LaCrosse USSA Race

This weekend our tour stopped at the LaCrosse USSA Race. Racing down Damnation proved to be a true test of skill and heart. Competition was stiff and only got stiffer when bets were placed and hair-dos were put at stake. Here's a recap of the weekend...

Saturday, Slalom
**Sophomore Max Lund stole the 2010 USSA LaCrosse Slalom title, winning by close to 2 seconds. Freshman Nate Hansen went home with a bronze in the J1 age class. The whole team was present at the awards ceremony, cheering loudly for these two extraordinary racers.
**On the girls ends, Kathleen Stefely must be recognized. Facing Damnation head on for the first time in her racing career, she successfully put down two solid runs! Atta girl!

Sunday, GS: THE MAIN EVENT
After a team meeting discussing a need for more intense competition and a desire to put more on the line, bets were placed and lots was put at stake on both the men's and women's team.
Bet #1: Max Lund vs. Nick Stang
Contract read: The loser of tomorrow's Giant Slalom race, January 10, 2010, must shave their head hair into a mohawk with the shaved part shaved to a "1." The loser must also grow a mustache and/or handle bars and mustache. This contact goes into effect Monday, January 4, 2010 at 6:00pm, and ends February 20, 2010 at 6:00pm.
OUTCOME: This bet alone added so much anticipation to our team, that it even spread to fans and parents of other racers and teams. Lund came down Damnation his first run beating Stang by over half a second. We knew Stang would have a lot of time to make up second run, but we also knew that anything can happen in a ski race.
Max in second and Nick and fifth, we waited and watched for the two to battle it out down Damnation second run. As Stang roared down the course and finished with a solid second run, the announcer announced his time adding, "hold onto your head Nick. We're still waiting for Max Lund to see if this racer goes home with a Mohawk." Lund came down with a killer second run, beating Stang overall by close to a second and a half...the crowd roared and the race announcer bared the unfortunate result of the competition to Stang. It was more excitement than most of us were used to... Look for a picture below!





Bet #2: Genette Sekse vs. Laurie Taschler vs. Kayla Johnson
Contract read: The winner of January 10, 2010 Giant Slalom race at Mt. LaCrosse will be awarded the following: their own bed for each night slept at the Marquette FIS race, and one unit of candy from each of the losers. The losing participants thereof must do 10 star jumps in the finish arena immediately following the men's competition.
OUTCOME: After the first run, competition was close. The team became worried when Taschler stepped out of her binding and went tumbling ALL of the way down Damnation. One unnamed coach got on his walky talky to tell the race starters, "We're going to need to hold the course. There are skis and poles...and even boots all over the hill." Sekse was ahead after the first run by five tenths. Though Johnson, only 2 places behind and more confident than ever, told Sekse, "I DARE YOU TO BEAT ME!"
The crowd gathered at the bottom of the hill with butterflies in their stomachs for the second run. Sekse and Johnson put up a tough fight, taking the third and fourth best times for the second run. But Sekse kept her spot, taking home the bed and candy...and most of all pride.
The competition was topped off with 10 star jumps by Laurie and Kayla, in the finish arena, in front of the crowd.



It was a great weekend. The team continues to get closer and skiing continues to improve. Thanks for all of your support!