Wilton High Ski Team Meeting Success on the Slopes

**News Release Submitted by Rachel Leung**

With one final race to go in the regular season of the Connecticut Interscholatic Ski League (CISL), the Wilton High Ski Team is making a strong showing at its Mount Southington competitions against 13 other Class S teams. The Wilton girls, the Class S State Champions for the past two years, are undefeated after four races, and the Wilton boys have achieved two second-place and two third-place finishes.

The Wilton girls are led by sophomores Paige Leung and Gabby O’Meara who consistently placed in the top 7 of more than 130 skiers, with Leung achieving two 3rd place and two 4th place finishes and O’Meara locking in 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th placements. The team is also bolstered by senior captains Samantha Mims and Sloane Sullivan and sophomore Georgia Polito, all of whom placed in the top 20 for the four races. Consistent top 40 finishers have been freshmen Charlotte DiNapoli, Polina Popova and Lyla Theoharides. Frequent top 40 finishers include sophomores Kellogg Pettibone and Sarah Morris.

“I’m very proud of this team,” Bill Howard, Wilton girls coach, said. “They show great sportsmanship and support for each other, both on and off the mountain. Despite facing challenging conditions and tough competition, the girls are training hard, persevering and showing determination and passion for the sport.”

Leading the Warrior boys is junior Daniel Zoubarev with 4th, 9th, 10th and 12th place finishes out of more than 130 skiers. Sophomore Connor Buchichio also contributed by locking in 2nd and 3rd place in two of the four races, and freshman Cooper Buchichio finished in the top 20 for all four. Frequent top 20 finishers also include sophomore Hudson Hagmann and senior captain Harry Polito. Frequent top 40 finishers include juniors Jack Kelly and Max Mirota, and senior Jack Michael.

Mike Krudwig, Wilton boys coach, said: “To podium all four races under such adverse course conditions is a great accomplishment for this team. Heading into our final race, our focus is to take all the training and skills that we’ve worked on this season and hopefully turn it into a win.”

The Warriors’ final regular season race is set for this Thursday, Feb. 9. They then head to the State Open on March 1.

Complete team results may be found at cislracing.org.