With just a few hours away from closing the 2010-2011 registration for the NYSSRA state championship weekend vegas odds makers have been pouring over the confirmed participant list for the upcoming championship events that will be held at Mt. VanHoevenberg. Team HURT plans to send a host of competitors to cement their overall points team title and win the coveted NYSSRA champions relay victory.
Given the current data, the odd oddsmakers have released the following picks for those following the REAL March Madness event.
Saturdays biathlon race: HURT young-gun Brian Halligan looks to face off against father/wily-veteran Sean and a small but highly competitive field. This one is hard to pick...Weather could always be a factor. Race favorites could have a bad shooting day and underdogs could shoot the lights out. (hopefully not, they need those lights in the timing shed)
Odds: Take 4:1 that the all the bullets will be fired out the correct end of the gun.
Saturdays Championship 21K Classic Race
With a field that appears to be missing all three of last years top finishers this race could be wide open. Typical NYS powerhouse skiers from across the state are pulled away coaching in Minnesota or skiing in other races across New England. This does not mean we don't have a large and competitive field of skiers all itching to have their names etched onto the champions wall. (or is that "etching" to have their names "itched"?) anyways....
Chris Yarsevich: distance classic race are this HURT stud's specialty. And the race course plays well into his striding prowess and gritty determination. Big factor: is it his turn to take care of baby Ana's needs? If he has to drag Ana's ski-sled behind him look for him to slip back a spot or two.
Odds: 25:2 He has to stop at least once to change a diaper
Matt Tornianen: This years George Mason. Both names end with a "n". If you are picking a cinderella to go all the way place your peanuts on this fella. He has been skiing amazing lately and proved he has the strength and speed on classic skis in last years NYSSRA Champs relay. Big Factor: coaching could be a liability. Will he stop to correct technique as he passes by on his 2nd and 3rd lap? Or will he put on the blinders and ski to fame and glory?
Odds: Take 5:2 that the slipper fits.
David Kvam: A lot of "ifs" on this pick. Can he handle the starting speed of the Santor, Diehl, Yarsevich and other big double polers in the field? Can he draw on his fitness and other solid classic performances of early in the season? He hasn't seen a lot of classic distance races this season and this could be a problem. Don't count him out though. He has what it takes on skis and is a fierce tactician. Has proven he has the stuff to finish high in the standings.
Odds: Take 2:1 that he has eaten his oatmeal and his socks will match.
Eric Seyse: Always a competitor in a classic race. Coming of a Tourathon win. Big factor: racing the biathlon race in the morning. Has raced 732 times this year. Plans on racing the day before. Is racing right now. Will race after the event. Is he bionic?
Odds: Take 6:1 that he forgets to take his gun off before the start of the race.
Jon Santor, Jim Kobak and Chris Rose: The might of the Peru dynasty lies the hands of this powerhouse triad-of-destruction. look for team tactics, a fast start and calculated attacks that will look to break the strength of the HURT unit. It should be a battle royale on snow.
Odds: take 1:1 that they all toast to "Slayer" before, during and after the race.
Sundays Team relay: With the RNR group sadly missing from this years event it looks to be another wide open race. multiple teams from Peru, HURT, Glenville and other state teams look to mix it up in a format where anything can happen. HURT looks to be odds favorite to take the title but until the teams are official made it is just hard to say.
Odds: take 1:1 that HURT repeats as points champ! see you this weekend!
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