18 STRONG

Carnival season brings many things: secret goodies placed in ski lockers, whispers of carnie crush schemes, and of course, lots of time in the ski vans. The past two weekends have brought us to Quarry Road in Maine, so van time has been plentiful. 

Sonya struggles to adapt to van life

All this time together has only brought the team closer. Now at 18 strong, it really feels like one team working together to ski fast, have fun, and above all be nice to Perry. 

This week was full of team time, starting with our annual 80's bowling night.

Benselation Station does bowling

SQUAD

Carr gives his best blue steel while rocking a very tight denim vest...

...but best 80's outfit award went to Eli 

Go Benzene Fuel!!!

Midweek marked Josh's 22 birthday, and the team surprised him for cake and movie night.

HBD Squashua ft. Midder #1 aka BAE

 And then back into the vans on Friday for the drive to Maine, where the both men and women raced a 15km classic on Saturday and a team skate sprint on Sunday. All this time together lent itself to some very quotable moments:

"Wait, this is a girl?!"--Eli

 "I don't feel like talking about myself tonight"--Minnie

Thanks to our awesome coaches our skis were rippin' and the team skied to some historic finishes. Jack won the 15km (for the first 5km) and Eli skied his heart out to make it onto the podium for his first 3rd place finish!

 Jack, Eli, and Braden post 15km classic

The girls worked together in the 15km, with Olivia leading us in 18th place. We broke out the glitter for the team relay (a la US Ski Team) and managed to have fun and beat Harvard too.

T-sain and Minnie riding the post-race high

GIRLS

Overall, a solid week of racing, travel, and team fun. This coming week is a break from college racing and the team is headed to Lake Placid this weekend for the SuperTour and some extra volume training before jumping into classes and the UVM carnival next week.   

A big shout out to all the supportive parents who provide us with the best food table on the EISA circuit week after week!! We couldn't do it without you. Thank you thank you thank you!

As always, think snow!!