CHS Skiers Navigate Slushy Conditions At States

March 11, 2010 by Greg Lederer

The Cheshire High School boys' skiing team faced obstacles heading into the state championship on March 4. Not only did recent warm weather cause for slushy conditions at Mount Southington, but the Rams would also be competing without senior captain Alex Sewersky. A four-year varsity skier and top racer for the last two seasons, Sewersky was injured while skiing on vacation and underwent surgery last week.
“It's rough without Alex,” said sophomore Collin Murphy. “Obviously, he was our best skier and team leader as a captain.”
He did his part to step up in Sewersky's absence. Murphy finished 18th overall (53.22) to lead the Rams to 10th place (337.5). When several skiers spun out, Murphy was able to navigate two solid runs.
“It was interesting. Snow was a challenge in itself out there,” explained Murphy.
The Rams provided a glimpse of big things to come. All six scorers can return next season. Freshman Gunnar Norback, who manned the third position behind Murphy and Sewersky this winter, placed 36th (55.28). Jochai Mor followed two spots later at 55.39. Alec Cunningham (50th, 57.52), Andrew Brown (52nd, 57.79), and Matt Bossy (55th, 58.3) also contributed to a deep freshmen class.
“They had a great season,” said Cheshire Head Coach Toby Brimberg. “Championship day was tough because we were missing Alex (Sewersky). I was very proud of the way everybody performed.”
“Skiing at Mt. Southington, we are used to ice. It's nothing we can't handle,” added Mor. “You could always do better. I was satisfied with my first run more than the second. We all tried our best.”
Like Sewersky, Mor became captain as a junior.
“I helped out the freshmen, who were new to high school (racing),” reflected Mor. “We have a very good team coming back.”
Brown enjoyed competing against the state's best. He raced varsity in the season opener, but didn't know that he was competing with a hairline fracture from a previous ski crash. The injury to his fibula kept him sidelined until the regular season finale.
“It was tough. I felt like I could have raced, but it was for safety,” Brown explained.
“Andrew is skiing well and excited to be back. We certainly missed him throughout the season,” reflected Brimberg. “Our boys' team has such a strong and large freshman class.”
Brown clocked Cheshire's fastest first-run at states and looked to post another top time before spinning out.
“The snow was really soft and there were a lot of ruts. The salt, they put out, really helped,” said Brown. “It feels good to compete here. I tried to think of it as any other race.”
Fairfield (314.38) and Darien (322.56) won the boys' and girls' races, respectively. The Rams wrapped up a 17-4 record two days earlier. Cheshire defeated Amity 293.26-319.32, along with Branford and Guilford by disqualification. The team took a loss to Litchfield (288.91). Murphy led the way in 10th place (46.44). Brown (15th, 46.98), Norback (22nd, 48.03), Mor (35th, 49.35), junior Colin Bogrette (48th, 50.86), and freshman Mike Harris (56th, 51.6) contributed to the team. Sewersky missed the meet, but did receive All-State for the second straight season. He is among six graduating skiers.
“He hit a tree while free skiing. He tore his MCL (medial collateral ligament), ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), and meniscus,” explained Brimberg. “We all feel very bad about it. The good news is that he will recover and recuperate.”
While they haven't qualified for states since 2004, the Lady Rams (5-10 record) did have an presence there. Teams that finish below .500 are allowed to send two individual racers to the statewide meet. Brimberg was granted an exception, since three underclassmen excelled. Sophomores Susan Kostin (51.27) and Anna Frenzilli (12th), along with freshman Jenna Pogozelski (52.78), were the top finishers in every race.
“I was really happy because we are really close. It wouldn't be fair to leave someone out,” said Kostin, who clocked the seventh-best time and received All-State Honorable Mention for the second straight season.
“There were a lot of good racers to compete against,” added Pogozelski.
Kostin and Frenzilli paced Cheshire last year, so they made their second straight trip to the meet.
“I was definitely less nervous knowing what to expect. The competition got much better. It's a great opportunity to compete on a high level,” explained Frenzilli. “I was excited because I didn't think I would get to compete with just two spots. I was ready and made an impact.”
“It was kind of the same thing (as last year). I wanted to have fun and do my best,” stated Kostin.
Kostin (fifth, 49.66), Pogozelski (seventh, 50.18), and Frenzilli (12th, 52.28) keyed a strong finish on March 2. Cheshire (332.24) swept Amity (346.54), Branford (370.65), and Guilford (DSQ). Seniors Megan Walton (59.32), Emily Selzer (60.1), and Mariah McKechnie (60.7) finished from 39th to 41st place, respectively.
The Rams graduate eight racers, including senior captains in McKechnie and Katharine Eddy. With no juniors, they return just five skiers. Kelsie Carlette, who missed her freshman season due to injury, joins Pogozelski and Kostin in the Mt. Southington Racing program.
“We need to get a lot more girls to race next year,” said Pogozelski. “We are 80 percent of the team.”
“They skied really well. We are graduating a lot of skiers, but are looking forward to next season,” added Brimberg.