The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — For some, it’s the chance of a lifetime. Others hope it’s the first chance of many.

Either way, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club freestyle director Erik Skinner said he expects big-time performances at this weekend’s U.S. Freestyle Championships in Park City, Utah.

Ten members of the SSWSC team and a number of former Steamboat-area athletes are scheduled to compete in the four-day event, which starts today with the aerials competition.

“The winner gets a spot on the U.S. team,” Skinner said. “It’s also a great place to get confidence in the big show so they can put themselves in a better position for next year.”

Some of the club’s brightest lights from the Freestyle Junior Olympics will again take to the slopes, including Ryan Dyer, who was fourth at the JOs earlier this month in single moguls and fifth in duals; Michael DeGrandis, sixth in dual moguls; and Luke Kamieniecki.

Skinner said the event is a little different for younger competitors.

“It’s different because they can taste it,” he said. “They are a little closer to making the team, but it’s still more about the fun aspect for some of the younger guys.”

For others, the weekend is about taking the last steps toward joining the U.S. team.

“If I just lay down a solid run for myself, I’ll be right there making finals and I’ll definitely get my name out there more,” said Steamboat’s Kara Johnson, a former SSWSC athlete who hopes to land on the U.S. moguls team next season. “I made finals at nationals four years ago, then went into a shoulder surgery. I’m hoping to get back in there this year.”

Former SSWSC athletes Ryan St. Onge, Jana Lindsay and Jaime Myers will kick off the competition today in aerials. The halfpipe will follow Friday, with single moguls set for Saturday and dual moguls Sunday.

— To reach Joel Reichenberger, call 871-4253 or e-mail jreichenberger@steamboatpilot.com