The Delbarton Ski Team put together an impressive showing at the Giant Slalom and Slalom Championships, securing 2nd place overall finish Monday after an outstanding performance in the slalom event. Despite a 3rd-place finish in the Giant Slalom, the team rallied back in the slalom competition, nearly clinching the overall title.
Giant Slalom Recap – 3rd Place Finish
Delbarton started the championships with a 3rd-place finish in the Giant Slalom, posting a total team time of 6:20.58. Leading the way was Curt Friedrich, who dominated the field and took 1st place overall, clocking in at 1:26.26. His consistency in both runs (43.31 and 42.95) set the tone for the team.
Other key contributors in the Giant Slalom included Levi Schiffer (15th, 1:35.24), Max Pagliaro (23rd, 1:38.88), and Spencer Van Voorhis (27th, 1:40.20), who helped secure the team's podium finish. Pierce Weiss (28th, 1:40.54) and Axel Brandes (57th, 2:04.42) also competed, gaining valuable experience on a challenging course.
Slalom Recap – 2nd Place Finish
Delbarton rebounded in the slalom competition on a very warm February race day, putting together an outstanding performance to take 2nd place overall with a total team time of 4:46.57. Curt Friedrich once again led the charge, finishing 1st overall with a time of 1:01.19, finishing both of his runs (30.20 and 30.99).
Following Friedrich, Pierce Weiss had a strong showing, finishing 9th overall with a time of 1:11.86, followed by John Mermel (18th, 1:15.99) and Max Pagliaro (22nd, 1:17.53), whose efforts helped secure the team's runner-up finish. Neil Vankirk (37th, 1:28.65) and Levi Schiffer (DNF) also competed, pushing through the challenging slalom course.
Individual Highlights & Awards
The championships were a breakout performance for Curt Friedrich, who dominated both disciplines, securing 1st place in both Giant Slalom and Slalom. With his impressive results, he advances to the Race of Champions, joined by Pierce Weiss, who earned a spot with his strong finishes.
In addition to the team's success, senior Levi Schiffer was honored with the Petro Scholarship, an award given annually to one senior boy and one senior girl skier. This prestigious award is in tribute to Newton High School Alpine Racer Steven Petro, who passed away from brain cancer at just 21 years old. Each applicant wrote an essay detailing a ski team experience that you had to take initiative, united teammates and achieve something noteworthy. Prior to Schiffer, Evan Dolan '22 was the last skier to be awarded this scholarship.
Looking Ahead
Delbarton's performance at the championships showcased the team's depth, talent, and resilience. With a 2nd-place overall finish and two skiers advancing to the Race of Champions, the team has solidified itself as a top contender in high school skiing. As they look ahead to future competitions, Delbarton will continue to build on this success and push for even greater achievements in the seasons to come.
