Alpine team scores in Giant Slalom

The Sisters High School Alpine Ski Team had their third Giant Slalom race of the season last Saturday at Willamette Pass Ski Resort.

The Outlaws girls team moved up the rankings to sixth out of 13 teams competing in the Oregon School Ski Association league. Betsy Ausman placed eighth; Cammi Benson placed ninth; Holland Hartman was 34th, and Erryn Ricker 46th.

"Betsy skied very aggressively today, and Cammi is consistently in the top 10. Two top-10 placings gave us a lot of team points. This was Erynn's first race on a GS course. She did an excellent job of turning early and staying balanced," said Coach Greg Ausman.

The Outlaws boys team ranked seventh in the team scoring. Individual placings were: John Banks 33rd and Lachlan Wood 34th, while Sam Lewis performed a spectacular departure off the course when he crashed and ejected both skis.

"Sam really went after it, caught a gate, and then had a yard sale on his second run," said Ausman.

After the race, team members, coaches, and parents enjoyed free skiing in the powder on the steep slopes of Willamette Pass.

"This is a lifetime sport. These kids are learning skills they can use skiing for the rest of their lives," said Ausman.