Wilton High Ski Team Finishes Solid in First Race

Wilton High’s ski team gave a strong showing at its first race of the CISL (Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League) on Jan. 2 at Mount Southington.

Wilton girls earned second place within CISL’s Class L with a 3-1 record against the teams they raced; they skied faster than Danbury, Hand and Guilford, falling only to Southington by a second (302.91 to 303.91) over 12 runs by 6 racers, which is extremely close. The girls took fourth place overall out of the 11 teams on the mountain (Class L and Class S).

This season marks the second consecutive year of Wilton competing in the larger Class L conference.

“The recent cold weather made racing conditions ideal,” Bill Howard, Wilton girls coach, said. “Many of our returning skiers posted much improved times, a great sign for a successful 2018.”

Wilton girls were led by freshman Kira Howard who finished 4th out of 92 skiers with a 2-run combined time of 45.91; senior co-captain Julia Bonnist (22nd, 49.46); junior Hope Ullman (23rd, 49.65) and junior Emily O’Brien (24th, 49.72).

Wilton boys went 4-0 against the teams they raced and achieved third place in both Class L and among all 13 teams on the mountain with a combined time of 284.26. Fairfield Prep finished first (277.39) followed by Ridgefield (281.9).

Wilton boys coach Mike Kaulins said: “It was an excellent first outing for our boys! Returning skiers posted personal bests, new skiers came out strong, and as a whole, the team made great strides resulting in being third on the mountain.”

Wilton boys were led by freshman Christian Theoharides who finished 14th out of 108 skiers with a 2-run combined time of 46.38; freshman Ryan van Heyst (16th, 46.55); and senior co-captain Michael Hueglin (21st, 47.47).

Wilton’s next race is scheduled for Wed., Jan. 10, against Barlow, Cheshire, Glastonbury and Weston.