Jones (Colorado Springs, CO), who swept podiums in her class a year ago. Racing continues through April 2 at the Colorado resort.

The event marks the first time Winter Park has played host to the U.S. Championships since 1987. Long a pioneer in adaptive skiing, Winter Park and the National Sports Center for the Disabled are jointly producing the event with USSA Adaptive. A strong field of around 70 athletes are expected.

"We're excited for the field of competitors here in Winter Park, " said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Adaptive Director Sandy Metzger. "There are new athletes on the horizon for the future U.S. Adaptive Ski Team."

Among the atheltes is a growing number if visually impaired. "It's great to see the growing enthusiasm in this category where we have not been competing for a few years."

The Hartford U.S. Adaptive Alpine Championships
Saturday, March 28 - Slalom
Sunday, March 29 - Giant slalom
Monday, March 30 - Downhill training
Tuesday, March 31 - Downhill training
Wednesday, April 1 - Downhill
Thursday, April 2 - Super G/slalom - combined

Hayden Lands First World Cup Podium

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

WHISTLER, BC (March 14) - The U.S. Adaptive Alpine Ski Team wrapped up its World Cup season with four podium finishes Saturday during a slalom. Newly crowned giant slalom World Cup champion Laurie Stephens (sit-ski; Wenham, MA) led the team with a second place at the site of the 2010 Paralympic Games.

"I did much better than I normally do in slalom," Stephens said. "Being in there and coming in second was huge for me. I'm looking forward to slalom now, which is weird for me to say."

Following Stephens were three third place finishes by Allison Jones (standing; Colorado Springs, CO), Stephani Victor (sit-ski; Park City, UT), who finished third in the overall standings, and Gerald Hayden (sit-ski; Merced, CA).

"I am super stoked about the third place finish. It was my first World Cup podium," Hayden said. "It felt pretty good to upset the natural order of things in men's sitting slalom. I think I surprised a lot of the other teams."

According to Hayden, the key to his newfound World Cup success lies in new equipment and training regiments.

"It was a combination of new training program and a new mono ski that really starting to work for me," Hayden said.

The slalom marked the close of the 2009 adaptive World Cup season. U.S. athletes now look ahead to U.S. Championships March 28 - April 2.

Stephens Takes GS Globe

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

WHISTLER, BC (March 13) - With one day left in the IPC World Cup Finals Laurie Stephens (sit-ski; Wenham, MA) threw down two amazing runs to take the win in giant slalom as well as the discipline globe Friday.

"I've usually done pretty well in giant slalom, but I've had a couple rough years, so it was nice getting back to where I felt good about my skiing," Stephens said. "Winning the globe was a surprise and it made it feel like the work I put in paid off."

According to Stephens, who was the only U.S. athlete to make the podium in the giant slalom, the first run was a hard fought challenge due to the way the gates were set.

"The first run was set kind of funny and it really made you work the whole way down. It definitely wasn't a feel good run," Stephens said. "Second run was set more rhythmically and worked with the hill better. I think both of my runs went ok."

Now, with the win and globe in hand, Stephens said she is looking forward to returning to the hill in 2010 to fight for the Paralympic gold.

"I really like the hill. It's going to be really fun to go back there in 2010 for the Paralympics," Stephens said. "It's great and it should be great to do it again."

The 2009 IPC World Cup Finals wrap up Saturday with a slalom.

For complete results click here.

Klebl Third at Mount Washington XC

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

MOUNT WASHINGTON, BC (March 12) - Chris Klebl (Heber City, UT) led the way for the U.S. Adaptive Cross Country Ski Team Thursday as he powered his way to a third-place finish during a World Cup middle distance race at Mount Washington.

"I was fired up that I felt better and was able to ski to my potential," Klebl said. "A podium is a great way to end the season"

Irek Zaripov and Roman Petushkov of Russia finished first and second in the man's middle distance race. Klebl was followed for U.S. results by Sean Halsted (Ephrata, WA) who was 10th.

In the women's middle distance race Monica Bascio (Evergreen, CO) finished eighth, while Liudmila Vauchok of Belarus won. Canadian Colette Bourgonje was second and Olena Iurkovska of the Ukraine was third.

The U.S. Adaptive Cross Country Team will race long distance at Mount Washington on Saturday.

For complete results click here.

Devlin-Young Takes World Cup Title

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

WHISTLER, BC (March 12) - Thursday marked another success for the U.S. Adaptive Alpine Ski Team as Chris Devlin-Young took the super G globe during a super combined at the site of the 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver.

Devlin-Young led the way for a great deal of success as teammate Stephani Victoe (sit-ski; Park City, UT) finished second in the hunt for the women's super G globe.

"This is the first time I have been in the lead for the super G overall standings and I was really looking for the win. Unfortunately I was not able to execute my plan and I blew out of the course," Victor said. "I am still pleased to finish second overall and I am very excited for my teammate Chris Devin-Young who continues to lead the charge in the super G."

In the race itself, Laurie Stephens (sit-ski; Wenham, MA) took first in the super combined, and she, along with Devlin-Young, each took third in the super G.

"The entire staff is thrilled for Chris and Laurie," U.S. Adaptive Ski Team Head Coach Ray Watkins said. "We are excited for tomorrows GS and hope we can continue with this momentum from today."

The Team competes in a giant slalom on Saturday before finishing out the series with slalom on Sunday.

Click here for results.

Walker, Stephens Take Cup Titles

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

WHISTLER, BC (March 11) - The U.S. Adaptive Alpine Ski Team picked up two World Cup titles Wednesday with Tyler Walker (sit-ski; Franconia, NH) and Laurie Stephens (sit-ski; Wenham, MA) finishing first in the downhill standings as the World Cup Finals got underway at the 2010 Paralympic venue.

PHOTO: Chris Devlin-Young (right) congratulates World Cup winner Tyler Walker. (U.S. Ski Team-Erik Leirfallom)

"I had the best run I have had so far on this course, I felt really good," said Walker, who finished fifth to secure the downhill globe. "All the coaches and ski techs helped me a lot this whole season to win this globe and I am very thankful."

During the downhill race Stephens and Chris Devlin-Young (sit-ski; Campton, NH) each finished second in the sit-ski downhill and Danielle Umstead (Winter Park, CO) finished third.

"I left nothing on the hill today. To be on the podium in this field is a great accomplishment," said Devlin-Young, who finished third in the downhill standings. "I can't wait to come back here next year for the Paralympics"

In total the adaptive squad ended up with nine athletes who attained top 10 finishes in addition to the globes.

"It’s a great hill and we are really looking forward to returning next year and getting more of the U.S. Team on the podium," Head Coach ray Watkins added.

The Team will compete again Thursday in a super combined.

Click here for results.

PHOTO: Laurie Stephens shows off her World Cup globe. (U.S. Ski Team-Erik Leirfallom)

Bascio Third in Whistler

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

WHISTLER, B.C. (March 5) - The U.S. Ski Team's Monica Bascio (sit-ski; Evergreen, CO) went all out Thursday to take third in an IPC Cross Country World Cup in Whistler.

"Monica put on her game face today and had a good race," Adaptive Cross Country Head Coach Greg Rawlings said.

Bascio, who finished on the podium in the women's 5k, led the way for the U.S. Team competing at the site of the 2010 Paralympics, which included Chris Klebl (sit-ski; Heber City, UT) who finished eighth.

Three other U.S. men finished within the top 20, including Greg Mallory (sit-ski; Portland, OR) in 17th, Sean Halsted (sit-ski; Ephrata, WA) in 18th and Andrew Soule (sit-ski; Pearland, TX) in 19th.

The IPC Cross Country World Cup in Whistler wraps up Saturday with men's and women's sprint races.

For complete results click here.

Devlin-Young Takes Downhill Bronze

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 MST

KANGWONLAND, Korea (Feb. 28) - Chris Devlin-Young Pulled in his first medal of the 2009 IPC World Championships in Korea, taking the bronze in the downhill Saturday.

"It's a true privileged to race among the best in the world," Devlin-Young said. "Today I had lightning fast skis, one small mistake and I'm in third. I'm happy with my run and can't wait for the next downhill."

Devlin-Young finished behind Joshus Dueck of Canada, who won, and silver medalist Harald Eder of Austria.

According to U.S. Adaptive Alpine Ski team Head Coach Ray Watkins, Devlin-Young's success will be an asset for him as he and the Team head into World Cup finals.

"Great to see CDY come from behind to earn a World Championship medal today," Watkins said. "The entire staff is really happy for his result and we are excited to take this momentum to Whistler for World Cup finals."

Stephani Victor (Park City, UT) was ready to lay down another medal-earning run when a bump sent her off course for a DNF.

"Stephani was pushing her limit today hit a bump and got bounced out of the course," Watkins said. "Hard to see her end the World Championships in the fence but she was going all out for the podium. She banged up her hand a little bit, but she should be in good shape for World Cup finals."

The IPC World Championships wrap up on Sunday with the team event before athletes make their way to World Cup finals in Whistler, B.C.

For complete results click here.

Super G Silver for Victor

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 MST

KANGWONLAND, Korea (Feb. 24) - Stephani Victor (Park City, UT) won her fourth medal of the International Paralympic Committee's Alpine Skiing World Championships Tuesday, taking silver in the super G in Korea. Victor had already pocketed gold in the slalom, giant slalom and super combined in the sitting division.

The super G started out with rock hard snow conditions. But during the race the snow quickly turned into soft springlike conditions, which made it especially difficult for one legged skiers.

"I am very pleased with my silver medal finish today," said Victor. "The race course was set fast with technical sections, so it was perfect for me. The name of the game at this point in the Championships is mental focus and physical conditioning - both strengths of mine."

Victor was well aware of the importance of pre-season preparation in her success in Korea. "I am so thankful for all the hours spent concentrating on our strength and conditioning, and this morning I felt in top form and ready to win," she said. "As I went out of the start first, I felt like I was just ripping and this was one of my best runs in SG ever – it was fun! The line the coaches picked was the fast one and solid over the jumps. I really thought I could have skied my way into a fourth first place finish. Life is good. Bring on the downhill!"

Head Coach Ray Watkins said it was a straight forward super G, which Victory skied pretty much mistake free.

"With the quickly changing snow conditions, if a racer was not right on the race line, they would get stuck in the super soft glue-like snow just outside the line and it would kill all of their speed," he said.

Chris Devlin-Young (Campton, NH) led the men for the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team, finishing fifth. Allison Jones (Colorado Springs, CO), who has already won a pair of silver medals, was sixth.

The Team will now head into several days of downhill training at the World Championships before Saturday's downhill.