Ten-year-old Reilly Wahlers (J5) finished the ski race season with a fourth place in her slalom, a second in giant slalom and fourth for the combined. She is pictured here at the Team Afton Open Championship on Sunday, Feb. 20 with the two 1st place trophies she earned in that event. She was also presented with the cozy warm-up jacket she is wearing.
The weekend of Feb. 19-20 marked the last USSA (United States Ski and Snowboard Association) Region 1 Planet Cup race at Afton Alps in Afton, Minn. Ten-year-old Reilly Wahlers (J5) finished the season with a fourth place in her slalom, a second in giant slalom and fourth for the combined.
The USSA Planet Cup race was introduced in 2003 as a season-long series recognizing excellence in J456 racers (J6 ages 8 and under, J5 ages 9 and 10, J4 ages 11 and 12). Region 1 is comprised of all Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. The racers compete all winter at various ski areas and accumulate Planet Cup points based on top finishes. Standings are kept for slalom, giant slalom and the combined by place points. The Region 1 board has determined that the best 60 percent of the races will be counted toward each of the discipline standings.
On Sunday, Team Afton Alps held its 21st annual Team Afton-J456 open championship race. There were 233 J456 athletes present — the highest number they have ever hosted! Ironically, Mother Nature decided to finish off the season the way she started it, with blowing snow accumulating up to three inches per hour. Reilly cleaned house with an impressive first in slalom, a first in giant slalom and a first in combined, taking home the coveted championship warmup coat.
Reilly’s parents, Max and Lisa Wahlers of Grand Marais, were on hand to watch the event. Max Wahlers said, “What an awesome achievement she has made for herself this year. We couldn’t be more proud of her!”
Max Wahlers said, “We are very proud of how hard she has worked this winter; training two or three times per week in Lutsen and one night per week in Duluth, and racing most Saturdays and Sundays all over the region.
“We would like to give a special thank you to all her coaches at the Duluth Superior Alpine Club and up here at home in Lutsen. Special thanks to Charles Lamb, who helped support us in the decision to join USSA and getting Reilly into this sport four years ago. Charles donates tons of his time and resources to train our kids up here in Lutsen.
“Another person who has gone the extra mile is Rick Backstrom. He is out there every practice, helping Charles and he also helps shuttle kids from town. His help is greatly appreciated,” said Max Wahlers.
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