JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Jackson Hole High School downhillers continued their dominance in a sport they’ve owned for quite some time…and with good reason. Backyard training options include any of three world class resorts.
Alpine competition got underway in earnest last weekend with the skiers headed to the Snowy Range Ski Area for the Laramie Invitational. Skiers had to be chomping at the bit to get their season underway as a slow start to winter delayed the season-opening event one week.
With Jackson, Cody, Kelly Walsh, Natrona County, Laramie, and Pinedale competing last Thursday and Friday, it was JHHS in both boys and girls Alpine. And it wasn’t really close.
Taylor Smith (37.90) of Jackson edged out her teammate Ava Ulmer (39.63) by just over two seconds for the win in slalom. Cody’s Allie Broussard spoiled the podium sweep for the girls with her 41.35, 3rd-place finish. Jackson’s Cadel Carrigan pulled down the 4th fastest time with a 42.67 run.
On the boys side, Owen Janssen led a 1-2-3 finish for the Broncs with a 36.83 run. Janssen’s teammates Travis D’Amours (39.14) and Eddie Owens (40.41) finished 2nd and 3rd.
Jackson’s Ava Ulmer was again lightning fast in the giant slalom with a 34.51. JHHS skier Taylor Smith was hot on her heels with a 34.75. Jackson took the top 5 spots with strong finishes by Sidney Nash (36.26), Madison Kramer (36.77), and Cadel Carrigan (36.40).
The boys filled the podium in GS with Nick Janssen (33.73), Owen Janssen (34.49), and Ridge Kling (35.18).
The JHHS girls ski team bested the competition in the 2-day final team results with a 130. Cody finished with 91, Natrona County 45, Kelly Walsh 41, Laramie 19, and Pinedale 16.
The boys were even more dominant. Jackson’s 150 was better than the closest school—Kelly Walsh with 66. Cody 47, Laramie 38, Natrona 33, and Pinedale 8 rounded out the invitational scoring.
Coach Cody Hansen has this group flying as JHHS heads to Casper for a meet this weekend.
