With snow finally here–and cold enough temperatures to keep it from melting–Wilton High School‘s ski team is ready for action. The team opens its season at Mount Southington today with the first race against Danbury, Daniel Hand, Guilford and Southington, and looks forward to a fun and competitive schedule in the Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League (CISL) for the remainder of the winter.
For its second year, the team will compete in the larger Class L conference of the CISL after many years of racing in the smaller Class S.
“We had a very challenging first season last year in Class L,” Coach Bill Howard says. “I’m extremely proud of our team for rising to the occasion and exceeding our goals. It was good for us to experience tougher competition and I’m confident we’ll have even stronger finishes this year.”
Last year the Wilton boys finished 20-5 overall and 10-4 within Class L. Wilton girls finished 11-10 overall and 6-6 within Class L.
Leading the boys this year as co-captains are seniors Michael Hueglin and Patrick Verrilli, and junior August Theoharides. The boys also welcome a new coach, Michael Kaulins, a former racer and ski instructor and a 6th grade writing teacher at Middlebrook School.
“I’m thrilled to be coaching the Wilton boys. The team has already made tremendous strides during our dry land practices. That growth, stamina and passion will translate beautifully onto the snow in the coming weeks. I’m looking ahead to a great season,” says Kaulins.
Wilton girls will be led by co-captains Julia Bonnist and Katie Reid, both seniors, and coached again by Howard.
The teams’ full race schedule is posted on the CISL website.
pictured above: Wilton High School ski team captains are ready to race (pictured L-R): Katie Reid, Julia Bonnist, Michael Hueglin, Patrick Verrilli and August Theoharides