Could not of asked for a nicer day for the state meet. Conditions were perfect. Little chilly to start the day but with no wind and bright sunshine, a great day for racing action.
Jake had a fantastic first race in the skate event. (Karen Skoyles photo) He started with all the top skiers in the state including
Steve Coozennoy and Andy Dodds who were behind him. The both passed Jake after the triple threat series of hills but he stuck with them and actually passed them at the end, gaining some time back. Having those two skiers to ski with definitely helped.
Initially they had Jake at 16th which would of been a solid result. But not having used the timing system before the state meet with double chips, there were errors. About 30-40 minutes before the classical pursuit, updated results were posted and Jake was listed 8th which matched coach Dan's clocking. Jake was a bit nerved being in front of skiers like Connor Benton, Jack Hinkens and #1 ranked skier going in to the event, Ben Ohman. There were at least 10 skiers less than 10 seconds behind before the classic which created a bit of pressure. Jake went as hard as he could but as anyone knows who has raced, the mental aspect of being passed can sometimes play a bigger role than fitness or strength. Solid result at 21st.
End of the day had two very proud parents and a
fantastic day of racing. 
A great support team with members of the DL ski team my sister, cousin Marco, Jonell's sister, grand parents and even the Brazillians which we won't talk about. What happens at the Ridge stays at the Ridge until Deb the cook catches a sniff and the story comes out. Ha, good times!
Jake had a fantastic first race in the skate event. (Karen Skoyles photo) He started with all the top skiers in the state including Steve Coozennoy and Andy Dodds who were behind him. The both passed Jake after the triple threat series of hills but he stuck with them and actually passed them at the end, gaining some time back. Having those two skiers to ski with definitely helped.
Initially they had Jake at 16th which would of been a solid result. But not having used the timing system before the state meet with double chips, there were errors. About 30-40 minutes before the classical pursuit, updated results were posted and Jake was listed 8th which matched coach Dan's clocking. Jake was a bit nerved being in front of skiers like Connor Benton, Jack Hinkens and #1 ranked skier going in to the event, Ben Ohman. There were at least 10 skiers less than 10 seconds behind before the classic which created a bit of pressure. Jake went as hard as he could but as anyone knows who has raced, the mental aspect of being passed can sometimes play a bigger role than fitness or strength. Solid result at 21st.
End of the day had two very proud parents and a fantastic day of racing. 
A great support team with members of the DL ski team my sister, cousin Marco, Jonell's sister, grand parents and even the Brazillians which we won't talk about. What happens at the Ridge stays at the Ridge until Deb the cook catches a sniff and the story comes out. Ha, good times!
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