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Show Page 16 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue VI March 2000 SportsNews Men’s Super Series Finals at Snowbasin By Ruth Monahan Snowbasin Ski Area finally held it’s first race of the year after the disappointing cancellation of the Women’s World Cup and Women’s Super Series races scheduled earlier this winter. The Men’s Super Series, which is the U.S. portion of the Nor Am Cup, serves as a ladder system for young American and Canadian racers. It gives developing athletes more exposure to top international competitions as they move toward the World Cup races. Many of these racers hope to be back in 2002. Over sixty racers from throughout the U.S. and Canada competed in the downhill and super G events. Approximately 1000 spectators cheered on the racers throughout the weekend, with many being friends and family members of the racers. Volunteers working the races were observable in their yellow parkas. Over 350 volunteers worked in variety of positions, including security, spectator services, press relations, race administration, course crews, course slippers, gate judges, equipment managers, and timers. The volunteers were the unsung heroes of the event, contributing countless hours and hard work to get the racecourse prepared and safe for racers. This event was critical in training and testing volunteers for future events and ultimately the 2002 Olympics. The Ogden Ranger District of the Forest Service, the administrative unit which administers the permit for Snowbasin Ski Area, participated at the races with an information and education center filled with interpretive displays and information handouts. The 30’ yurt was a huge hit with spectators, athletes, and volunteers supporting the races. Forest Service permit administrators were also on-site monitoring mountain conditions and compliance with permit terms. Downhill races scheduled for Friday were postponed due to heavy snowfall, wind, and limited visibility. Volunteers worked hard throughout the week to prepare the course, shoveling and packing the over three feet of new snow that fell on the mountain. Training runs were also postponed earlier in the week due to substantial snowfall. Over 400 school children were on site at Snowbasin to cheer on the racers, with cowbells to ring and American flags to wave. Although the races were cancelled for the day, they enjoyed playing in the snow and visiting the Forest Service visitor information yurt that was on-site at the finish area. Calmer skies allowed for two downhill races to be held on Saturday. Geoffry Stephenson (Wilson, WY) posted the fastest time of the afternoon to win the first of the two Super Series Finals. Brett Fischer (Winter Park, CO) took the victory in the second race. The racers were all impressed with the course layout and technical features. The course will be the site of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games Downhill and Super G events. Saturday’s races were started at the lower weather start on the men’s course and crossed over to the women’s downhill course to the finish line. Soft snow conditions kept race times slower and resulted in a number of DNF’s (did not finish) in the second race. Snowbasin Ski Area owner, Earl Holding was onsite to present the medals to the top finishers. He thanked the volunteers, and all those that made it possible for the races to be held. On Sunday, conditions allowed for two Super G races to be held. Mike Giannelli (Canada) posted the fasted time in the first race and Jakub Fiala (Breckenridge, CO) posted the fasted time in the second. Soft snow and warmer weather again kept times slower and resulted in only 34 of 61 racers to finish. Course workers worked hard with rakes, shovels and side slipping skis to keep the course as smooth and rut free as possible. Snowbasin will be hosting the Alpine Skiing Giant Slalom and Nordic skiing and snowshoe events for the 2000 Special Olympics UT WINTER GAMES, on March 9 and 10. This is a wonderful opportunity to cheer on these special athletes. Valley Scouts Meet Professional Baseball Pitcher By Mike Morgan Spring training has begun! On Tuesday, February 8th, South Fork Village invited some Valley scout troops over to meet Mike Morgan, a professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mike has been in the national baseball league for 22 years. During this time, he has pitched for the Texas Rangers, Mike Morgan practicing some pitches Boy Scout Food Drive TRAPPER TRAILS COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA GEARS UP FOR ANNUAL SCOUTING FOR FOOD DRIVE SATURDAY, MARCH 25 In 1988 there were nine emergency food pantries in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Trapper Trails Council area—today there are over 20. Last year alone, the Utah Food Bank experienced a 35% increase in emergency food demand. More than half the people served were families with children. Scouting for Food is a community good turn conducted by the BSA. Food collected by the Scouts is distributed to local food banks. This year the BSA Trapper Trails Council is combining efforts with the Great Salt Lake Council and the Utah Parks Council for a coordinated campaign. It is anticipated that over 50,000 Scouts and Leaders will take part in the three council areas to generate the largest collection of food ever experienced in the region. Empty bags will be distributed by Scouts, beginning March 18. Community residents can then fill the bags with commercially canned or packaged goods in preparation for collection by the Scouts on Saturday, March 25, 2000. Items that food banks are looking for include: Soups Cereals Chili Crackers Canned meats of any kind Canned vegetables Canned fruit Laundry soap & toilet items Baby food Beef stew Mixes—all kinds Packaged cookies Canned fish Weber State University President Dr. Paul H. Thompson is chairing this year’s Scouting for Food drive. Also assisting with the drive will be the Utah National Guard, the Army Reserve, and Associated Food Stores, Inc. Oakland A’s, New York Ya n k e e s , S e a t t l e Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Los A n g e l e s D o d g e r s , Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Mike Morgan with the Scouts and Scout leaders at South Fork Village. Reds. BASEBALL / SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Mike took the boys and girls out back and demonstrated some of his Attention all boys and girls interested in playing softball and baseball this professional pitching, while giving summer. some great pitching tips as well. Date: March 18th 9a.m. - 2p.m. During Mike’s off-season, he Registration April 10th 4p.m. - 8p.m. resides in Park City with his wife and Where: Snowcrest Jr. High two daughters. Mike loves to come to the Valley during his free time. He No Registration forms accepted after April 22nd-No Exceptions! enjoys fishing, hunting and We will be hosting a Valley basefball tournament this year. If interested socializing with his Valley friends! in coaching or playing contact Linda Gillespie 745-6807 or Melodie Hansen at Mike told the scout troops that 745-3545. spending time with his fans is what makes playing professional ball so If you have a boy between the ages of 8 and 11, who exciting. He told the children to remember that their parents should be would like to join Cub Scouts, please call Kareleen their #1 role models. Christensen at 745-3066. |
