The Mountain Times

KMS snowboarder Sophie Anderson clinches USASA Southern Vermont Series Champion title

KILLINGTON-On Saturday, Jan. 26 at the USASA Southern Vermont Series boardercross/skicross at Stratton Mountain, Killington Mountain School's Sophie Anderson '14, of Littleton, Mass., took first place in Junior Women (ages 16-17) and was first overall in women regardless of age. Killington's Nikki Sardelli '16 finished second in Youth Women (ages 14-15) and Jesse Kunkowski placed third for Breaker Boys (ages 12-13).
"With arctic temperatures, the cross team had its work cut out," said KMS Snowboard Program Director KC Gandee. "Day one featured a fast course with a tricky last turn that confused many riders and skiers. KMS athletes completed the course well with many top five qualifying times. Sunday held warmer temps and a beefed up course which allowed our riders and skiers to show their terrain riding skills. Although a couple of crashes kept some of the team off of the podium, the others pushed through, pumped everything on the course for extra speed and prevailed."
On Sunday, Anderson again found herself at the top of the podium for Junior Women and was third overall women regardless of age, clinching the Southern Vermont Series Champion title and earning a berth to the USASA Nationals. Kunkowski came in fourth for Breaker Boys. Pittsfield's Mazie Hayden was first in skier girls ages 10-12 and the first overall skier woman regardless of age, stepping it up a notch after her second place finish on Saturday. Taylor Doxsee '12, was first in Open Skier men and first overall in skier men regardless of age.
Just north, other members of the KMS/KSC Snowboard Team took to the Dreammaker Park for K-Town Showdown #2 on Saturday. In the Grom Division, Jake Fournier finished first and Ryan Sihler was right behind him in second.
"Jake's back board on the c rail cemented his win, and Ryan's 50-50 180 to switch 50-50 on the down flat down gave him a close second," said KMS Head Freestyle Snowboard Coach Andrew Bouffard. "Matt Beach front boarded the whole down rail, D did a crazy double board slide on the Y rail, while Chris Oko made it to the end of the up side of the same rail. KMS snowboarding definitely rocked the home court."
To learn more about alpine, snowboard, freestyle, freeskiing, and cycling training and opportunities, visit www.killingtonmountainschool.org or call 802.422.KMS1.