Pittsfield Girl Crowned National Skiercross Champ
From the Killington Mountain School:
Mazie Hayden, an 11-year-old from Pittsfield, Vt., and a member of the Killington Mountain School Competition Program, took the USASA National Championship title for skiercross in the Skier Girls (Age 10-12) division at Copper Mountain in Colorado last week. Hayden competed against the best 34 girls in her age group from across the country.
“After an underwhelming winter and unseasonably warm temps, the course conditions resembled those of the East Coast—fast and firm,” said KMS Snowboard Program Director KC Gandee. “After time trials on the course where each girl had one run, Mazie qualified in third place behind two other East Coast girls. With a quarterfinal round of heats, Mazie had gate choice and won her first heat handily. In semis, Mazie and number two seed were neck and neck out of the gate and through the technical start section.
Mazie conceded first place wisely knowing that her second place finish would advance her to finals. In the final heat, Mazie had third gate choice, but overcame with her usual strong pull out of the gate. She negotiated the start section like a pro and ended up taking the hole shot (first skier into the first turn) and held her lead through the course to take the win and the National Championship.”
Hayden qualified for the National Championship by accruing points through regional competition in the Southern Vermont Series, taking the championship title in that series this year as well.
As a grassroots organization, the USASA is proud to be able to represent the recreational and competitive interests of amateur snowboarding and freeskiing in theUnited States. USASA accomplishes this by supporting 32 series across the country that put on nearly 500 events throughout the season. Its goal is to promote safe, fair, and fun events while fostering a competitive spirit in the snowboard and freeski athletes. In addition, USASA emphasizes education for coaches and competitors, and promotes an overall healthy snowboard and ski lifestyle.