Alpine skiers race in white-out

Winter conditions were blustery for the Sisters High School Alpine Ski Team's first slalom race of the season. High winds, blowing snow, and soft snowpack made the course "a rodeo," according to Head Coach Greg Ausman.

"Many racers disqualified, missed gates, and DNF (did not finish) the course, but our kids skied strong."

Betsy Ausman, senior and co-captain of the team, made two consistent runs, which placed her sixth overall.

"Betsy did a great job. Her transitions were smooth, and she made the most of the rough course," said Coach Ausman.

Senior and co-captain Cammi Benson placed 15th.

"The wind picked up during Cammi's run, so she was skiing practically blind in the white-out conditions. But she went after it anyway, made clean runs, and placed well," said Assistant Coach Kelly Martin Davis.

Holland Hartman placed 32nd overall.

"This was Holland's first slalom race, and she did everything she needed to do. This was an especially challenging course, and Holland stayed focused, in spite of the snow conditions," said Ausman.

The girls team placed seventh out of the 13 teams competing.

On the boys team, Lachlan Wood placed 23rd overall.

"Lachlan caught an edge on his first run, but he made a quick recovery and kept racing," said Coach Davis Martin.

Freshman John Banks placed 25th.

"John had the most consistent runs on the men's team. In conditions like this, it pays off to be conservative. He skied strong and his technique was excellent all the way through the course," said Ausman.

Newcomer to the team this year is Sam Lewis.

"Sam missed a gate and blew out of the course on his first run. His second run was equally as exciting -he caught a gate with a ski near the end, which spun him around, and instead of trying to turn back around, he just finished the course backwards! Whatever works, as long as it's legal," said Martin Davis with a laugh.

The boys team scored team points which ranked them seventh out of the 13 teams competing.