BY WILL FALLTRICK

The Sun Valley ski Education Foundation’s big Mountain Team posted exceptional results at the Jackson Hole IFSA Junior 3 competition this past weekend with two skiers earning golds and another winning a special athlete recognition award.

Zack Torres dominated the U19 Ski Men’s division, capturing first place in what marks his second win of the season. The victory solidifies Torres’s position as one of the top competitors in his division.

In the women’s U15 Snowboard division, Scout Bilbro rode to a first-place finish with an incredible run that showcased technical skill and bold line selection.

Alex Leahy won the Bryce Newcomb Spirit Award for embodying true passion and enthusiasm for freeride competition after coming back from two torn ACLs.

Beyond purely competitive success, SVSEF Big Mountain skier Alex Leahy was awarded the prestigious Bryce Newcomb Spirit Award for dedication to the sport and embodying true passion and enthusiasm for freeride competition.

The award honors the spirit of Bryce Newcomb, a passionate and talented skier who was known for his inclusive approach to the sport and contagious enthusiasm. Newcomb pushed the boundaries of freeride skiing while embodying core values of fun and friendship, and even served as a judge for youth freeride competitions.

Leahy’s recognition is particularly meaningful as he returned to competition this season after recovering from two torn ACLs. The Jackson Hole event marked his first national competition since his injuries, and he finished 12th out of more than 80 athletes in his division.

“Alex is a very deserving recipient of this award,” said SVSEF Big Mountain Program Director Sarah Verst. “After navigating two torn ACLs, he returned this season with an outstanding attitude and commitment to the sport. We are so proud to have Alex on our team, and there is no one more deserving of this recognition.”

The team awaits their turn at Jackson, Wyo.

Verst also acknowledged the adaptability and support shown by SVSEF families this season, when limited snowfall across the West has forced so many competitions to be cancelled and rearranged at the last minute.

“We truly could not have pulled off the Jackson trip without the support and adaptability of our families,” she said. “This season continues to throw us some curveballs, but we’re committed to staying flexible, creative, and—most importantly—having fun while we train.”

SVSEF ATHLETE RESULTS

 U19 Big Mountain Ski Men

The women competed under mostly cloudy skies.

1st - Zack Torres

12th - Alexander Leahy

13th - Hank Greener

30th - Kobi Bilbro

44th - Kyle Cooper

46th - Jude Carter

49th - Hoken Johnston

60th - Cruz Bilbro

U19 Big Mountain Ski Women

8th - Tess Lightner

12th - Anna Yuras

13th - Maya Gunn

16th - Scarlett Carruth

21st - Fleur Brazil

25th - Jayden Crist

U15 Big Mountain Snowboard Women

1st - Scout Bilbro

Complete results for each event may be found at: https://liveheats.com/events/424489.