Sunday, February 4, 2001 -- Champion, PA
Dollar Bank Giant Slalom (USSA)
Story and photos by Mike Monroe

[Details] [Coverage]
[Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]

Intensity on the slopes of 7 Springs

With the temperatures climbing out of the lower twenties and into the upper thirties it was the perfect day for the Dollar Bank WPRC Giant Slalom. The first run started at 10 a.m. and the second was held at 1 p.m. on one of the black diamond slopes at Seven Springs, Avalanche. The first run was a little icy, but after the sun came out and warmed up the ice it made for much smoother runs for the second heat.

The 100 racer strong WPRC (Western Pennsylvania Race Club) was out in force along with its supports, staff of friends, and parents. The racers are primarily kids from the ages of 7 to 18; classes are in two-year increments. Head Coach Steve Fischetti was happy with the way things went Sunday and pumped for the upcoming races later in the season.

Helmets are good

"A lot of the kids I coach have the potential to one day be on the U.S. Ski Team," Steve said. He feels this division is one of the hardest on the East Coast and proves also to be one of the toughest in the Country. Some of Steve's older racers are going to compete in the P.A. Cup here in the near future and is confident that they will make a great showing. WPRC racer, Megan Moschgat (J2) has had an excellent year and wouldn't trade her 9 years with WPRC for anything.

The awards ceremony was held in the Alpine Room at the resort, where WPRC is based. All the parents and racers were anticipating the results - crossing their fingers and hoping that their time was the time to beat for the afternoon. The most dominating performance was displayed by J2 (15-16) racer Stephen Reihner. He complete the day's only two sub 40-second runs for a combined time of 1:16.55. The second best time of the day came from the consistent Gil Kross (J3 13-14) who combined for a 1:24.25 time and the best in the J3/4/5 field.

Assaulting the pole

Winning the Women's J1/2 class, and clocking the top female time, was Michelle Reihner. Her time of 1:31.21 ranked 11th overall and was full two seconds ahead of the second overall female, J1/2 racer Jessie Buckner (1:33.38).

In the only adult class, Men Masters, the forty-something Scott Sander recorded a 1:28.28 to take the win. His finishing time but him in the sixth overall spot.

Seven Springs is a great place to go and ski or board, and with 31 trails and 15 lifts there is never a long line anywhere. With the visibility high and course well groomed you couldn't have had a better day to be playing outside, in the snow.