Every athletic endeavor has an event that marks the ultimate in competition for the sport. A single event that embodies everything that is unique to the sport. For some it is a capstone championship such as the Super Bowl, the World Series, or the World Cup. For others it is a signature event such as the Masters, Wimbledon, the Kentucky Derby, or Daytona. Then there are those rare events in sports in which the essence and the format of the competition are more compelling than even victory itself. These events confer no crown nor impart any special status or standing. Participants compete because the event itself epitomizes everything they desire and love in their chosen sport. For ski racing in Central New York the ne plus ultra is the Cazenovia Dual Slalom.

Participants and spectators alike knew they were in for something special as they drove up Rathbun Road and "the hill" emerged from the fog proudly announcing that they had arrived at the Cazenovia Ski Club; its name emblazoned on its slope. The event is so special because ski club members make it so. Every aspect from course and club preparation, parking cars, delectable concessions, smooth race registration, uninterrupted t-bar operation, and course groomers, to eagle eyed gate judges was performed to perfection. Not to mention the Sack Shack. God only knows what truly transpires in that inner sanctum. It can be said with confidence and pride that there are no other ski organizations in Central New York that could thoroughly entertain 150 racers and their families with 588 exhilarating slalom runs with such flawless precision in a single day. It was truly a banner day for the Cazenovia Ski Club and every member is to be thanked and should take pride in this accomplishment.

The racing also exceeded expectations. There were numerous close finishes, 360 degree spins through the gates, racers completing the course with just one ski left, a handful of breathtaking spills, and a memorable spread eagle off the jump during a semi-final run. This race had it all.

There was even a petite controversy involving home club racing favorite Courtney Button. Courtney was disqualified for allegedly leaving the starting gate early. After some discussions the French and Russian judges disqualified her from the semi-finals. The ever positive and smiling Courtney took it in stride. "As we had worked on in practice I was trying to be aggressive with my starts. I really wanted to be in the Sweet Sixteen but I had some good runs and a good day overall. I love this race", commented Courtney following the decision.

Even with head coach Annie Lapham sidelined with illness the balance of the Cazenovia team put in some outstanding performances on their home slope. In particular were Final Four appearances by Kaitlyn Button in the Female J5s and Barclay "Bode" Talbot in the Male J5s. Kaitlyn demonstrated to the home crowd what a tenacious racing competitor she can be. She was not even seriously challenged until her second run in the Sweet Sixteen portion when she got bounced around in the rutted course. Likewise Barclay marked out his home territory early in the race and hung with the big dogs right through the Final Four race sets.

Lizzy Reed also made the Sweet Sixteen for Cazenovia in the Female J5s putting on one of her best racing performances of the year. In the same division Sarah Fellows turned out two strong respectable runs but was just shy of making the cut for the final sixteen.

Sam Concilla, Benny "Hana" Concilla, and James "Shaken Not Stirred" Smith all put in good runs in the Male J5s. Also representing Cazenovia well were Eric Sparks, Billy "the Kid" Reed, and Nate Smith in the marque class Male J4 division. The home crowd got a peek at up and coming Cazenovia racers, Tucker Benedict, Erin Benedict, and Alex Verbeck in the Gatebuster division. "These kids are the future of the Cazenovia race program and I think the future is looking very bright", croaked coach Annie Lapham. "My team and I want to thank the whole club for hosting this race and for once again making it the highlight of the racing season."

The team travels to Toggenburg next Sunday for week five of the 2002-2003 season.