Athletes Ski Their Way To Success!!
Five Centre County athletes qualified for the Special Olympics Winter Games held in Johnstown Pa from February 13 – 15. Alek Masters, Carl Emill, Patrick Carney, Austin Bowen, and Matt Prosek practiced their downhill skills and prepared for the Winter Games at Tussey Mountain during the season. Unfortunately, Matt Prosek injured his ankle and was unable to go.
Coaches Norm Williams and Rob Masters accompanied the athletes to Johnstown, PA, where opening ceremonies were held in the park outdoors. The skiers and their coaches spent two days competing at Hidden Valley Resort with over 140 other skiers from throughout the state.
Tuesday’s weather was picture perfect—Bella even got a sunburn! We had five gentlemen from local high schools as volunteers. Their abilities matched well with our skiers (we put two with Patrick, one in front and one behind to keep an eye on him!). The Super G and Slalom went well. The athletes did say the turns were challenging, and maybe a little icy. Patrick thought the slope was fast but looked good. Carl and Austin were worried after their first runs, but did well, and Alek scrambled to make a few gates but just pulled it out each time.
Patrick Carney brought home three six place ribbons. Austin received a bronze medal along with a 5
th and 6th place ribbon. Carl skied his way to a silver and bronze medal along with a 5th place ribbon. Alek took home a 4th, 5th, and 6th place. All athletes had a great time and are looking forward to skiing again next year!Ski Season Wrap-Up
Special Olympics Skiing started on January 15th at Tussey Mountain. Skiers included Alek Masters, Austin Bowen, Patrick Carney, Carl Emil, Matt Prosek, Rachel Wolfe, Ashley Harmon, Ryan Tkach, Marion Bachelor, Nicole Reisterer, Zac Williams, Paul Kleit, and Jason Ertwine.
We had a variety of skiing levels from advanced, to athletes who had never skied before. All athletes had a great time with our dedicated volunteers. Tussey’s slopes were fantastic and the athletes learned many skills, such as stopping, turning, falling down, and the proper way to get back up.
Coaches Norm Williams, Bella Bregar, and Rob Masters enjoyed working with all the athletes and especially sharing laughs over pizza and hamburgers. We look forward to seeing everyone on the slopes again next year!