We have a new race winner! It is always exciting when new athletes join the GDHL, it is even more fun when they challenge the perennial winners, and top ten finishers, for first place! KateLynn Farrow did just that last Sunday, with a spectacular race down Comet. Most of us were working pretty hard just to get across the finish line, as the course deteriorated, despite the Coyotes’ best efforts. Results from the race are posted which means you can find out how your run compared to the top finishers. As well, the race marks our fourth of the season, and rankings are available, so take a moment to review your season performance and how your team is doing.
Sunday’s Race
Our race on Sunday was successfully completed through drizzling rain and warming conditions. The hill had ruts, and the snow was soft, before we took to the course to try our best. It was challenging conditions and the best conditioned challengers rose to the occasion!
The last time a woman triumphed was Kate Ryley winning slalom on Comet in 2016. It seems almost eerie that another Kate(Lynn) would repeat the feat four seasons later!
KateLynn Farrow won the overall race with a time of 36.84, with Mackenzie Irwin (41.07) and Brianna Machej (42.09) rounding out the top three women. All three women stay in the overall points race for the season with their strong finishes!
On the men’s side, Gordie Bruce scored his first podium for the season. His time of 37.61 beat out Trevor Whitten (38.02) and Joel Charron (38.02) who tied to finish on the podium. This was Trevor’s first podium of his season as well, while Joel has yet to finish a race (3 finishes, 3 podiums) outside the hardware.
Who Is KateLynn Farrow?
Since we have a new race winner, it would be nice to know who she is! From extensive research, it seems she’d us rather refer to her as “Katie”, so we will start now. Katie skied at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), but before that grew up at Craigleith, skiing with the Ontario Ski Team, travelling across North America racing FIS. Her results at UNH are nothing short of exceptional, finishing top 20 and top 10 multiple times in each season she competed. In 2014, Katie was the lone freshman to earn a starting spot in the NCAA championships.
We are so glad to have Katie racing with us! Congratulations on her first career, GDHL win. We are sure there are many more to come!
Below: Katie racing for UNH in 2017
83 Likes, 1 Comments - UNH Ski Team (@unhskiteam) on Instagram: "@ktfarrow off to @sundayriver for NCAA regionals. Good luck!"
Standings:
All standings, individual and team, are available here. Click through to find out where you are. It looks like team Manitou has the lead, but team results change quickly as results are based on racers four best races through out the season
Carrie’s social update...
We heard you....you were torn but have decided you want to watch the future Olympians speed down Little John in a head to head dual slalom, so we have decided to join in the party! We will be shifting our Mid-season Après to the Base Lodge and the GDHL will be sponsoring the NORAM APRES. This will make the event even bigger and better to showcase the best of Craigleith and bring more awareness to the GDHL. Win-Win!
The band 'Not Ottawa' will play from 3-5pm and there will be après nibbles passed around.
But Carrie, what's in it for GDHL racers? Why should we come?
FREE drink ticket! Live music. All your friends. Awesome ski racing. Nuff said.
Drink tickets for GDHL participants can be picked up from the front desk. One per GDHL participant. (free drinks at Après... who knew that was possible?)
We are also extending a $5 discount to all GDHL participants who would like to purchase a ticket to the Noram Dinner event which runs from 5-8pm. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by contacting Whitney @ events@craigleith.com or by clicking through here
Included with your ticket is dinner, a hat, drink tickets and tunes form a DJ.
Tickets are almost sold out so grab them right now.
Fantasy Update:
Our new Fantasy GDHL has been a hit! We are so happy to have you involved. Right now, Anthony Ruffalo is leading all entrants, and you can find out just where your team compares by clicking through here. Thankfully for Trevor Whitten and Stephen Jarvis, their skiing is better than their fantasy team choices!
So far this season, the top point producers are:
Paul (Big Points) Peterson: 177
Brayden Irwin: 168
Derek Brodie: 149
There is still lots of race season left for your team to make up ground. Every race counts in Fantasy GDHL!
End of Season Banquet
GDHL Celebration Party and Dinner is fast approaching.
Date: March 7th @ 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $35+hst /per person - $25+hst/ per intermediate member
Coaches & Coyotes are welcome....
Ticket purchase deadline: February 29th
As you know, the GDHL Party sells out quickly at the last minute so a little pre-planning will get you tickets for the best event of the year. (To purchase tickets go to Craigleith calendar date March 7th and click ‘register’)
Dinner will include 2 bottles of wine on the table (Family Style fare) in the Georgian room. Band (BAM) sets up at 6:00 p.m. for the hors d'oeuvres and mixing and mingling. Everyone is on the GDHL this year will get a special GDHL Masters TShirt upon arrival.
We have sponsors serving FREE Vodka Soda (Cottage Springs) and Beer (Lost Craft) throughout the evening.
Coyotes are invited this year to the event as a way to thank them for all they do in setting up and making our racing happen. Just send an email to events@craigleith.com and Whitney will add you to the list.
For those who has been to the GDHL Dinner before, you will recall we have some ‘fun’ games and Awards throughout dinner. Also, let me mention we have raffle tickets for some goodies from our sponsors that will be included in the evening.
Awards don’t always go to the ‘winners’, there are awards and prizes For: Most consistent racer; Family that races together.... Fastest over 60... craziest outfit....etc..... who knows what awards will be given out but you will need to be there to find out!!
Ticket cost will be $35+hst/per person ($25+hst for intermediate members) includes wine at table, hors d’eourves and a complimentary drink ticket and for those who return their bib will also get a drink ticket!
Remember, if you are musically inclined to join the band after dinner, we had quite a JAM session last year!
See you on the slopes!
-Doug