Freeride - Kirkwood 3*
February 28-March 3, 2025 - The IFSA 3* event at Kirkwood, CA, wrapped up this weekend, and the Sugar Bowl Academy athletes showed up in a big way. With multiple top-five finishes across various divisions, our athletes are making their mark and positioning themselves for invites to the Junior Freeride Championships as the season nears its end. The competition was fierce, but the SBA team demonstrated incredible skill, determination, and grit.
In the Snowboard U15 Girls category, Tessa Cullerton rode her way to a strong 3rd place finish. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and nail her lines was impressive, and this result sets her up for a strong finish to the season.
Over in the Snowboard U15 Boys, Justin LaBar landed in 4th place. He’s been growing stronger every event, and his aggressive but controlled riding at Kirkwood was a standout. Justin’s performance has him in the hunt for a qualifying spot.
On the ski side, Zoey Clark absolutely crushed it with a 2nd place finish in Ski U15 Girls. Zoey is becoming a force to be reckoned with, and her performance at Kirkwood highlights her potential to make a run for a top spot.
The Ski U15 Boys division was one of the highlights of the event for us. Liam Coyle locked in a solid 3rd place finish, showing off his clean style and smooth technique. Tucker Althof, right behind him in 4th, also brought his A-game, showing incredible flow and control. Both athletes are in great shape heading into the final stretch of the season.
In Ski U19 Girls, Lily Cutler placed 4th. She’s been a consistent performer all season and laid down a smart, technical run at Kirkwood, putting her in a strong position as she continues her push for the championship.
Finally, in Ski U19 Boys, it was awesome to see Henry Cutler grab 2nd place. His run was textbook – aggressive, fast, and with great control through the technical sections. Henry Schrichte also had a strong showing with a 5th place finish, continuing to build on his steady improvement throughout the season.
Overall, the SBA athletes at Kirkwood proved once again that they have the skill, mental toughness, and drive to compete at the highest level. With just a few events left in the season, these athletes are poised to make a serious run at the Junior Freeride Championships. It’s been a privilege to watch them push themselves, and I’m excited to see how they finish out the season. Keep it up, team!