While most students are packing their bathing suits and sunscreen for a trip to the beach, two members of the Lees-McRae Ski & Snowboard team are busy packing their winter gear in preparation for the USCSA National event in Lake Placid, N.Y.
AJ Dulin and Carson Bazemore did well enough at the Mid-Atlantic Regional event in Seven Springs, Pa. to qualify for Nationals. They will be competing in the Snowboard Boardercross and Giant Slalom events. Both Dulin and Bazemore will be spending their Spring Break on the slopes of Whiteface Mountain in upstate New York.
Coach Aaron Maas has been thrilled with the program so far. “Everything this season has been new to us. To achieve the level of success we’ve had in our first year is just outstanding. I’m incredibly proud of each and every student-athlete on the team.”
In the program’s inaugural season the snowboard team finished first in the Southeast Conference in Men’s GS with Dulin leading the way with a second-place overall finish. While facing some stiff competition, freshman Trey Woody had an outstanding season finishing third overall in the Men’s Alpine division.
Lees-McRae brought back the Ski & Snowboard program this year after being dormant for nearly a decade. They have traveled all over the south and mid-atlantic regions competing in events at six different resorts. Starting next year Lees-McRae will be offering athletic scholarships to help high school students continue to pursue their passion on the slopes while competing at the collegiate level. If you have any questions about the program please contact head coach Aaron Maas, maasa@lmc.edu or 515-770-2307.