The snow may have been sparse this year, but it didn’t stop the New Canaan High School Alpine Race team from heading to Mount Southington each week to train and race in the CT Interscholastic Ski League.
The New Canaan Girls Varsity team took eighth place, out of 14 teams, in the CT Interscholastic State Open Championships held on February 29, 2024. Newcomer and Freshman, Lucy Paine, led the team with a combined time of 48.85 to finish 36th in the championships, and Senior and co-Captain, Kailin Downey, secured a spot in the top 50 with a combined time of 50.10. Freshman, Sienna DeKanter, and Senior and co-Captain, Ella Schwartz, also made strong showings with combined times of 51.66 and 51.89 respectively.
“It was an amazing season full of new talent and lots of teamwork that made this year one of my favorites,” Ella Schwartz said.
Lucy, Sienna and Kailin were nominated for CISL All-State Team Honors, with Lucy and Sienna earning CISL Honorable Mention All-State recognition. Team members Maddie Casey, Beth Cheng, Charlotte Hanover, and Lily Racioppi also posted strong results to round out the season. The Girls Alpine team placed 4th overall among 15 Class S teams during the regular season.
With young talent, the Boys Varsity team continued to strengthen its foundation, laying the groundwork for future success. Led by Junior Captain, Slade Logsdon, who, along with Sophomore, James Bakal, landed in the top 50 overall for the season, the boys’ team showed significant improvement in their race times throughout the season. Junior, Matt Angiletta, wasn’t far behind, placing 53rd overall.
Freshman, Cooper Fox, posted impressive times as the season progressed, and team members Henry Ravanesi and Max Boccocio demonstrated they have what it takes to strengthen the team in the years to come.
“This boys’ team has many young, enthusiastic skiers determined to improve their skiing,” said Slade Logsdon. “I’m very excited to see us challenge ourselves next year and grateful to have such a united and charismatic team.”
