Whiz Kid: The Champion Snowboarder

Name: Ben Reutter, 12th grade

School:  High School

Accomplishment: Ben took home second place in Boardercross at the USASA Nationals in Copper Mountain, Colo., in early April. Ben also was recently selected to train with the U.S. Snowboarding Team with USASA Project Gold. After his graduation from Northgate this week, Ben will leave for Mount Hood in Oregon to start training with the U.S. national team. 

Key to Awesomeness: Being a champion snowboarder from Walnut Creek is no easy feat. With the closest spot to hit the mountains about four hours away, training can be difficult.

"My family helps me by driving me up to Tahoe on the weekends as well as around to competitions," said Ben. 

Additionally, schoolwork on the weekends can present a tricky situation, but Ben doesn't fret. He finds time to study and sometimes completes his homework at Tahoe. 

One of Ben's favorite places to hit the slopes in Tahoe is Squaw Valley—he's also on its snowboard team. 

Most Saturday mornings during snow season, you can find Ben heading to Tahoe to train all day at Squaw Valley. Obviously, this schedule can be difficult, but Ben is following his passion. 

"I love snowboarding, and as long as I keep on top of schoolwork,  it really isn't that difficult," he said. 

Advice for other aspiring snowboarders: Ben realizes that practice is key to snowboarding and most sports.

"Practice a lot, never give up and practice a lot," he said. "You gotta spend lots of time up in Tahoe."

Next year, Ben will attend the University of Reno-Nevada and continue working hard on the sport that he loves.