BY WILL FALLTRICK

Mia Huey and Savannah Pringle earned berths in the Whistler Cup in British Columbia as two of the top six overall finishers at the Western Region Championships at Sugar Bowl Resort near Tahoe, Calif.

Six Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Alpine U14 athletes qualified for and competed in the Western Region Championships at Sugar Bowl Resort from March 19-22. The three-day championship featured Super G, Giant Slalom, and Slalom competitions, with the top six overall finishers earning spots at the international Whistler Cup to be held April 8-12.

Huey delivered the team's strongest performance, earning first place in Super G and second in Giant Slalom before adding a third-place finish in Slalom. Her consistency across all three disciplines secured her position among the top six overall and a coveted spot at the Whistler Cup, one of the most important international races for young alpine skiers.

Savannah Pringle, Mia Huey and SVSEF U14 Head Coach Angelica Birkner celebrate Pringle and Huey’s success.

Pringle matched Huey's success with exceptional results throughout the championship, placing ninth in Super G, sixth in Giant Slalom and second in Slalom. Her strong performances across all events also earned her qualification to the Whistler Cup, where she will join Huey in representing SVSEF against top international competition.

"It was a well-organized event. Temperatures were very warm and the hill preparation was great," said SVSEF U14 Second Year Head Coach Angelica Birkner. "Our team performed exceptionally and I am very happy with the results. These girls and boys have worked really hard through the season and it paid off."

On the boys' side, Alex Grant posted consistent top 20 results across all three events, finishing 11th in Super G, eighth in Giant Slalom and 20th in Slalom. Theron Andra recorded his best result in Slalom with an 11th-place finish, while also contributing 26th and 31st place finishes in the speed events. James Holman added depth to the team's performance with solid showings in Super G (43rd) and Giant Slalom (25th).

The Western Region Championships represents the most important race of the season for U14 athletes within the region, bringing together the top young racers from clubs across the western United States. The qualification system rewards consistent performance across all three disciplines, with the top six overall finishers earning the opportunity to compete at the international level.

"It was so awesome. This place is very nice!" said Huey and Pringle about their experience at the championship.

Up Next for SVSEF U14: Mia Huey and Savannah Pringle will compete at the Whistler Cup in Whistler, BC, Canada, April 8-12. The Whistler Cup will provide valuable international racing experience against top U14 athletes from around the world, serving as a significant milestone in their athletic development and a testament to their hard work throughout the season.

SVSEF Athlete Results

Thursday, March 20 – Super G

Girls

1st – Mia Huey

9th – Savannah Pringle

53rd – Bria Smiley

Boys

11th – Alex Grant

26th – Theron Andra

43rd – James Holman

Friday, March 21 – Giant Slalom

Girls

2nd – Mia Huey

6th – Savannah Pringle

45th – Bria Smiley

Boys

8th – Alex Grant

25th – James Holman

31st – Theron Andra

Saturday, March 22 – Slalom

Girls

2nd – Savannah Pringle

3rd – Mia Huey

DNF – Bria Smiley

Boys

11th – Theron Andra

20th – Alex Grant

DNF – James Holman

Whistler Cup Qualifiers

Mia Huey

Savannah Pringle

Complete results for the Western Region Championships may be found at https://www.live-timing.com