Despite missing several top skiers, the Purgatory Alpine Ski Team showed its skill and depth last weekend during the second leg of the Southern Series competition at Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico.
During the two-day slalom event, Purgatory athletes stood on the podium 35 times and claimed several other top-10 finishes. In addition to experienced team members, several athletes from the team’s feeder programs (Snow Demons and Race Tigers) made the trip to the Land of Enchantment for their first-ever competition.
Under sunny skies, but unseasonably warm conditions, the alpine racers were cheered on by a loud, enthusiastic crowd of supporters that lined a knoll overlooking the Lower Stauffenburg course.
Top performers for the girls were Isabelle Washburn (three gold medals), Abbey Shepard (two silver, one bronze), Madison LeSage (four bronze) and Skylar Thorpe (bronze).
Girls who turned in top-10 performances included Anna Cheesewright, Aleah Austin, Chloe Hirst, Gracie Henig, Madison Henig, Zoe Kiesel, Paige Thompson, and rookies Grace Tranum and Zoe Ramsey.
Wiley Corra led the boys with three gold and one bronze. Other top performers were Finn Scarpella (two gold, two silver), Barron Bronson (gold, three silver), Zach Oliver (gold, two silver, bronze), Harry LeSage (two gold, silver), Toby Scarpella (three silver), and Holden Bronson (two bronze).
Boys with top 10 finishes included Kaleb Ledbetter, Wes Jackson, Dane Englund, Jack Englund and rookie Elliot Tranum.
The Purgatory Alpine Ski Team is attempting to capture its fourth consecutive Southern Series championship. Known as “The Birdie Cup,” the team championship is determined by point totals gathered during three Southern Series races. Other programs in the Southern Series include the Flagstaff Area Ski Team (Arizona Snowbowl), Taos Winter Sports Team (Taos Ski Valley), Santa Fe Ski Team (Ski Santa Fe), Los Alamos Ski Team (Pajarito Ski Mountain) and Team Angel Fire (Angel Fire Resort).
The Southern Series finale will be held at Durango Mountain Resort the weekend of March 21-22. It will include giant slalom races Saturday and slalom races Sunday.
