BY HEATHER FOSTER

The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has landed more athletes than any other club in the U18 Nationals set for March 2-8 in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Fifteen SVSEF alpine athletes will represent the Western Region.

Athletes must qualify to compete at U18 Nationals and each region (Western, Rocky-Central, and Eastern) has 20 quota spots for men and for women. In addition, the US Ski Team may utilize 10 development picks for athletes that didn’t qualify through criteria.

The Western Region includes the Pacific Northwest, Northern, Intermountain, Far West, and Alaska Divisions; or Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, Utah, and western Wyoming.

“I am proud of our entire FIS program: athletes, coaches, teachers, parents and supporters for focusing on the process of each individual throughout this season,” said Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director. “The level of commitment it takes to travel, race and accomplish this qualification while in high school truly requires a village of people who 'get it.' They fully support these student-athletes' goals both on the hill and in the classroom.

“We knew this group had a ton of depth, and having this many athletes qualify for an event of this level says something about both the athletes and the community that supports them.”

The U18 National Championships technical events will be held at Snow King Mountain on March 2-3 and speed events will be held at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on March 4-8.

SVSEF women who have qualified are Autumn Carpenter (Speed Events), Avryl Haas, Josie Sarchett, Lowie Watkins, Madison Vieara McCarthy (Speed Events), Meredith Bromley, Natalie Gowe, Ruby Crist and Sophia Hallstein.

SVSEF Men who have qualified are Larson Overby, Max Meucci, Noah Horsch, Owen Lancaster, Sasha Stern-Pre and Tucker Smith.