Ben looks over the times of the first runs and checks on the race order for the second run with other racers. Ben did double duty that day as he did gate keeping after he finished his first run. Ben is also Vice President of the GVSU ski team. Standing behind Ben is the President of the team.
Ben slides to a stop as he finishes his slalom run. Although GVSU as a team finished last, He placed 14th over all in the Slalom race.
Sunday brought the GS race, and Ben had a good run for his first run. He ran into some problems on the second run having to hike, but was granted a re-run due to timing problems. Ben ran into problems again just one gate down from the first place he trouble, falling and causing a DQ. He was not hurt and will be back next weekend to race again. Aww shucks, even Bode Miller has bad days!
Christopher and Ben caught up with each other after Ben's second Slalom run. Ben has always been a mentor to Christopher when it came to ski team and has a calming effect to all involved even in the most intense races. Christopher post ran the race when they switched courses. He wasn't able to secure his first run time, but with a small slip up at the top of the course, his second run came in at 25 seconds flat. Chris was pleased. Chris also post ran the GS race the next day timing out at 20.01 with a bit of trouble in the same spot a lot of the racers were Dq'd on. |
Ben LaDuke carries on the racing tradition in his family begun by brother Matt Ben and his brother Matt started years ago on the OHS Ski Team. Ben has been racing for Grand Valley State University for a couple of years now, just as his brother Matt did before him. Both young men were captains of the Boy's OHS Ski Team in their respective years while at OHS. Watching Ben race at this level, makes you appreciate all the work he put into at the "prep" level in high school. While Ben still strives to improve with each race, there is one thing that hasn't changed over the years. It is his calm demeanor, and good sportsmanship. This year, GVSU sports a team of 31 racers and compete against other universities such as MSU, Michigan, Northern and many other colleges and University from across the state. The USCSA races are held on 2 days with Slalom one day and Giant Slalom the next day. Many of their races will be held at Crystal Mt on the weekends, and if you have never been to a college meet, you should stop by sometime and cheer Ben on. The next USCSA meet for Ben will be at Crystal Mt. on 1-17th and 1-18th.
Matt LaDuke has graduated from GVSU and is now living and working out in Utah. He works at Alta and works the front desk at Rustler Lodge so he can ski the mountains. He experiences avalanches often out there, but safety is tops and rules are in place to secure public safety. Alerts to stay in your lodge are quite common as they deal with potential avalanche areas. Quite different from the experiences here at Crystal Mt.
Matt skis at Alta and snowboards at Snowbird. Alta does not allow snowboards. Both Matt and Ben were a huge part of our OHS ski team and it's nice to get to visit with them again from time to time and to see that they haven't given up their love for the sport of skiing. All photos courtesy of MaryAnn LaDuke. Photographs by MaryAnn LaDuke Text by Reporter Gwen Smith! Page Created January 13, 2004 Ski Index Page for 03-04 Season
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