Our Northern Division Freestyle competitions kicked off this past weekend in Missoula ,MT, at Snowbowl ski area. Teams from Sun Valley, Lost Trail, Missoula and Bridger were competing head-to-head to kick off our regional competitions. BSF had 15 athletes in attendance and one of the largest female teams that we have had in several years. Some of these athletes are trying to earn starts at the US Freestyle Junior Championships that will happen March 13-19 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Freestyle Program Director Mike Papke said, “Our team skied very well this past weekend. We have several seasoned veterans that competed, but we also had several athletes that had their freestyle debut.”
The events on Saturday were a two-run mogul contest where your best of two runs counted for the event. BSF skier Makayla Papke took 1st overall and her little sister, Meg, finished in second. Delaney English had her best results, landing her in 4th place. On the men’s side of things, Oliver Lacey landed in second place overall, which was his top result so far this season. Several athletes landed on the podium respectively in their age groups.
For the athletes that are in the gate for the first time, it is a magical experience. “It is always great to see the athletes that are trying the competitive side of the sport for the first time,” said Papke. “All the nerves and anxiety that are involved, and to see the smiles and relief once they get their first run in is awesome!” While Freestyle is an individual sport, they also get to experience all of the camaraderie that goes into it. “Our Northern Division events teams are like one big family. Not just the Montana teams but also our friends from Sun Valley are cheering for everyone to have their best runs.”
Sunday included a one-run single mogul event as well as a dual mogul event. The Dual mogul event is a head-to-head competition with two skiers on the course. Makayla Papke earned a first overall in the singles event as well as the dual mogul event, winning all 3 events for the weekend.
The next stop on the Northern Division tour is Bridger Bowl February 24-26th on Boot Hill. This will be the last opportunity for regional athletes to earn a start at the US Junior National Championships as well as the US Freestyle Championships that will be held in Waterville Valley, NH.
