ARTICLES

April 10, 2013

IFSA Finals at Revelstoke Concludes Junior Season

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Matt Evans takes 4th, Brittany Barefield 6th, Josie Byron 10th.

After a weather suspension, the finals of the IFSA North American Championships wrapped up under clear skies on Revelstoke Mountain’s North Bowl.  Anticipation was high as the skiers who qualified for finals were within six points of each other, including a first place tie between Crested Butte’s Matt Evans and Whitewater’s Sam Kuch.  Evans and Kuch, who roshamboed to see who would go last, both ripped the handrail, before each laying down big moves at the bottom.  The judges, however, did not seem to think the handrail was impressive despite the fact that it was a dangerous no-fall zone.  They were instead more impressed by Andrew Pollard, who took larger airs in a less exposed section to take second place overall.  Kuch took third followed by Evans, who fell from first to fourth.

IMG_5797The day, however, belonged to Sugar Bowl’s Issac Freeland, who finally put it all together on the biggest stage in junior freeskiing, to take the title.  Freeland, who has had issues staying on his feet this season, laid down a high-octane run that included a front flip and the biggest airs of the day.

Between the final runs and the award ceremony, an enormous multinational crew gathered for some good old gnar freeskiing.  The kids, amped up on the spectacular finals, let loose, crushing huge moves and while enjoying each others company for the last time this season.  It was a sight to behold.
After an awesome week, we said our goodbyes and began the long road home, arriving in Crested Butte at 3:30 am.  Huge thank you to the IFSA, JETA, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort for providing another amazing time.  Freeride World Tour competitors better be ready for this year’s graduating class.  They are very, very, good.

Click here for a post on the ladies and 12-14 boys results.



About the Author

1. Ed Dujardin
After moving out west for college, Ed took summer school so he could spend winters in Crested Butte. These days, he coaches the Western State Colorado University Freeride Team, and spends as much time as he can fishing the incredible rivers of the area.




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