Mackenzie Lewis
@MLewisCourant
Sports Editor
Five seasons of skiing is not much time for a team to develop and make a name for itself. It has taken years for NCHS’ sports teams to create a strong reputation for the athletic program, with the exception of the ski team. In only its fifth running season, the NCHS ski team is looking to take home another state championship. Not only would this be its fifth state championship, but it would be the fifth state championship title in the five years of the team’s history.
Since the team started in 2011, it has taken home the trophy each year as a result of the extraneous effort that each of the skiers puts into the sport. Led by captains senior Emily DeTour and junior Amanda Dobbin, the team looks to carry on this tradition through hard work and practice. “We are a hard working, dedicated team,” Amanda said. “I think our team can earn another state title under the leadership of Emily and I.”
In addition to having new leaders, the team also welcomes a new coach, Christian Dockum, head of the science department. “To be honest, it was quite a bit of pressure at first, but the captains did a great job at explaining their expectations and setting the stage for a positive year,” Mr. Dockum said.
Unlike most sports, the ski team doesn’t have a place to practice in New Canaan. Before there is snow on the ground in November and December, the team spends four days of the week dryland training. Then in January and February, the team travels about forty-five minutes away to Mount Southington in Plantsville to practice on snow. “We usually practice at Mount Southington at least two times a week,” Emily said. “During the other days of the week we have dryland training in the fitness center. On Fridays we have off.”
Once a week, the team races against six to nine high schools who gather to compete at Mount Southington. The teams are not only from the FCIAC, but from all over the state. Because NCHS has a co-ed team, they compete in the mixed-division. “Being in the mixed division, the team races against all of the other boys teams, as well as the other mixed division teams,” Mr. Dockum said. “So when we have one of our top female racers placing 17th, she’s placing 17th against all of the other boys and the mixed division racers in Connecticut.”
So far the team has had two races and has made a steady improvement after each race. In the first race on Thursday, January 8, the team had some high scorers, but was unable to claim first. Sophomore Graham Jameson was the first Ram to pass the finish line in 18th place, while junior Grayson Kane came in 50th place and freshman Ethan Hall followed closely behind, finishing in 52nd. Emily finished 22nd overall, Amanda 43rd overall, and freshman Megan Waldron 48th.
The next race on Wednesday, January 21, was a huge improvement. Graham once again finished first for the Rams, taking third place overall. Grayson finished 47th place and Ethan received 54th. Emily finished in first (27th overall) Amanda took second (49th overall), and Megan finished in 59th place.
The Rams received more points to add to their chance of winning states with the high performances of their top skiers. “So far we have done very well this year,” Mr. Dockum said. “Our success is based on our consistency and having everyone finish both runs at each race.”
“For every race we compete in, the top six racers from our team earn points,” Amanda said. “At the state championship race, these points are added and the team with the most points wins a state title.”
With two races down and a few more to go, the team looks to improve in each of its races to increase their chances of winning a state championship. “In order to make states as a team we have to win or come close to winning most of the races we compete in, in order to qualify for our division’s state championship,” Emily said.
Similar to other sports’ FCIAC teams and all-state teams, individual skiers can also qualify and be nominated by a coach to earn this award.
“If a skier qualifies, then need to make it through numerous races, including a slalom and a giant slalom,” Emily said. “If a skier makes it through these rounds then they receive a spot on Team Connecticut, which is made up of skiers from around state. The team competes in regionals against other states such as Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.”
Although there is a chance for individual skiers to receive these awards such as making Team Connecticut, the team is excited about the possibility of winning another state championship title to add to their record. The team has been focused on working harder in order to improve its performance. “Our top skiers have been performing wonderfully and have been very consistent,” Mr. Dockum said. “That consistency from the top of our race order to the bottom of our race order has proven to be a recipe for success this year so far.”
