Panthers shine at EISA season finale

The EISA racers gave it their all in the final stop of the 2020 Carnival season hosted by Middlebury College at the Snow Bowl this past weekend. And it was the Middlebury Panthers who proved again that they are a force to be reckoned with as their athletes took gold in each race. 

The panthers were ready to rip out of the gate with Justin Alkier, Tim Gavett and Erik Arvidsson all vying for a podium result taking the top three spots on run one. Arvidsson was able to ski fast and consistent to stay in third place overall marking the sixth-fastest second run time and an overall time of 1:34.75. Gavett blazed down to the finish to win the second run and guarantee a podium finish with the combined time 1:34.56. However, a panther podium sweep was not in the cards for the slalom, as Alkier DNF’d second run. Independent skier, and former UVM Catamount, Sandy Vietze knifed his way up to second place overall with a combined time of 1:34.70. 

On the women’s side it was Dartmouth having a strong slalom day. Abi Jewett, Claire Thomas and Patricia Mangan arced their way to second, third and fourth overall. It was Ali Nullmeyer who screeched down to win both first and second run, out skiing the field on her home Panther snow with a 1:37.60 overall time, two seconds ahead of Claire Thomas and Abi Jewett of Dartmouth.

“I’m really happy with my race today. The conditions were good and it was great to race at our home hill,”said Nullmeyer. “The Midd team had some solid results so we’re excited about another chance tomorrow!”

Middlebury Carnival GS

In the final race of the exciting 2020 season, Middlebury could not be stopped as the men and women took home gold for the second day in a row at the Snow Bowl. 

In the women’s GS it was Ali Nullmeyer who again reigned supreme taking home the win on the first and second runs with a combined time of 2:07.32. Nullmeyer won with a 1.45 second advantage. It was the Dartmouth women who changed their placings around second run. Abi Jewett had a swift first run behind Nullmeyer but fell from second to fifth overall. Patricia Mangan and Claire Thomas tied on first run and moved their way up to the podium ahead of fellow Dartmouth skier Stephanie Currie. In the end, Mangan took second with the time of 1:04.36, and Thomas took third with a 1:04.46. The Dartmouth ladies controlled the GS, placing five girls in the top 10 and winning as a team.

“It was a great day with really big crowds, which was so awesome to see and made it very exciting,” said Mangan. “Everyone on our team has the potential to podium so for everyone to be so consistent yesterday was a really nice way to end the season.”

For the men’s race Erik Arvidsson could not be stopped as he blasted down to the finish with the first run time of 1:00.49. Behind him, tied, were Jagge Linstoel (UVM) and Patrick Kenney (UNH) with 1:01.20. More Panthers were close behind with Alkier posting a 1:01.36 and Payton Campbell racing to a 1:01.45.

“I’ve trained on this hill so many times, so I’m really stoked that I was able to execute when it mattered most,” commented Arvidsson.

In the second run, it was Robby Kelley of Castleton State College for the USCSA who moved up to third overall and a combined time of 2:03.38. Jagge Lindstoel maintained his focus coming in with a 2:02.68 to snag second. And it was Arvidsson who would be crowned the GS winner as he won both runs and overall with a combined time of 2:01.41.

“It’s a special feeling to win in front of our home fans at the snow bowl. Our whole team is firing right now and I can’t wait to see what we can do in Bozeman in a few weeks,” said Arvidsson.

For combined Nordic and alpine team standings, the UVM Catamounts edged ahead of Middlebury to win the last Carnival of the season by one point scoring a total of 868 points, Middlebury had 867. 

Next on the schedule for collegiate skiing is the NCAA Championships set for March 11-14 where the NCAA-qualified skiers of the EISA and RMISA will compete at Bridger Bowl in Montana.

Men’s SL Results

Women’s SL Results

Women’s GS Results

Men’s GS Results