CHS ski team competes in state, sends two to nationals

The Carson High School Senators ski team wrapped up its 2024 campaign by qualifying for state and sending two athletes to compete at the national level.

Thomas Callister and Madalyn Lind Smith represented CHS nationally as members of the Tahoe Basin race team. As a team, both boys and girls took first place at the Western USA Championships at Mammoth on March 14-15.

The boys varsity team placed fourth in the Tahoe Basin Ski League, earning its place at the race. Individually, every female team member also made it to the state competition. The state event consisted of a day for giant slalom and one for slalom, held on the “Show Off” run at Diamond Peak.

The CHS girls team was led by senior Smith, who wrapped up the season earning NIAA All-State, and TBSL All-League honors. At state, Smith finished in the top 20 in the GS and top 10 in slalom. Ella Dooley, also a senior, had an excellent season, as well as excelling in the classroom.

In her first year on the team, Emma Drysdale, junior, showed improvement earning her the state invite. Freshman Elizabeth Barker made the top 20 in slalom. Freshman Eva Bell also turned in solid times at state.

BOYS SKIING

The CHS boys earned enough season points for a team invite to state. Callister, a senior and four-year varsity letterman, led the Senators, earning both NIAA All-State and TBSL All-League honors. Callister finished second overall in total league points and 12th in giant slalom.

NIAA All-State honors were also bestowed upon sophomore Cale Coombs, who finished top 20 in the state slalom and was a consistent force all season. Sophomores Sean Harrington, Asher Cranston and Mark Walther proved key contributors, helping the Senators earn a state invitation. Senior Collin Parker did well in his first year of racing and excelled in “big air” free skiing.