On January 28th at Mountain Creek, the all-new All Varsity League Slalom Cup Race brought together 25 high school ski teams from across the state for a fast and highly competitive slalom battle. In a field loaded with depth and talent, the Sparta Varsity Boys Ski Team delivered an exceptional performance, finishing 4th overall with a combined team time of 5:50.26; just eight seconds behind first-place Pingry, and clear proof that Sparta is right in the mix with New Jersey’s best.
Boys Slalom League Cup Team Results:
- 1st: Pingry - 5:42.84
- 2nd: Ridge - 5:43.91
- 3rd: Delbarton - 5:45.05
- 4th: Sparta - 5:50.26 (only 8 seconds off the win!)
Veteran Leadership Drives the Charge
While team results are determined by the combined times of four racers, this powerful finish was defined by the experience, composure, and consistency of Sparta’s veteran core. In a deep field of 140 racers, three seasoned Spartans crossed the line back-to-back-to-back, finishing 9th, 10th, and 11th overall, a rare and commanding statement at this level of competition.
- 9th - Captain Ryan Grycuk (1:24.35)
- 10th - Captain Pat Fitzsimmons (1:25.25)
- 11th - Finn Kowalski (1:26.05)
Their tightly grouped finishes anchored the team result and kept Sparta within striking distance of the podium throughout the race. The fourth scoring time came from freshman Austin Dobbs, who placed 42nd overall with a combined time of 1:34.61, sealing Sparta’s 4th-place finish.
Beyond the impressive finish on race day, these results had a meaningful impact on the season standings. Sparta recorded 17 wins and just 2 losses in the All Varsity race, pushing the team’s win percentage up to 85%. As a result, Sparta now sits ranked 3rd in the state, a testament to the team’s consistency and competitive strength.
I’m incredibly proud of every athlete for successfully completing both runs and competing toe-to-toe with public and private school teams powered by USSA club and academy racers from prestigious programs in upstate New York and Vermont, many with double the training volume. Our athletes have come a very long way in a short period of time, and it’s an honor to represent such a humble, hardworking group.
With the slalom season now complete, the team sets its sights on conquering the speed discipline of giant slalom racing.
Go Sparta! 🎿💪