WESTFIELD – There is a logjam for second place in the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference’s North Division, thanks to a Westfield High School female underclassman and her ski team.
Westfield sophomore Jenna Rothermel had an incredible slalom run on the slopes of Berkshire East last night, besting the entire field with a 37.58 finish. Camille Burger, of Longmeadow placed second in 38.71.
Bombers’ Lauren Sheehan finished 10th in the North Division and 12th overall (32.55), Jenna Mueller was 15th overall (33.00), and Grace Giffune cracked the top 30 in 36.09.
The team’s solid run secured second place for Westfield in the North Division, tied with Agawam, and Minnechaug at 10 points apiece. Longmeadow is seated atop the division with 14 points.
“It was a great time, a great course,” said Westfield ski coach Monique Piotte. “The conditions were conducive to a very successful race. “There were minimal ruts, no ice, and the temperature stayed steady.”
As race time neared, the rain halted and the course softened up, Piotte said.
Rothermel excelled, drawing praise from the team’s longtime coach.
“Jenna was the ‘Queen of the Night,’” Piotte said. “She’s humbled and ready to move on the next adventure. She’s all about the team, and improving.”
BOMBERS’ BOYS MAKE STRIDES: The WHS boys’ ski team had its best finish in two years, finishing fourth in the North Division.
Thomas Pepek (28.56), Matt Walsh (28.96), Michael Wailgum (30.16), and Liam Flaherty (30.27) were the top four Westfield male racers responsible for the improved times and score.
“It’s a milestone for them,” coach Piotte said. “They’re a progress in motion. They pushed themselves tonight. That’s what we try to influence on them.”
Piotte said the results are a harbinger of things to come.
“This shows them what their potential can be,” she said. “This gives the kids a boost.”
The boys’ and girls’ ski teams will be challenged even more so than in previous seasons with four meets in 10 days. The second one will be held tomorrow.
“The kids are resilient,” Piotte said. “They see how they did tonight. If they have another good night Thursday, they will process it this weekend, and come back even stronger next week.”
“It’s more grueling on the traveling,” Westfield’s coach added. “The race itself is a walk for them.”
