Clockwise from top, The John Jay boys won the team title at the Section 1 ski championships at Hunter Mountain. John Hamilton of Fox Lane was second in boys slalom to earn a trip to states. Mia Bourla navigates the gates.James Bysshe of John Jay finished second in boys skimeister standings. Brynn Anthony of Fox Lane won the giant slalom and was third in slalom. Greg Kaplowitz photos
By JIM MACLEAN
The John Jay boys varsity ski team is used to standing on top of the podium at the Section 1 ski championships, but this year it was extra special for the Wolves to walk up and receive their championship plaque at the end of the day at Hunter Mountain Feb. 12.
Last year the boys won as a combined team with North Salem and Somers, but this year was the first time that combined teams would no longer be able to win a team title in Section 1 sports. No problem, John Jay would claim the title once again, this time as just John Jay. The Wolves still train and race with North Salem and Somers, but for the sectionals the teams would compete on their own. John Jay was able to claim the title ahead of second-place finisher Hastings and the rest of the field as the Wolves maintained their spot as a powerhouse ski program from Section 1.
With the victory, John Jay adds another Section 1 championship plaque to the trophy case, and the Wolves advance to compete as a team at the New York State Championships on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 24-25, at Gore Mountain.
“The John Jay boys alpine ski team winning the team title again is a huge accomplishment, especially considering the team merge is over,” admitted John Jay coach Paul Crivelli. “It’s a testament to the strength and depth of our skiers, even with the changes. I’m incredibly proud of how they came together, and it’s rewarding to see their hard work pay off.”
A pair of Fox Lane skiers will be joining the John Jay boys team on the mountain at Gore for the state championships, as Brynn Anthony qualified to compete with the Section 1 girls team and John Hamilton will compete with the Section 1 boys team.
Leading the way for the John Jay boys was senior James Bysshe as he enjoyed a big day after missing last year’s championships with an injury. Bysshe finished second in the boys skimeister standings based on a combined score from all four runs. He was third in slalom and fifth in giant slalom.
“James had an outstanding day, it was great to see him back on the slopes after missing sectionals last year,” Crivelli said of Bysshe. “His return made a significant difference for the team, and his performance is a reflection of his dedication and resilience.”
Bysshe will compete for the team title at states along with John Jay teammates Sean O’Meara and Matt Wolfe as the top three skiers advance to compete for the team score. O’Meara finished sixth overall on his four runs, while Wolfe was 16th. Porter Bysshe will also be going to the state meet as he finished second in the giant slalom overall, but he was unable to complete both runs in slalom.
Fox Lane’s John Hamilton had another big day, finishing second in the Slalom and third in the giant slalom, but he also fell on one run and could not compete for the skimeister title. He will be returning to the state meet as one of the 11 skiers to qualify for the Section 1 team.
In the boys slalom race, John Hamilton was second, followed by James Bysshe in third. O’Meara was sixth and Matt Wolfe was eighth for John Jay, with Chase Hamilton of Fox Lane in 12th place.
In the giant slalom, Porter Bysshe was second with John Hamilton in third and James Bysshe in fifth. O’Meara was 16th, and Chase Hamilton was 23rd.
Anthony was second in the girls skimeister standing competing in a very talented and tight group at the top. At the end of the day she was right behind Maggie Roseberry of Mamaroneck in the skimeister standings for the four combined runs. Anthony claimed the Section 1 title in giant slalom, completing two runs with times of 32.86 and 33.7 to finish first, and she was third in the slalom.
The John Jay girls team also had a good day as the Wolves finished second in the team standings for the Section 1 title. Willow Lutz led the way for John Jay as she finished 14th overall. Senior teammate Mia Bourla was close behind in 16th place overall. Gemma DelRosso was 24th and Miriam DiPaolo was 27th for the Wolves.
The state alpine ski championships will be held at Gore Mountain with giant slalom competition for boys and girls on Feb. 24, followed by slalom races Feb. 25.