For the first time since 2020, the Alpine Skiing SC is back in action and competing in the United States!
Racers went down to Kellogg, Idaho to compete at the Silver Mountain Qualifier in the (USCSA) Circuit. This trip marked the beginning of a post–COVID era for the Alpine Skiing SC. For a lot of athletes, this was their first time representing UBC as a Thunderbird in an official competition. Others, this was their first race in years. Those at the race who have represented the Thunderbirds before all shared the same sentiment:
“The wait was worth it.”
Silver Mountain Qualifier | Kellogg, ID | January 21st & 22nd, 2023
Not only are they back in competition, but they are going toe to toe with the best collegiate alpine skiers out west.
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On the Men’s side, they came 2nd amongst all schools – finishing seconds behind the College of Idaho on Day 1, and placing second again on Day 2. Special kudos to Nelson Fretenburg, Marko Smitran, and John Forssander, placing in the top 10 on Saturday.
The Women’s side came 5th on Day 1 and 6th on Day 2. Special kudos to Malia Hodgkinson who finished in the top 10 both days, Anika Prasad who finished in the top 20 both days as well and Emma Fontaine who placed in the flip, in top 30, in every run of her first racing event and placing 25th!
When asked about their first trip down to the states since pre-COVID, Alpine Skiing SC Club Lead, Brogan Themens shared “It was awesome to be able to get back into racing in the US after the past two years. The excitement and energy from everyone was fantastic and I’m really proud of how we performed as a team. It’s gearing up to be a great race season!”
Victor Samyn, Marketing and Communications Executive, and TSC athlete for 4 years wrote: “Finally, being able to race after a 2 year hiatus was very special. It felt like a long time coming as we have been waiting for so long to finally get back on the slopes doing what we love. The wait was worth it. Incredible conditions for racing slalom and a great team made for an unforgettable weekend. I am beyond proud of the effort that every member of the team has put in to make this race possible and so enjoyable.”
Individual Results:
For individual athlete results, see the tables below!
Run 1 (place/56) Run 2 (place/56) Combined Time Overall Placement (/56)
Name
Nelson Fretenburg
38.26 (2)
41.03 (4)
1:19.29
4
Marko Smitran
39.92 (10)
42.70 (6)
1:22.62
6
John Forssander
43.39 (15)
42.90 (7)
1:26.29
9
Brogan Themens
43.55 (16)
45.04 (8)
1:28.59
12
Guy Leckenby
52.33 (31)
55.11 (21)
1:47.44
28
Victory Samyn
54.46 (36)
55.98 (23)
1:50.44
32
Nicolai van Kruijsdijk
45.55 (21)
1:10.73 (39)
1:56.28
36
Run 1 (place/56) Run 2 (place/56) Combined Time Overall Placement (/56)
Name
Nelson Fretenburg
36.40 (5)
37.88 (2)
1:14.28
2
Marko Smitran
38.00 (7)
40.49 (9)
1:18.49
7
John Forssander
38.68 (9)
40.41 (8)
1:19.09
8
Brogan Themens
40.01 (13)
42.67 (12)
1:22.68
16
Nicolai van Kruijsdijk
43.50 (22)
46.60 (20)
1:30.10
25
Guy Leckenby
46.47 (26)
48.97 (23)
1:35.44
31
Victory Samyn
47.72 (29)
48.56 (21)
1:36.28
32
Run 1 (place/57) Run 2 (place/57) Combined Time Overall Placement (/57)
Name
Malia Hodgkinson
53.37 (17)
49.59 (10)
1:42.96
15
Anika Prasad
1:03.21 (29)
51.15 (12)
1:54.36
24
Emma Fontaine
1:01.38 (25)
58.87 (25)
2:00.25
29
Tayo Steininger
1:04.51 (33)
1:02.25 (33)
2:06.76
37
Victoria Higgins
1:17.78 (55)
1:16.27 (48)
2:34.05
52
Jianyee Fue
1:40.14 (57)
1:26.25 (52)
3:06.39
57
Morgan Tidler
1:05.38 (37)
DNF
DNF
Laura Kirchner
1:12.14 (48)
DNF
DNF
Jiwei Li
DNF
Run 1 (place/52) Run 2 (place/52) Combined Time Overall Placement (/52)
Name
Malia Hodgkinson
45.53 (9)
44.74 (9)
1:30.27
10
Anika Prasad
49.83 (18)
49.57 (18)
1:39.40
20
Emma Fontaine
55.05 (22)
54.95 (30)
1:50.00
25
Morgan Tidler
1:04.05 (40)
1:02.81 (38)
2:06.86
41
Jiwei Lee
1:17.72 (50)
1:23.12 (46)
2:32.18
51
Jianyee Fue
1:23.45 (51)
1:19.65 (47)
2:43.10
52
Lauren Kirchner
DNF
Victoria Higgins
DSQ
Tayo Steininger
DSQ
Their next competition is in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Racers who compete in their second race here will qualify for Regionals at Bogus Basin, Idaho.
Donate Here!
This race could not have been made possible without the hard work put in by the student leadership group in their executives. These executives are responsible for all aspects of managing their sport club including: governing body relationships, team logistics coordination, practice/training programs, budgeting and finances, sponsorship and partnerships, travel, marketing/communications and recruitment.
You can help support this group of student athletes pursue skiing during their post-secondary experience by donating to their sport club. Any amount donated helps the sport club in subsidize racing and training fees.