January 11, 2022 – Slinger, WI – The Slinger Snowboard team began its season with immense success as it joined West Bend, Hartford, and Waukesha High School snowboard teams in slalom and giant slalom events at Alpine Valley Ski Resort.
The teams complete through United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA) club.
Racers started Saturday morning with a very tight and wide slalom course, unusual for the season opener. While many racers were frustrated with the layout, they all persevered and proved themselves eying a competitive season ahead.
Slinger sophomore Mickey DeLong took second place in her slalom Saturday followed by Sophia Parkinson, a junior from Hartford taking third. Delaney Braun, a junior from Slinger claimed bronze in slalom and gold in giant slalom.
Evan Stortz, a first-time freshman racer, took silver in both slalom and giant slalom events on Saturday competing against 18 others in his age group.
Hunter Wenzel, a junior from Hartford, took silver out of 22 in his age group followed by Slinger seniors Grayson Krueger and Gabe Kebbekus in fourth and fifth.
Racers were pumped for giant slalom as the course was much easier with a lot of flow and speed.
For the late event, Slinger freshman Emma Smith finished second and Mickey DeLong wrapped up third in their divisions.
Luke Schmitt, a Slinger sophomore, competed in a field of 27 and finished third. He was followed by Slinger sophomore Jack Bullis in fourth.
Krueger scored big later in the day taking home silver in giant slalom followed by Hunter Wenzel in fourth, West Bend senior Ethan Benedict in sixth, and Gabe Kebbekus in seventh.
On Sunday, January 9, racers returned to Alpine Valley for a full day of slalom and giant slalom. The winds were upwards of 30-35 miles per hour making movement difficult for the racers. Despite the conditions, racers buckled down and finished strong.
In slalom, Emma Smith finished second and third for Mickey DeLong. Delaney Braun finished with a repeat of Saturday’s events taking bronze in slalom and gold in giant slalom.
All competitors have the next weekend off to work on techniques to improve for the next race January 22, 2022.
Sunday, January 23, 2022, will mark the day for the first boardercross event of the season which will be a refreshing change for racers.
