The U16 Alpine Polar Bear athletes finished their regular ski season on January 25th with a slalom race competition at Snow Ridge. For the women, Mara Gaffney placed 8th, Alex DiOrio placed 20th, and Lauren Beckingham, who did not finish her first run, but had a strong finish on the second.
Carter Lawrence, left, and Cy Barkauskas
The men placed in the top five. Carter Lawrence was third and Cy Barkauskas fourth. Matt Parent did not compete due to other obligations.
The next day they competed at McCauley where they had another great showing. Lauren Beckingham placed 23rd and Alex DiOrio 25th. Unfortunately, Mara Gaffney did not finish.
The men skied strong on their home turf. Cy Barkauskas placed second in the first run, but unfortunately was disqualified on the second run. Carter Lawrence took the third place spot on the podium and Matt Parent placed 31st.
On Monday, February 3, Carter and Cy competed in a Super G at Gore Mountain. Carter placed on the podium in second and Cy finished a strong eighth.
Cy earned a fifth spot and Carter a sixth on the New York State Eastern Team. Two other Adirondack Council members also made the team. Jake Anweiller of the Mohawk Valley Ski Team, who trains at McCauley, and Max Graham of Dry Hill.
Mara Gaffney qualified in the 16th spot for the girls team.
The racers will represent the East at the competition that will be held at Whiteface Mountain on February 20 through 23rd.
