Austintown schools’ ski club off to a great start

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Neighbors | Submitted Jacob Johnson (left), Brian Basista, Matt Novosel and Tim Ponzi brave the cold to enjoy the first day of ski club at Brandywine.

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By CHRISTINE KEELING

ckeeling@vindy.com

The significant snowfall in the area made great ski conditions on Jan. 9 for the start of the Austintown Local Schools’ Ski and Snowboard Club season at Brandywine.

“It was phenomenal to have that kind of powder,” said Sue Hovanec, a 22-year co-leader of the club. “It was like skiing out west, or the closest we’re ever going to get to it.”

The ski and snowboard club has enjoyed a long life in Austintown and began its 31st year by filling three buses with 83 members from fourth- thru 12th-grade. The cost to students was $170 if they owned their own equipment and $215 with rentals, but they were able to defray the fees with a pie sale in November.

Hovanec attributes the club’s success to its noncompetitive nature.

“There is no first or second string, everyone plays. We all take lessons and we all go down the hills,” Hovanec said.

The first week was a little hectic getting beginner skiers prepared for the slopes. About 10 parents volunteered, and older students helped by taking on mentoring roles.

“It was really tremendous this year to see that,” Hovanec said about the help the veteran skiers provided.

During the day, the students were treated to a pizza party and each skier and snowboarder was evaluated on a specific hill. They were given a sticker appropriate to their ability and will take lessons on future visits to help them progress.

“The thrill for me is seeing the smile on their faces when they make it down the hill for the first time without falling,” Hovanec said. “They have had their lessons and can say ‘I did it.’ ”

The club will ski at Brandywine each Saturday until Feb. 6 and finish with a trip to Peek ’n Peak Ski Resort in New York on Feb. 14. The final trip is open to all family members on a first-come, first-serve basis. The trip will feature prizes and giveaways.