When the Durango High School alpine ski team is racing through gates at a competition, one thing they have to balance is going fast enough to place well, with going slow enough to stay in control of their skis.
The Demons have continued to improve and get faster throughout the year, and many of the skiers found the right balance to lay down a state-qualifying pair of runs.
“This has been one of my better seasons,” said senior Barron Bronson. “I have a third-place in slalom and a couple top-10s in giant slalom.”
In the past, he said, giant slalom was his favorite discipline, but that has changed this season.
“I used to like giant slalom, but I’ve been finishing better in slalom,” he said. “Slalom, it’s just faster. And I have pretty fast feet.”
Senior Madison LeSage also said she liked racing slalom because it’s “more active” with the gates closer together.
Bronson has qualified for state all four years racing for the Demons, and he’ll have a lot of teammates by his side this year at the championships. “A lot of my friends have qualified, which is cool,” he said.
Senior Renic Vincent qualified for the state championships for the first time this year and will get to race in giant slalom at the state meet. “It felt really awesome,” he said about his qualifying performance, noting that its sometimes tough to find the right balance between speed and control. “You want to go fast so you can qualify, but you don’t want to go too fast and crash,” he said. “Some (races) I’ve been too conservative and some I’ve blown out. This year I’ve been better at finding the balance.”
Senior Alaysia Cullum has also qualified for state in giant slalom while enjoying her last season racing for DHS.
“It’s been a lot more fun this year,” she said. “We’re like a big family. It’s also really fun to be there and support our team. It’s just fun to be there.”
DHS was scheduled to conclude its regular season Friday at Winter Park. It was the team’s final chance to qualify for state in slalom. Results weren’t available at press time, but some of athletes were trying to qualify for state in a second discipline, or a first.
“I have one more chance at Winter Park,” LeSage said at practice on Wednesday, noting that she likes racing there. “It’s a long hill and pretty steep.”
LeSage, however, said results haven’t been her top priority this season.
“This year, especially as a senior, it’s been a lot about enjoying it and having fun,” she said. “I’m not super worried.”
When she isn’t practicing with her team, LeSage said she free skis with her teammates so they sometimes ski together six days in a week. Cullum was stoked to land her first 360 this season, which has nothing to do with racing, but was still a highlight of her winter.
The Demons will head to the state championships on Thursday and Friday at Copper Mountain.
“I’m hoping for top-20 in both disciplines, and just finishing,” Bronson said.
“I’m just hoping to put down some solid runs,” Vincent said.
Regardless how the final races go, the Demons have supported each other throughout the year and enjoyed racing as fast as they can while staying in control.
“I think we’ve done well,” Cullum said. “Our attitudes are good, and we’re the most supportive team out there. Coach has a cowbell. Our team spirit is better than anyone else’s.”
