Adam Figgins, Nederland.Alpine Skiing. Nederland’s Alpine Team is starting the new year in good standing. On Saturday the 11th, Ned made their way to Winter Park to race giant slalom. The men’s team placed first with 171 points, beating Middle Park by 3 points. The women’s team also performed well and placed third overall with 156 points. Max Lynch was the third fastest racer overall on Saturday and was had the fastest time for the Nederland men. Bella Lynch placed 9th overall for the women and was the fastest Nederland racer. The team will be travelling to Loveland for slalom on Friday the 18th.

Nordic Skiing. The Nederland Nordic Team had their first race on Saturday the 11th at Spring Gulch. Nederland women placed 11th overall with 87 points. Helen Cross qualified for state in classic skiing and placed 47th overall with a time of 28:34. The men had a great start for the season and placed 10th overall with 95 points. Scout Edmondson raced very well and placed 52nd overall, as one of the fastest Ski Meisters in the state, a great season is expected from Mr. Edmondson. The Nederland Nordic Team has five Ski Meister athletes this year. Ski Meisters compete in both as downhill and cross-country skiers.

Women’s Basketball. Lady Panthers played Front Range Christian on Tuesday the 15th. The Panthers fought their hardest but lost the game 14-49. One of the team captains, Breegan McClish says “this season I hope to build a strong lineup for next year and to improve, play hard and have fun at every game”.

Men’s Basketball. The men’s basketball team also made the trip down to Front Range Christian on the 15th. The Panthers almost won with a final score of 44-46. Team captain Damon Vigil says “this year we are trying to achieve as much success as we can before the seniors leave and the younger kids take over so we can leave them in a good spot”. Damon is focused on having “as much fun as possible”.

(Originally published in the January 17, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)