Ski teams dominate the slopes in Hoodoo races

The Sisters High School Alpine ski team was a squad to be reckoned with in their first Emerald Ski League race of the season. They put on a show of their exceptional depth and talent in the Wednesday, January 15, Giant Slalom event at Hoodoo Ski Area. Fifteen high schools were represented in the league, drawing racers from Central Oregon and the Willamette Valley.

Photo by Jack Turpen

Ella Eby skis for a strong Outlaws squad.

Sisters girls team was exceptional; seven racers finished in the top 10. Ella Eby claimed the top spot with a decisive combined time of 1:20.64, posting the fastest times in both runs. Ava Riehle took second place with a combined time of 1:22.96 and Tallis Grummer rounded out the all-Sisters podium with a time of 1:25.80.

The Sisters girls continued their dominant showing throughout the field. Mary Roberts took fifth place (1:27.39), Pia Grummer finished seventh (1:29.43), and Payten Adelt and Brooke Duey posted times of 1:31.08 and 1:31.57 respectively, which secured them the eighth and ninth places overall.

Lauren Sitz finished 11th (1:33.09) and Kiara Martin 13th (1:34.57). Grace Hudson (1:46.40) and Lily Holtsberg (2:24.46) finished both their runs, and Khloe Kohl and Georgia West each put down a single run. In the provisional division, composed of seventh and eighth graders, Sydney Welbourn represented Sisters with a winning time of 1:43.22.

The Lady Outlaws posted a decisive win overall in the team competition, posting a combined time of 4:09.40. South Eugene finished second (4:33.94) and Marist rounded out the team podium in third with a combined time of 4:41.18.

Coach Natalie Grummer said, "Sisters' victory margin of more than 24 seconds over South Eugene highlighted their exceptional skiing strength and consistency."

Photo by Jack Turpen

Tallis Grummer in the Giant Slalom as the Outlaws dominated the slopes in Alpine action at Hoodoo last week.

On the boys side, Styopa Myagkov put down an impressive performance with consistent fast times in both runs (38.64 and 36.68) to claim first place. Joe Barnes (Philomath) took second and Jackson Gundry of Marist took third.

"Styopa's victory was particularly impressive in how he built his lead," said Grummer. "In the first run, he edged out Barnes by just 0.03 seconds, but in the second run he significantly extended his lead by skiing the fastest run of the day at 36.86, putting 1.25 seconds between himself and Barnes."

The Outlaws continued to show their depth, with Spencer Tisdale talking sixth (1.24.79), Emerson Backus ninth (1:25. 57), Cooper Merrill 10th (1:26.14), and Ben Hayner 12th (1:27. 55). Spencer Davis finished 14th (1:28.90), Jasper Jensen 16th (1:30.92), Casey Bennet 20th (1:35.84), and Felix Montanez 21st (1:36.48).

Jack Turpen, Mac Maloney, Michael Clayton, and Carter Anderson also had finishing runs for the Outlaws. John Berg and River Dalton each put down a single solid run, and in the provisional category, Cormac Lichvarcik took first with a time of 1:41.43.

The boys' teams also took the top spot on the podium, with their top three racers combining for a total time of 4:05.86. South Eugene took second and Marist took third.

Grummer said, "Today's results reflect both the dedication of our veteran racers and the promising talent of our newer athletes. To see such strong performances across our entire team sets a positive tone for the season ahead. We have an impressive group of first-year racers, and our depth this season is truly remarkable. Watching the new athletes dive into the sport with such determination and heart has been inspiring. They're improving with every practice, embracing challenges, and gaining confidence as we head into the racing season. It's an exciting time for our program, and I'm incredibly proud of the effort and growth I've seen from everyone on the team."

The Outlaws will prepare for their next week's slalom race at Hoodoo on Wednesday, January 22.