Diamond Peak Ski Team Alumna Lila Lapanja (1994) was awarded the Bronze medal for the Junior Overall Combined Title at the U.S. National Championships (which is the best scores combined from Slalom and Super-G held during the Championships) — at Winter Park, CO March 31- April 3rd.

Juniors are ALL racers 19 years old and younger.

She is currently wrapping up the race season at Mission Ridge, WA for the Elite Spring Series (just took an 18th in GS today); Then to the Elite Spring Speed Series at Mt Bachelor April 15-20.

It was a Western Region Sweep–Sydney Staples (1993) of Park City Ski Team was first and Emma Naatz (1993) of Rowmark Academy (Park City) was second.

Have you heard? Diamond Peak Ski Team can now  hold the postponed Diamond Cup!  Diamond Peak Ski Team’s 10th annual Diamond Cup will be held on Saturday, April 23rd!

This year, we will host  an afternoon event, with registration at the lodge at noon.  Those of you who have pre-registered will pick up your bib and BBQ ticket at that time.   Avoid extra registration fees and save time by pre-registering!  Race time will begin closely after registration (approx 1:00 pm).

Many of you already pre-registered for this event, which was originally scheduled for March 20th, 2011.  If you pre-registered for the originally scheduled event, we have your registration and will use it for the Saturday, April 23rd event.  If you cannot participate on April 23rd, let Brenda know: we will pull your registration and will not process your payment – but we will miss you!

BBQ and Awards will be a “Last Tracks” event at Snowflake Lodge serving Sliders (pork, chicken or beef), chips and drinks.   Please note:  We are attempting to work out transportation to Snowflake Lodge for non-participants wishing to attend BBQ and Awards .  We hope to have information on this soon!

Finally, ‘mulligans’ can be pre-purchased at registration.  Don’t like your 1st or 2nd run?  Want a ‘do-over’?  Pre-purchase a few mulligans to use if you need them!  Results based on top 2 race times.

Get your pre-registration in as soon as possible to Diamond Peak Ski Team chalet!  Place in our lock box by the front door if we are not in!

See you Saturday, April 23rd for the Diamond Cup!

Diamond Peak Ski Team coaches selected their March Skier of the Month based on their dedication, sportsmanship and attitude.

• J3 Head Coach Eric Garayoa selected Hannah Johnson, 14, as the J3 Skier of the Month.  Garayoa said, “My favorite thing about Hannah is that when she ‘flips the switch’ in the start coral you know that she has a great shot at winning that run. She breathes competition and is extremely dedicated to her development with six days a week of training.”
• Bode Glavish, 11, was chosen as the J4 Skier of the Month for his marked improvement.
  “Bode has come such a long way,” said head DPST coach Josée Lacasse. “This month he is by far the most improved skier. He is working hard and his performances prove it. He is maturing into a strong skier. He is a great kid to work with.”
• Lacasse and her coaching staff also selected J5 Emily White, 10. “Emily has been one of our most consistent athletes,” Lacasse said. “She has had great performances all year long, and solid training as well. Emily is always smiling and finds the right amount of play versus work. She is well respected by her peers as well as all her coaches.”
• For the Tahoe League selection, head coach Petra Plajbes and her coaching staff chose Jade Erickson, 11, as the March Skier of the Month. “Jade is an incredible athlete,” Plajbes said. “She rejoined the team late in the season, but has already posted some great results, taking fifth place in a Big G race at Northstar two weekends ago in a very challenging course, and even more challenging weather conditions. Jade has great talent matched with an impressive work ethic and desire to improve.”
• Adventure Team coach Mark Bernstein selected Anna Cole, 13, as his Skier of the Month, citing her improvement and work ethic. “Anna has been one of the most improved skiers of the group,” Bernstein said. “She understands the tasks and drills, and attempts and accomplishes them all. She has a great attitude and has a level of maturity beyond her years. She has been a pleasure having in the group this year.”
• Jack Laurie, 6, who participates on the Talent Squad Team, was selected by Talent Squad head coach Becki Boehnke for his dedication. “Jack never missed a day of Talent Squad this season and he always showed up with a positive attitude,” Boehnke said. “He also was the overall winner of the 2011 Cupcake Cup held March 19.”

Way to go athletes!

The North Tahoe Bonanza has a round-up of the various championship races that have taken place over the last week or so, including the J4/5 championship series at Mammoth, the Tahoe League GS championship at Diamond Peak, and the J3 Slalom and GS finals at Heavenly and Sugarbowl, respectively.

A couple pics of DPST kids at Mammoth Speed Week… thanks Josée!

The Tahoe League Championships took place over the last two weekends. Overall awards were presented two Sundays ago after a dual-slalom.  Last Sunday featured a dual-GS for the younger kids and a challenging GS course for ages 11 and up.

(Apologies for accidentally leaving Lucy Donahue out of the article, who also participated in the race!)

Old news, but… The J3 Marriott Junior Championships for the Western Region of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association were held March 17-19 at Squaw Valley.