Sisters racers start new season

The Outlaws Alpine Ski Racers of Sisters High School begin the new race season this week on the slopes of Mt. Bachelor.

According to Head Coach Todd Williver the race roster has expanded to include 19 racers, up 25 percent from last year.

Returning from last year's team are girls' team cornerstones Liz Dale, Annie Hancock and Jenna Sneva, supplemented by Bethany Bachman, Nicole Veloso and newcomer Natalie Wiegand.

The boys' team is anchored by Michael Cristiano, Nick Anthony and Dominick DeLeone with strong support by returnees Jake Thomas, Davis Rapp and Lucas Rietman. Six newcomers hold out promise for the Outlaws boys. Eric Alder, Nick Cristiano, Andrew and Stephen Enger, Cavan Jacobson and Skye Ling-Scott all joined the team this year, doubling the size of the boys' team.

The Sisters school will compete against Redmond and Bend high schools in six consecutive league races beginning January 6. The results of those races will qualify teams for eligibility for the Oregon State Championship in early March.

"We're always right there slugging it out with the larger Central Oregon schools," said Williver. "We've taken either a team or individuals to the championship every year for the past decade, and I don't expect anything different this year."

Williver admits the team is a young team, full of potential but still building technique and confidence.

"With any luck we'll all come together at the right time and really surprise the rest of the teams in the league," he said.

Supporters can watch the Outlaws race for the next six Saturday mornings, beginning January 6, on the alpine race hills at Mt. Bachelor.