Jump/NC Fans:
It's no secret that when Empire State Games have come and gone that the jump season has finally started to creep its way towards completion. Oh sure, we've got Lead Dog and Lions Club, and JO's right around the corner. But at this point, the hay is in the barn.
Yep, we sure did host the 30th annual Empire State Games here in LP this weekend. And what a scene it was at McKenzie-Intervale. A special thanks to all the families who came out, and especially to those who braved the elements while judging and marking alongside the hill(s).
If you're looking for a tidy write-up and prompt results, look no further. Don West has again outdone himself and provided what you seek:
Now instead of offering the same stagnant event highlight-reel abound with adjectives such as "epic", "phenomenal", or "monster-truck rally"... we're trying something new. Some candid thoughts on podium ceremonies.
To preface, we had an epic junior class on the 18 this weekend. Almost 30 youngsters, first competition for most, throwing deep on a well-manicured K18 Flugschanze. We also had a killer NC race, held under blustery conditions on the trusty Van Ho biathlon side. Now here's the podium from the J5 Bros nordic combined event:
And the podium from the Vancouver 2010 Normal Hill XC:
Let's run through this, shall we? Olympics. First off, the podium itself, what is that faux cedar posterboard? Are they offering olive branches as an exchange for peace from the Whistler Weather Gods? And heck, Alessandro Pittin looks like he just had his wallet stolen.
Flashback to our J5 boys. They just finished their first NC race ever. Heck, two of 'em still have their skis on! No, they don't have medals because we forgot all the awards at the jumps... 4 miles away (medals Wednesday, boys!) They're standing on a solid plywood podium, beefy enough for 33 people. Aiden in spot 2 is ready to pop a takeoff off the darn thing. Scottie, the champ, has packed three of his closest buddies right there on the top spot with him. Matt's getting a noogie, and Kaleb is rapelling right off the front. Landon's patiently waiting for his hardware. Adrian's just waiting for the ceremony to be over so he can go ski a second lap. James McGuire? He's just making sure Scottie doesn't get out of line.
So what's the point of this mindless rant? Empire State Games rocked. Nordic combined rules. And most importantly, you know you're having fun when you can ski your way right onto the podium. Literally.
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