Williams Carnival

Lots going on last weekend - Williams Carnival and a pair of Eastern Cup races in New Hampshire. One post won't do justice to everything - for starters, here's a wrap-up of Williams:

Prospect Mountain was in good shape - they seem to have their own little climate up there, because there was plenty of snow even though most of New England was (and is) warm and bare. Friday's classic race was pretty forgettable - strong races for Jess, Erin, and Emma, and Chris' best classic effort of the season, but otherwise nothing to get excited about. Ok, I take that back - the parents provided an amazing lunch, which was pretty exciting. Here's Chris looking very pleased with himself, probably because he scored the best seat in the house (ie, closest to the donuts).

Saturday's skate was a whole different story. As a team, we've been skating really well all year, and this race was no exception. Spencer led the way in 20th - he's come on strong after a flat January. Big PRs for Erin (37th) and Jess (46th), and the team as a whole was very solid. The race of the day belonged to Wilson - he was absolutely on fire. Huge PR of 32nd, just a few seconds from a top-30. This was exciting to see - we were expecting this season to be a chance for him to ease back into racing after a difficult 2009 season and a semester in Peru, so it was a very welcome surprise to see him break out like this. All in all, a great day that gives us some nice momentum heading into Middlebury.

Here are some photos from the classic race, courtesy of the Kenneys:

Wilson

Spencer - the hair is the result of a lost pepper bet.

Scott

Niko

Maren

Jeff

Jess was crushing it this weekend. I've noticed a trend - we have to get her parents to come to every carnival.

Hannah - get that head up!

Erin

Chris - two solid races for his best carnival of the season.

Emma
Elissa - very focused.