The weather people were calling for rain, and fortunately they were incorrect again, as cloudy and warm temps in the low 40s made  a great backdrop for our all day season ending event at Okemo.

The morning event was a giant slalom race. 50 racers passed through the start poles on each run and the VA girls came away with a 3rd place team result. I was very impressed with the poise under pressure of our "green" girls team, all making this season thier first ever competing, and two of our girls just learning to snowboard in December. Our finish order was Lauren Goll '20, in 7th, Caroline Plyler '20 in 9th, Lilly Shlosser '22 in 13th, and Maggie Adams '20 in 14th.

Our boys all gave their best, and the rutted soft course bit back at some. We rode hard and finished a very respectable 2nd place of 8 teams attending. Our top finisher was Hugo Nijeboer '20 in 4th, followed by Logan McAllister '20 in 7th, Samson Orlinsky '21 in 12th, Maurice Day '21 in 14th, Emiliano Suarez '23 in 20th, Aaron Brown '20 in 22nd and Jacob Copeland '20 in 23rd after a quick recovery from one of the more spectacular tumbles of the day when his board nose dug into some slush and folded up at turn 5 of the race course.

The afternoon event was a slopestyle held in the Zone terrain park at Okemo.
Girls
11. Lauren Goll
12. Caroline Plyler
13. Lilly Shlosser
14. Maggie Adams
Team score: 3rd

Boys
6. Samson Orlinsky
23. Maurice Day
24. Logan McAllister
25. Hugo Nijeboer
27. Emiliano Suarez
28. Aaron Brown
29. Jacob Copeland

Team score: 5th

I want to recognize Asst. Coach Burch for all his work this season to help make a very fun productive experience for our riders. Also AD and Coach Sotskov for his tireless efforts to bring all of VA sports to a higher and more engaging, fun level. 
Thanks to our host mountain, Okemo. The Okemo Competition Center and  Park Crews could not have been more accomodating and supportive of our efforts to improve and progress.
And thanks to my wife Jennifer, for being supportive, and patient through what is a hectic winter season each year. Cheers to the 19-20 season! The VA snowboard future is looking very bright. Bring on 20-21!