Ruapehu second in ski race

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 555, 27 September 1994, Page 3

Ruapehu second in ski race

Ruapehu college hosted the 15th Secondary School Skiing Competition at Whakapapa last week. The competition is designed to cater for top national level skiers as well as the absolute beginner. Some 617 competitors from 127 schools make this possibly the largest ski race event in the southern hemisphere. Competition was close, Saint Cuthberts College took first place with Ru-

apehu College just two points behind in second place. Todd Haywood of Ruapehu College won the prize for fastest senior man. As well as the main categories awards were also made for best-dressed team, most supporters, 'body plant award' and 'best ski bunny ! ' Exceptionally close times for place getters in the Junior men's, Senior women' s, and Junior women' s categories were re-

corded. According to Rick Knightof Ruapehu College this year saw an improvement in skiing ability in all age groups. "The keenness of competitors plays a part in lifting the profile of skiing throughout New Zealand and has led to an improvement in New Zealand' s international skiing reputation." The event is normally of three days' duration, however poor weather curtailed events on the second and third days. The first day ran very smoothly with warm,

pleasant conditions. Due to poor weather conditions on the second day the dual slalom events were cancelled - the first time this has occurred in many years. Another point to note was the birth of a son to John Laurenson, race coordinator, a few days before the races. This happened on the entry amendment date, a late entrant? The organisers expressed thanks to the competitors, visiting officials, college staff, sponsors and Whakapapa staff. Next year' s event will be held on 17, 18 and 19 September

Results: SCHOOLS: 1st Saint Cuthberts College, 78 Points; 2nd Ruapehu College 76, 3rd Kings College, 72. SENIORMEN: lst Todd Haywood (Ruapehu College) 22.01s; 2nd Josh Rowe (Palmerston North High) 23.28s; 3rd Craig Gladding (Auckland Grammar) 23.48s. SENIOR WOMEN: lst Minttu Viitanen (Hutt V alley High) 19.87s; 2nd Monique Ritchie (St. Cuthbert's) 19.88s; 3rd Kirsten Stevens (Wellington Girls) 19.91s; Turn to Page 5

College ski races

From page 3 JUNIOR MEN: 1st Scott Mazey (Tauhara College) 25.24s; 2nd Simon Douglas (John Paul College) 25.37s; 3rd D a n i e 1 Richards (Ruapehu College) 25.53s. JUNIOR WOMEN: 1st Natasha Wells (Rangitoto College) 1 7 . 1 4s ; 2nd Elizabeth Shand (St. Cuthberts) 1 7.4 1 s ; 3rd Mlchelle Lyver (Epsom Girls Grammar) 17.72s.