Blog

The Sparta Varsity Girls Ski Team delivered a strong and determined performance at the 1st Annual All-Varsity Women's Slalom Cup, finishing 8th overall with a team time of 7:14.07 in a highly competitive field of 20 NJISRA teams. We are extremely proud of all six varsity girls, who successfully completed both of their runs and delivered scoring times, an essential factor in building team depth and consistency.

The race was won by Morristown Beard (6:35.08), followed by Northern Valley Demarest in second (6:46.03), and Ridgewood in third (6:48.64).

This new event brought together every varsity high school ski team in the league by gender for the first time, and the Spartans rose to the challenge, posting 7 wins and 5 losses. Their performance boosted the team’s season winning percentage to an even 50%, with the potential to add up to three more wins should Tenafly, Livingston, and Pope John qualify as full scoring teams later this season.

Team times were anchored by a balanced and resilient top four:

• Sunny Young (1SP) – 49.20 (17), 49.56 (18), 1:38.76 (15)
• Kate Agudo (3SP) – 51.95 (28), 54.43 (31), 1:46.38 (25)
• Madeline Gambino (2SP) – 50.96 (23), 56.76 (40), 1:47.72 (26)
• Taylor Thonus (4SP) – 1:02.82 (59), 58.39 (48), 2:01.21 (51)

Racing with confidence and consistency on Kamikaze Race Trail at Mountain Creek, the Spartans showed depth, grit, and steady improvement, proving they can compete with the top teams in the state. The girls' team now shifts its focus to the speed discipline as training begins for Giant Slalom, where they will look to build on their progress and carry this momentum into the last phase of the season.

A special thank you to all of the Spartan families and teammates who came out to support the girls in the bitterly cold conditions and filled the finish area with energy, encouragement, and cowbells. Your support made a tremendous difference and helped make this event even more memorable.

All eyes now turn to tonight’s Boys All-Varsity Slalom Cup, where the Sparta boys will look to build on their own strong season and continue the momentum for the team. Hope to see everyone at the finish!