Junior Nina Dym, senior Daniel Hernried and sophomore Luca Procida ride a chairlift at Northstar.
Finishing their best race, the ski and snowboard team competed on their most challenging course so far on Jan. 30 at Northstar California.
Of 32 skiers, sophomore Luca Procida placed first and senior team captain Daniel Hernried finished fifth in the men’s varsity ski race. Senior Aidan Cunningham placed 12th of 16 snowboarders; junior Nina Dym finished 12th of 15 skiers in the women’s varsity ski race.
Since senior Emil Erickson was playing in a soccer game, he was unable to compete.
“The biggest difference in today’s race was the length of the course,” coach Jason Kreps said.
“It was a true giant slalom, going from the very top of the race course to the bottom. It was long, and you had to keep your speed in the flats.
“These are really fun courses for the racers because of all the variables of speed, different terrain and endurance you have to have.”
Senior Aidan Cunningham skids down the men’s varsity snowboard course, in which he placed 12th of 16 racers.
Hernried agreed.
“This course is three times longer than the one at Boreal,” Hernried said. “It’s not only testing skill but endurance as well.”
Even though the course was challenging, this race was the team’s best, according to Hernried. He cited Procida earning first place, Dym beating her first run by four seconds and finishing fifth himself.
Hernried fell in the beginning of his first run but recovered quickly. He blamed the snow conditions for his slower time on the second run.
Sophomore Luca Procida, coach Jason Kreps, seniors Aidan Cunningham and Daniel Hernried and junior Nina Dym gather at the fireplace outside of Northstar’s lodge in the morning before checking in for their races.
Procida said that a large rut near one of the gates might have hurt his time, but his familiarity with the terrain helped.
Dym said she was nervous since it was her first race. Once she knew what the race was going to be like she gained confidence, earning a better time on her second run.
Kreps said Dym skied well for her first time going through the gates.
“I only see (Dym) becoming more confident and bettering her times,” Kreps said.
A Country Day snowman with a red-and-black pompom for hair waves its foam arms in support of the Cavs.The next race will be at Northstar California on Monday, Feb. 6.
—By Larkin Barnard-Bahn
