Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
The ski team's achievements include a 3rd placed finish in the North East Kings League, runners-up in the National Collegiates, an emphatic Varsity victory, top 16 finishes in national competitions, and the establishment of a ladies team who have been very successful in their inaugural year.
Still to come is the defence of their Roses crown, the national finals in May, and most importantly the Alpine Championships in Austria over Easter. Max Hardy obviously has good reason to be a proud captain and this pride shone through when he talked to The Yorker Co-Sports Editor Greg Gardner:
GG: It’s been a big turnaround in performances compared to the last few years, what’s the reason for the improvements?
MH: I couldn’t have done any of it without the commitment of a handful of individuals who’ve bled for the club over the past few months. That, as well as training every week and winning Roses last year, has helped us to find a bit of self-belief.
GG: Who have been the star performers?
MH: A tough one! Our girls - Lin McHugh, Katy Huckle, and Emily Scott - have done excellently, coming 4th in the North-East to qualify for nationals as a team in their own right. Considering it’s the first time we’ve ever had a ladies team, it’s been very impressive.
GG: Can you explain the different leagues and competitions for us?
MH: There are two big associations. First there’s BUSC (British University Snowsports Council), who run BUSA events at BUDS in Edinburgh (dry slope championships), BUISC in Castleford (indoor championships), and the Main Event in Austria (alpine championships). On top of all that there’s Kings Ski Club, who run a one-day National Collegiates Cup, as well as regional leagues leading to a national final.
GG: What has been your season highlight as a team?
MH: Possibly in the league, where we’ve gone from a lowly 16th in the North-East to 3rd, just behind Durham 1sts and British Champions Newcastle 1sts, which is a great result and qualifies us for national finals next term.
Can we win it? Of course we can!
GG: And personally?
MH: I’ve had a mixed bag of results, but last week I finished 25th at the British Indoor Championships and 8th in the National Collegiates, which are both results I’m pleased with.
GG: Do you fancy your chances for Roses?
MH: Of course! We’ve been sizing up the Lancastrians at all the national meetings, and we’re confident we’ve got the beating of them. For the first time ever, we’ll also be running a snowboard competition.
GG: Where will it be held? Do you get the same ‘sleeping in a sports hall’ experience?
MH: Sadly not this year, as we have to go straight from Lancaster’s nearest dry slope - in Rossendale - to Brentwood in Essex to ski at the National Finals. Unfortunately for Lancaster, they won’t be joining us, as they haven’t qualified!
GG: The BUSA Alpine Championships; what are they and how does it work?
MH: The BUSA Alpine Championships, more commonly known as the Main Event, is the biggest event in the student snowsports calendar. They’re hosted over an intense week in Saalbach Hinterglemm in Austria, and there’s a full range of competition for skiers and snowboarders, from slalom and boardercross, to half pipe and big air.
GG: How many of YUSSC are going?
MH: This being York’s first ever representation at the event, we’re taking only a very small contingent of 5 skiers.
GG: What are your expectations?
MH: The plan really is to get out there, enjoy ourselves, and see just how well we can do.
GG: How do you deal with funding? To what extent does the AU help out?
MH: Dedication to such an expensive sport has been hard on all our bank balances, particularly this year when we’ve stepped up a level. I’m sure the rest of the team know just how grateful the club is for all the time and money they’ve put in. We’re also indebted to Jo Carter at the AU who’s been really helpful to us this year, paying for our BUSA entry fees and some of our travel costs.
GG: And the what about the après-ski? Are you model-professionals or do the goggles and gloves come off for socials?
MH: You mean you don’t know?! We’re one of the biggest clubs on campus and our socials live up to it. Most Thursdays you can see us in Gallery drinking from our shoes (and sometimes ski boots)!
GG: With that there's nothing left to say other than best of luck to all involved at the BUSA Alpine Championships!
Max looks lovely in that picture!!!
comment deleted by the author There's plenty more where that came from Remington. You should swing by and see my portfolio some time.
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