Tuesday, 3/8, the Rocky/Central J3 Junior Olympics opened with a downhill race, and Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s Grace Merriman charged the hill to finish third for the women.

“Merriman attacked the course, held her line, and skied really well,” said coach Melissa Jones.  

SSCV also had five other women in the top 20, with Heidi Livran placing fifth, Kelly Balfanz in eighth, Rachael Desrochers, ninth, Abigail Murer, 13th, and Leah Newton finishing 18th.

“For the girls to ski this well in a very competitive field is great,” said coach Jones.

In the men’s DH, SSCV’s Clayton Kirwood skied to a 10th while Quintin Cook placed 18th.  Logan Martin and Ryan Schmidt finished 23rd and 24th, respectively.  

“Clay and Quintin had their best performance of the week,” said coach Sara Radamus.  “All of the SSCV men held their line down the hill and skied well.”

“It was a good day for the team,” said coach Bruce Hamlin.  “They are building momentum for the coming events.”

The Rocky/Central J3 Junior Olympics continue Wednesday, 3/9, with a Super G race for the men and women on Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen.