Saturday, March 4, 2000 - Sunday, March 5, 2000 -- Davis, WV
Alpine Festival Governor's Cup Challenge
Story and photos by Julie Bertsch

[Details] [Coverage] [Giant Slalom Results] [Slalom Results]
[Pic Set 1] [Pic Set 2] [Pic Set 3]

Spencer Reed hits the poles at very high speeds

On the weekend of March 4th & 5th, Timberline Resort was proud to host the 38th Annual, Alpine Festival Governor's Cup Challenge. This event has been awarded the title, "The Oldest Race in the South". This is the second year that the Cup has been held at Timberline, and they were ready. Many skiers had returned, having raced in the Cup Challenge last year.

The event is two days of slalom runs, with the fastest times from both races being combined to find the overall winners. Racers were allowed two runs on the course each day. Saturday was a beautiful day for the Giant Slalom Race which had over 50 skiers participating. Sunday's weather was not quite as sunny, and the overcast kept things cool in the morning for the Slalom Race. The course for both events was set up on the slope dubbed with a very fitting name, Upper Almost Heaven.

Nick Fiorini concentrates on his corners on his way to 1st place

On Sunday, despite the unexpected chilly weather, many racers returned from the previous day to get their fastest combined times. The course was very slick, and the wind was kicking at the starting ramp. Kate Preston finished 1st on both days in the Women's 9 & Under category, getting her fastest final time on Sunday. Another young racer to take the top spot in his class (Men's 9 & Under), in both races was Nick Fiorini.

The Men's 10-14 category had a lot of competition. The exciting race for the top spot in this class for each race was between 3 skiers, Trey Simmerman, Jacob Lutz, and Brian Hensley. Simmerman had the fastest overall times for both days, and went home the Men's 10-14 champion. Lutz and Hensley finished 2nd and 3rd in both races.

Tim Worden flies down the course with great determination

In 1999, Jill Huber's talents sent her to the USSA Eastern Finals, and this year she finished 1st in the Giant Slalom for the women age 15-18. Mariah Nappenas was a bit faster than Huber on Sunday to clench 1st in the Slalom in the Women's 15-18 class. Going for 1st in the Men's 15-18 class, was Seth Williams. He finished with some incredible Giant Slalom and Slalom times as he blew by the camera in a blur. Williams took home the 1st place trophy from both races. He was not the only skier flying by in a blur, as Spencer Reed finished a close second to Williams both days.

Jill Huber heads to the Eastern Finals in New York

More close racing action was happening in the Men's 30-39 division between racers, Mike Messenger and John Dearborn. Both skiers are no strangers to the course, but Messenger edged out Dearborn to take 1st in each race with Dearborn finishing 2nd in both events.

Once again, the overall female winner was Jill Huber. She and Spencer Reed will be traveling up to Lake Placid, NY to compete in the 2000 J1/2 Eastern Finals. Trey Simmerman and Brian Hensley will be traveling to Sugarbush, VT to compete in the 2000 J3 Eastern Finals. Congratulations! The Alpine Festival is always a treat, with it's races and events. We'll see you for the 39th Governor's Cup Challenge!