Cheshire Boys’ Skiing Has Strength In Numbers

January 7, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Racing is a passion within the Cheshire High School boys’ ski program. Eight racers, including five freshmen, are members of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association. By contributing to club teams as well, they race strong competition on weekends.
“It brings a lot of experience and depth to the team,” said senior Alex Sewersky, a two-time captain and Mount Southington Racing member. “It helps the other racers because they know the drills and can assist them.”
Sewersky, who leads the 2010 Rams with junior Jochai Mor, leads eight returning varsity skiers. A key contributor since his freshman year, Sewersky is coming off his strongest season as the number one racer. He won his first individual race and qualified for a second trip to the Eastern High School Championship.
“It’s very exciting to be skiing with Alex. He is a seasoned skier and captain,” stated Cheshire Head Coach Toby Brimberg. “He is a mature guy to work with and loves the team. I’m looking for an outstanding season from him.”
Sewersky is driven to return to the State Championship, in which he placed 18th overall last year. Cheshire settled for 10th place (329.79), after finishing 12-9 during the regular season.
“I didn’t have a great race at states,” recalled Sewersky, who hopes to finish top three in Class L this winter. “I think I’ll do better. It will motivate me to train harder.”
“No question, we will make the championship and be a very competitive team,” added Brimberg. “We have a shot at the top five or more.”
Strong numbers will help their goal of earning the school’s first state title. Sophomore Colin Murphy finished second behind Sewersky, receiving 2009 Rookie of the Year. Seniors Spencer Beck (Most Improved Skier), Sam Jalbert, and Rob Runowicz, along with juniors Colin Bogrette and Mor, and sophomore Jesse Eddy also possess varsity experience.
“Alex sets the mark and they want to follow him,” explained Brimberg. “It is a team effort. They help to push each other to do the best they can do.”
Like Sewersky as a junior, Mor was elected to captain the team for the first time.
“Jochai is a very positive person,” Brimberg said. “He approaches things with that attitude and because of that, people want to follow him. He is an outstanding skier.”
A deep freshman class strengthens the roster. Matthew Bossy, Andrew Brown, Alec Cunningham, Michael Harris, and Gunnar Norback are USSA racers.
“My expectation is that they will have two solid runs. We need consistent finishers,” Brimberg said. “Over the next few years, we will be very strong.”
With 37 racers combined between boys’ and girls’ teams, Brimberg credit’s the support of his assistant coaches. Mike Shaw, a new addition and former number one racer in Connecticut, and Christy Foote-Chase both skied at CHS. Jim Burke and Jeff Woytowich complete the staff.
“We started dry land training in November for athletes not in a fall sport,” recalled Brimberg. “We took the (boys and girls) teams to Okemo (Mountain) on December 12. We’ve been skiing ever since.”
USSA members benefit from skiing different mountains, along with racing slalom courses. High school courses are giant slalom, yet to advance to the Eastern High School Championship (March 12-14; Gunstock in Gilford, New Hampshire) racers must try out on slalom too. The top 24 boys and girls comprise Team Connecticut, racing against other states from New England.
“I’ve had a lot of fun at the championships. I want to contribute up there again,” added Sewersky.
Cheshire opens the season tomorrow against St. Luke’s, Fairfield, Berlin, and Glastonbury at Mt. Southington. The race is scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. start.