Asher Tawil earns his first gold medal in his debut competition in the under 10 boys category. Courtesy/Paula Knepper
Athletes celebrate victories at the Taos Grassroots Freeride Competition Saturday. From left Vincent Brady in 5th place, Dusty Elsasser in 2nd place, Ian McLean (8th grader Los Alamos Middle School), Seamus Campbell in 3rd place, and Grey Elsasser in 4th place. Courtesy/Paula Knepper
By PAULA KNEPPER
Taos Winter Sports Team
In collaboration with Taos Ski Valley, Taos Winter Sports Team (TWST) hosted a grassroots freeride competition for skiers and snowboarders 18 years of age and younger Saturday Feb. 4, 2023. Grassroots events rely on the local community including athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers, and partners to promote. TWST is proud to call Taos Ski Valley its home mountain and the strong partnership between Taos Ski Valley and TWST was evident Saturday.
It was a great day for spectators to watch over 100 TWST athletes throw down in Totally Wyred located in Hunzicker Bowl. The conditions were challenging, with firm snow and lots of rocks.
Competitors were smart about their skiing and boarding. Just a couple of self-arrest situations left the crowd gasping, which demonstrates the outstanding work TWST coaches are doing teaching safety knowledge to athletes.
Jimmy Loder TWST freeride coach and event judge said, “Amazing skiing by all at the grassroots competitors. I had to check the age category for some of the U10’s, because I couldn’t believe their technique! Most of the categories were tough to judge due to how well the athletes all skied. Very few falls, and very fluid skiing in what appeared to be tough conditions. The atmosphere at the bottom with music, commentators, and parents cheering was electric. What a fun day!”
Andrea Krejci head coach of the freeride TWST team said, “We were particularly impressed by the U10 and U12 girls and boys, who showed that they can jump rocks and land with no hesitation, and in full control. Some of the scores in both of these categories were very, very tight and the judges had to go back to their score sheets to compare notes and judging criteria.”
Annika Mitchell was the first competitor on course for the day, and ended up taking home the gold in the U8 girls. Ama Cosmo Mithoefer took home the gold for the U10 girls and Asher Tawil for the U10 boys. Greta Schilling earned the top spot for the U12 girls, and Cale Baryza won the U12 boys. We also had our first snowboarder compete in the U12, with Isabella Leger.
In the 12-14 age category we watched two snowboard girls compete against each other, with Eleanor Breier taking the gold after Ingrid Gilchrist went for a nice air, but didn’t quite land it.
Several athletes in the 12-14 and 15-18 age categories are preparing for their debuts on the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association (IFSA) National Tour. The first IFSA national event will be held in Copper, CO from Feb. 7-10, 2023. Ian McLean, Dusty and Grey Elsasser, and Stolle Wannamaker will be competing Feb. 7. The grassroots competition was a good opportunity for athletes to prepare mentally and physically for a demanding season of high-level competition.
Stolle Wannamaker took home the gold for the 12-14 ski girls. Ian McLean in the 12-14 ski boys category skied a very fast, fluid, and creative line. Several boys in the 12-14 age category stepped up the level of competition with four of them successfully throwing 360s, which made it difficult for the judges. Corrina Harrower took the win in the 15-18 ski girls, Lukas Backer in the 15-18 Snowboarders, and Andre Ortega in the 15-18 ski boys.
TWST is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that was established in 1976 dedicated to providing opportunities for athletes to become great skiers and pursue personal goals. TWST promotes the development of good sportsmanship, healthy competitiveness, sound technical skills, and a reverence for the ethos of the mountains. TWST is proud to call Taos Ski Valley their home mountain.
For more information about TWST, see https:////www.taoswintersportsteam.com/
TWST athlete preparing for her run on Totally Wyred. The venue provides plenty of challenging features and terrain for athletes. Photo by Alex Mueller
The top 5 athletes are recognized in each category. Pictured from left Valentina Johnson in 5th
place, Lauren Mueller (6th grader Chamisa Elementary School) in 3rd place, Greta Schilling in 1st
place, Bryn Montano in 2nd place, and Larka Schultz in 4th place. Way to go ladies under age 12.
Photo by Sandy Campbell
