LAKE PLACID, NY - The Westminster Snowboard teams showcased their talents at the 2024 U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) National Championships in Lake Placid, New York. This annual championship event draws top collegiate skiers and snowboarders from across the nation to compete in Alpine, Freeski, Nordic and Snowboard disciplines.
The Griffins women's team secured an impressive overall second-place finish in the Snowboard Freestyle competition amongst a field of 10 colleges and universities. The women finished second in Rail Jam and Slopestyle, and third in Boarder Cross for a combined Freestyle total of seven points overall. Their finish was just four points more than Liberty University (VA) who won all three races and the championship. In the Alpine competition, the women's team finished 10th overall.
Senior, Addie Gardner dominated the field, by clinching the Freestyle Championship winning all three disciplines (boarder cross, rail jam, and slopestyle). This outstanding feat earned her the title of Women's Freestyle Combined National Champion. Sophomore, Etta Sklar had a strong showing, finishing fifth in the Freestyle Combined. In the Alpine combined races, Gardner finished 10th and Sklar finished 25th, showcasing their versatility and skill across different disciplines.
"Addie's story is an incredible one, after experiencing a serious injury four years ago," said head coach Sara Beaudry-Wiltse. "This past week was her first competition back in four years. She won 1st place in all three events, giving her the best possible score overall. It was a wonderful comeback story, and the emotions were high as the week progressed."
The men we're impressive as well, finishing third in the Freestyle Combined amongst 18 other colleges and universities. Sophomore, Anthony Turco led the Griffins finishing second overall in the Freestyle Combined posting second place finishes in Slopestyle and Rail Jam and seventh in Boarder Cross. Fellow Sophomore, Max Duffy performed well, finishing sixth overall out of a field of 41 competitors. In the Alpine combined races, Duffy and Turco tied for 17th out of a field of 51, and 12th overall in the team standings.
Coach Beaudry-Wiltse added, "Overall, these results are particularly impressive because the scoring is based on a team of three, and due to injuries and illness we only had two competitors for both men and women. Our athletes did a phenomenal job."
For updates and information on the Westminster Snowboard teams, visit WestminsterGriffins.com
