Athlete News, May 6, 2021
Alpine
We are excited to have THREE SSWSC ATHLETES nominated to the Alpine Ski Team! It has been a long time since we have had three athletes nominated, which speaks volumes to both to the perseverance and hard work of the athletes, and also tells us that our reinforced dedication to creating a ‘pipeline’ of training, maintaining a world class venue at Steamboat Resort, and employing a renowned coaching staff are paying off and helping these athletes reach their dreams. Congratulations to Jett Seymour who again made the B team, and this year is joined by Cooper Puckett and Jay Poulter on the Development Team!
Two of these three athletes have been with the SSWSC since their first days on snow, and went through our programs from start to finish. Both Jett and Cooper learned to ski in our youngest programs, and represent what the SSWSC strives to provide to all athletes; a pipeline of success, starting from learning to make a wedge, progressing to finding the excitement and confidence of competitive skiing, and finally honing their skills to become some of the top ranked athletes in the world.
Jett Seymour grew up in our programs, earning his way to the World Cups. He found prestige as an Europa Cup podium winner, World Championship slalom competitor, and NCAA Slalom Champion. This is Jett’s second year with the U.S. Team, and we are so proud of him as he leads the way for future generations!
Cooper Puckett, our second home-grown athlete, turned heads this past season, standing out as the youngest American to qualify for the 2021 FIS Junior World Championships in Bansko, Bulgaria, where he was the top U18 finisher in Super G. Cooper has had an incredible season, and we will continue to watch as his aspirations find success!
Jay Poulter is new to the SSWSC this season, hailing from Stratton Mountain. Joining us in his PG year, Jay came out to train with the likes of Cooper Puckett and other competitive teammates who could help push him to his goals. Jay is currently ranked 1st in the world for his age in Downhill and in the world ranking, also holds a position in the top 15 in Super G. His season saw success this year: earning him a top 15 spot in the Super G and Downhill in the Aspen National Championships, and another top 15 in GS in the US Nationals at Copper in 2020.
Congratulations, Jett, Cooper, and Jay!
READ ALL TEAM NOMINATIONS FOR ALPINE HERE
Cross Country
Keep your eyes on Noel Keeffe, who was again nominated to the U.S. Cross Country Team this week! Noel Keeffe is the SSWSC’s first ever U.S. Ski Team member in Cross Country, and earned his first World Cup starts in Oberstdorf, Germany in 2019/2020, which set up for his first placement on the D Team. This year Noel achieved two top-five finishes in the Super Tour sprint competition and a season-best finish of eighth in the 10-km freestyle and 20-km classic races at the Colorado Invitational. Noel will return to the team for his second year! Congratulations, Noel!