HURT Juniors a FORCE at states.

There is no doubt about it, the picture of the junior nordic ski racing scene in New York was painted with clarity this past Monday and Tuesday in Lake Placid. Top skiers from across the state competed in the State Championship Meet at Van Ho and everyone on hand can attest that the HURT nordic/RNR duel for nordic dominance is fought hardest at the junior level. Without a doubt, the depth of talent from Section V (Rochester) skiers was on display but it was the HURT juniors from section 2 and 3 that did the most damage against the Western juggernaut. In the boys individual championship skate race on Monday its was HURT's Adam Luban who was narrowly edged out by RNR/Webster champion, Eric Mallery. teammates Austin Huneck and Brian Halligan were inches behind, as they captured 4 and 5 respectively. It was by a mere 1.3 seconds that Austin misssed joining the speedy Luban on the podium as Section 2 senior leader, Mike Mulshine, skied an impressive race to capture 3rd. The gaps were close at 26 seconds was the margin between 1-5. Seth Mares completed the strong showing by HURT junior boys with a top 20 finish and earned a spot on the Section 2 "A" relay squad.

While Luban was set to anchor the Section 3 relay team, it became a HURT/RNR showdown as the Huneck/Mares/Halligan show went out battle against the Section 5 "A" squad. Despite three strong legs by the HURT trio, Mallery and company proved a bit too much as they skied to the silver medal.

The girls race was a different story. As HFL and Pittsford flexed their "Marit Bjoergen-like" nordic muscles it was 9th graders, Sarah Duclos and Amy Duclos who were able to ski to a 24th and 27th place finish in the skate race and 20th and 21st place in the classic sprint. And Emma Underwood responded from a disappointing top 20 with a great scramble leg on Tuesday for the Section 2 "A" team who finished just off the podium. A big congratulations goes out to all the girls who competed and with the new bar set, they are ready to get after it!
Translation: MARIT BJOERGEN (I train with HFL, don't you see my yellow helmet?)

The Director was on hand to speak with the HRT newsroom after the skate event on Monday. (We tried to get in touch with him on Tuesday after the relays but his mom said he had to go to school, finish his math homework and work on his book report)

HRT: So what do you think of the junior performances today?

D: I liked what I saw. I like seeing 2,4,5.....not as much as 1,2,3..... but they are all coming back next year. A 20th at states isn't bad at all either. I like only having one section 5'er in the top 5 too....just for spite you know.....I mean.....I bleed Section 2....and there are no secrets about the cross-state competitive rivalry.

HRT: And the girls?

D: Emma, Amy and Sara skied tough today. Emma is coming back for one great final run and the Duclos twins have 3 years of preparation ahead of them. I expect to see them finish tied for 1st in a couple years.

HRT: Tied?

D: Of course.....they are twins....duh

HRT: You have taken some criticism in the media from women across the region who feel you aren't doing enough to bring the girls up fast enough. Some women suggest some new female leadership is in order. Any comments?

D: OH.....UH.....WHA?!

HRT: Rumor has it that their may be a vote of "no confidence" based on a petition by the HURT ladies. Is this news to you?

D: UH.....Look......I have a NYSSRA championship title to win next weekend. Yes....that's a THREE-PEAT!! No confidence!?.....pssssh......Just be there when you watch us raise that banner again....with the help of all our great women skiers! Now...I have to go study....or my mom will ground me next weekend....(whispering.....that's the only women I really fear...)


What will happen to the notorious "Director"? Is this the end of his tenure? Will Robin save the Batman from the Joker? Stay tuned to HRT nordic news to answer all these dramatic questions......

Random Picture of Batman.

The HRT newsroom is working on compiling a video report of states. In the meantime.....enjoy some of the story told in pictures.