Alpine Program Director - October Update
Published Fri 07 Oct 2016
Despite the snow continuing to fall across all resorts, the season has well and truly ended. It was a trying season to say the least with heavy rainfalls preceding heavy snowfalls almost weekly! The ANC SX events scheduled for Perisher were lost, however, with the development of the ANC SX series in 2016, we were able to complete two events at Hotham at the end of the season. OWIA athletes Anton Grimus and Sami Kennedy-Sim secured the Australia New Zealand Continental Cup titles. The weather smiled on us for the Alpine Australian New Zealand Continental Cup series at Mt. Hotham, delivering World Cup conditions to suit the World Cup field. The ANC series then moved to New Zealand where further SL and GS races were held, and we were pleased to see the re-introduction of SG and AC in the ANC series. New Zealand’s Willis Feasey secured the men’s overall title while our very own Greta Small won the women’s overall title in her return season from injury.
The full calendar of events took place in the SSA National Children’s Series between Mt. Hotham and Perisher with competitive skiing across the board. We are thankful to Perisher for coming to the rescue after the cancellation of the second leg scheduled for Thredbo. Congratulations to the top 3 place getters in the WC Overall standings.
2016 saw the expansion of the National Skills Assessment to a truly National Program delivered at all 5 major resorts in Australia. Over 200 athletes took part in the National Skills Assessment providing important data to athletes, families, coaches and Club administration. A National percentile ranking relative to their peers, as well athletes older and younger, gave interesting insights into specific skill development. For the second year in a row, Jacqueline Davis has earned special mention through her performance in the National Skills Assessment. As a first year U14 athlete, Jacqueline scored higher than all U14 and U16 athletes, and was competitive when compared to the FIS athletes. Well done Jacqueline, keep up the focus and good work! The National Alpine Committee and SSA are committed to growing the National Skills Assessment to reach even more athletes, not only those in Pathway Programs, but also those involved in seasonal resort programs and Inteschools athletes.
Brad Wall
SSA Alpine Program Director