Among a Benilde-St. Margaret’s alpine ski team packed with passionate, skilled and experienced skiers, sophomore Jackson Fortney shows how determination, hard work, and an ample amount of experience can prove wonders as he recently qualified for the U16 Junior Championships in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
In order to qualify, Fortney participated in a race in Marquette, Michigan where the top 40 racers advanced to the championships. Out of around 90 racers Fortney placed 29th, ensuring his place at the Junior Championships. “I hope I’ll do well in Beaver Creek this year. I’ve been racing against most of the same kids all season, so it should be a good end of the year comparison to see how I finish overall,” Fortney said.
During the course of the winter season Fortney competes in about six different United States Ski Association (USSA) races against skiers from all across the U.S., along with the BSM competitions. “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it pays off,” Fortney said.
With years of training from top-notch coaches Fortney feels as though he is as prepared as possible. “My coaches were there every single practice and race that I could make it to. They’ve helped me over the course of something like five years to prepare me for the regular season races and ultimately this final race at the end of they year,” Fortney said.
Fortney trains year round, whether it be dry-land training in the summer, trying to stay as fit as possible or perfecting his skiing technique on the slopes during the winter. He has been able to go to Mount Hood, Oregon during the summer, which serves as a very convenient place to train. “At Mount Hood they are open all summer and you can train with your team for weeks at a time. Besides that, any other off-season training is usually just agility and endurance training to keep in shape for the next season,” Fortney said.
Recently named captain for next year’s alpine team, Fortney has proven his leadership qualities and the experience to guide the team in the years ahead. “He brings hard work, dedication, and the desire to be the best he can be. He’s an extremely consistent skier and he has a fun time,” said Head Coach Ms. Nicole Rasmussen.
