Junior Alex Tooker had a very successful winter season on the slopes. In 2018-2019, Alex raced as a first year U19, U21 athlete competing in the Empire Cup Series. Alex (16 years old) is a member of the Labrador Mt. Ski Team. He trains 3 days a week and races nearly every weekend throughout New York State. The New York State Ski Racing Association (NYSSRA) governs all NYS races while the United States Ski & Snowboard (USSA) oversees the Olympic racing and development. Alex races 3 ski disciplines which include Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G. Highlights of his 2018-2019 racing success include:
ECS @ Brantling Mt. Slalom 5th
ECS @ Hunt Hollow Mt. Giant Slalom 3rd
ECS @ Bristol Mt. Super G 2nd
With great success throughout the Empire Cup Series, Alex qualified to compete at the Empire State Winter games @ Whiteface Mt. where his best finish was a Slalom 5th in the first run. Competitors for this race are up to age 21.
NYS U19 Championships @ West Mt. Slalom 6th (out of 1st by only 0.56 seconds)
NYS U19 Championships @ West Mt. Giant Slalom 5th
Alex's NYS Championship combined placement earned him the privilege of competing at the USSA U19 Eastern Region Finals on the NYS team. This elite group of athletes consisted of other state teams from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Highlights include:
USSA U19 Eastern Region Finals @ Gore Mt. Giant Slalom 10th
USSA U19 Eastern Region Finals @ Gore Mt. Super G 3rd.
Alex received the "Hard Charger Award" 3 times this year for his ability to advance the most places from his starting position. On average there are 80 competitors at any one event and he started most races at 35th. His success this year has earned him significant points which secures him a top 10 starting position going forward. This is extremely important due to the fact that the race course deteriorates as the volume of racers increases.
Alex hopes that his success will encourage other athlete skiers to compete at either the high school level or through a club associated with NYSSRA & USSA. It is a lifelong sport that starts as early as age 8 and can continue through college and beyond if you are good enough. Alex attributes his success to his coaches & training, good diet, properly tuned equipment, year round conditioning and plenty of rest.
Submitted by Perry Tooker