Rough Season for Kazui

Whats good SRD fans? It's been awfully hot here in New Jersey and it almost hit 100 degrees a couple times already. I heard that Vermont got almost a foot of snow a couple weeks back which seems pretty weird on how the weather here is like.

Finally, get to catch up on the school work and spring sports. My season this year went by quick and had a couple obstacles in the way. I broke my arm twice, I lacerated my liver, bruised my lungs, and after my second concussion I decided it was enough and called it quits (not really my decision, the doctor wouldn't sign the stupid release form!)

I made Eastern Finals as a discretionary after States and was the last athlete to go, but the doctors wouldn't allow me to and I couldn't compete to Eastern's which is a second chance to make JO's. I figured I would just come back next year healthy and ready.

I wrapped up the season with a 3rd place finish in a council race and 8th at States, yeah pretty bad. But I am excited to race again and for Summer I might go down to Chile with my coaches.

Thank you SRD for supporting me all this year and hopefully in the future.

.)) Kazui Kusumi

2010 "Fast Skier" Scholarship Winner Named!

We are pleased to announce that the winner of the 2010 SRD/WCS/HALTI “Fast Skier” Junior Alpine Scholarship Fund award is Karina Schwartznau of Bonney Lake, WA.

A 2nd year J3 at Crystal Mountain Alpine Club based at Crystal Mountain, WA, Karina has not only posted solid results on the race course, but also exemplifies the personal characteristics that the award represents: excellent academic achievement, extensive community involvement, and incredible drive and focus as an athlete. Karina was also named Crystal Mountain Alpine Club “Skier of the Year”. As the recipient of the 2nd annual scholarship award Karina will receive $1,000.00, a SRD Athlete’s pack, a 2011 speed suit from Halti USA, a Winter Storm Coat from WCS, and a Shred race helmet and goggle package.

“Karina really once again reinforces the significance of this award” commented Barry Levinson of SRD. “Her results this past season culminated with a 3rd place overall at the J3 Junior Olympics and her understanding of the sacrifices required to reach her goal of being an Olympic skier will go a long way to helping her develop into an outstanding skier and person.”

In its second year, the scholarship recognizes a J3 racer who is well rounded athletically and academically and gives back to his or her community. Once again, the quality of the applications submitted by the group of over 50 candidates was outstanding.

“In addition to her results, Karina maintains a 4.0 GPA at Sumner High School and was recently inducted to the National Honor Society. It’s amazing that she finds time for all that she does outside of school and on the hill. Karina has worked at a local food bank, participated in numerous fund raising walks to benefit breast cancer research, and among other things, helps monitor water quality at Lake June (WA).” Added Brad Williams of World Cup Supply.

Kyle's Season...

This was a really good season for me. I had consistently fast results and a lot of fun. My biggest season goal was achieved by making the Whistler Cup team. This was an incredible experience to represent Team USA and to compete against the best kids from many other countries. I came in 12th in the slalom, with a 7th second run. In SG, I came in 22nd. At Eastern JO’s, I won the overall event with a 2nd in both SL and GS missing the top of the podium in each by less than .1

A big result from my season was going undefeated in mid-Vermont council winning every run of every race. I also won the Vermont State GS and was second in the slalom. This was a great way for me to end my J3 season in the council and state.

This summer I am going with KMS to Sass Fee Switzerland in July and Mount Hood, Oregon in August.. I am really excited for my first year as a J2. I plan on working hard this summer to achieve my goals as a first year J2.

Thanks to SRD and all the support once again this season.

.)) Kyle Burcin