Whitefish dominates Red Lodge GS races

The Whitefish Mountain Race Team swept the podium in the U14 boys giant slalom races for a strong showing at Red Lodge.

Competing under good race conditions Jan. 9-11, all seven U14 boys from Whitefish took the top-seven overall finishes for the day.

Leading the charge on the podium Sunday was Devin Beale on top, followed by Colter Upton in second, and Walt Hollensteiner in third.

Camas Rinehart took fourth, Douglas Mercer fifth, Peyton Charest sixth and speedster William Lewison seventh.

Coach John Steitz says these 12- and 13-year-old racers have been working hard since September on and off the slopes.

“They each came into the weekend with an excellent game plan which they executed terrifically,” Steitz said. “To see them rewarded for their efforts so early in the season is exciting.”

Coach Zak Anderson thinks their “preseason training camps in Panorama, B.C. really paid off. He wouldn’t be surprised to see the boys sweep a few more podiums this season.

“This is a very strong and dedicated group of racers,” Anderson said.

Not to be outdone, 12-year-old Stella Eddy raced to personal bests, landing in third, seventh and eighth in the U14 girls division.

The U12 boys from Whitefish also had a strong weekend, with speedster Tyler Anderson grabbing two podium finishes. Darby McCarthy raced to three top-10 finishes.

The younger Whitefish girls were led by Finley McCarthy standing on the podium on Sunday in second place in the U10 division. Tess Lewison and Addison Bahr also were strong for the U10 girls, each with a trio of top-10 finishes. Norah Schmidt received two 13th place finishes, and sister Macy grabbed a second place finish for U8 girls.

Next up for the Whitefish team are the Big Sky slalom races Jan. 24-25.