Strapping on their boots, waxing their skis, and carving through the frosty slopes, the Jesuit ski team is poised to chase excellence once again.
Both the men’s and women’s teams aim to repeat as Metro League champions. However, this will not be an easy task.
With metro league titles from 2022 and 2023 and senior captain John Jaderholm and junior Captain Jack Goldstein leading the way, the men look to chase after the #1 spot in state after finishing 4th in state last year.
A young team, the men lost only one racer from last year. However, that one racer was Ben Schindler, a rare talent that won almost all the races for the men. Even with the loss, the men continue to showcase astounding depth with amazing racers in all classes.
Jaderholm is excited for the season to begin and is looking forward to seeing how the team develops.
“Jesuit ski team has always held a high standard and coming off of an undefeated metro season the standard continues to rise,” Jaderholm said. “We are off to a great start in our workouts and an even better season can be expected from us this year.”
With a similar result to the men last year, the women, led by senior captains Rithu Girish and Elle Genor, the Crusaders aim to climb up the rankings and bring home a state title for the Crusaders.
With 4 weeks of dryland practice in the books, Girish is amped for the upcoming season.
“Our team is looking great this year, we have a good mix of racers from all grades and ski racing levels,” Girsh said. “Everyone is working hard during dryland practices and I would say we are all excited for it to snow up on the mountain.”
The women lost some talent from last year with the departure of superstar seniors Kaitlyn Ping and Piper Buckley. Ping was a consistent #1 for the Crusaders and Buckley was never far behind. The team will need skiers to step up.
The camaraderie within this team is unmatched. Whether it’s a team lunch or a long weekend up at the mountain, this team is held together by the bonds of friendship. “My favorite tradition to do with the team is going up to Mt. Hood for overnight races and eating pizza together at the Zig Zag Inn” said Garish.
Both teams look to repeat as Metro League champions.
Their first meet is on January 21st on Mt. Hood.
