Para Alpine Ski Kicks Off Season in St. Moritz

The U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team kicked off their season this weekend in St. Moritz, Switzerland, with solid results throughout the team during two days of downhill races. 

There were sunny but blustery conditions during both races this weekend, proving challenging for many competitors, with multiple DNFs and DSQs both days. 

On day one, the men’s standing class was led by Jesse Keefe, who finished in fifth, followed by Spencer Wood in 11th. Wood has overcome many challenges recently, including a change to his classification, leading him to be allowed to compete with only one pole, which is different from previous years. Despite having only a few weeks on snow with one pole, he has taken to the change and is continuing to find confidence.

On the men’s sitting side, Andrew Kurka led the team with a fast run, finishing fourth, followed by Ravi Drugan in eighth and Matthew Brewer in ninth. Patrick Halgren and Andrew Haraghey did not finish day one. 

Day two had similar but slightly warmer conditions for the racers. Jesse Keefe once again led the U.S. standing men, finishing in sixth, followed by Spencer Wood in 10th and Andrew Haraghey in 12th. Ravi Drugan had the best finish for the men’s sitting class, landing in eighth. Patrick Halgren and Andrew Kurka did not finish. 

The team is headed to Steinach am Brenner, Austria next for two super-G and two giant slalom races Dec. 20-22. 

RESULTS
Men