The Oxford-Brandon ski team placed third this past Thursday in the South East Michigan Ski League (S.E.M.S.L.) divisional meet. This qualifies the team to compete at Mt. Holly on January 18.
On the slalom, Karen Offer qualified for the individual league meet by placing ninth. Also placing on the course were Lauren Bayliss in 16th, Grace Auchterlonie in 17th and Anna Stanczyk in 18th.
Auchterlonie qualified for the individuals by placing sixth on the giant slalom. The other team members placing were Bayliss in 13th, Offer in 14th and Stanczyk in 18.
In the boys slalom, Dan Offer qualified for individuals by placing third, while Will McCullough was 16th. On the giant slalom, Offer again qualified by placing third. Also placing on the course were David Vollbach in 12th, Jeff Haselhuhn in 13th, McCullough in 21st and Matt Milligan in 27th.
Last week the team competed against Saginaw Heritage in a tri-meet that included Grand Blanc. The girls won with 36 points to Saginaw Heritage’s 38. The Oxford boys won 35-37.
Placing on the girl’s slalom was Offer in third with 34:12 and Auchterlonie in fourth with 36:47. On the giant slalom, Auchterlonie took third at 26:60 and Offer took fourth at 27:12.
For the boys, Dan Offer took first on the slalom with 27:51 and Tim Smith took fourth with 31:66. On the giant slalom, Offer placed second at 24:04 and Jeff Haselhuhn placed third at 24:48.
The team competes today (Thursday) in regional competition.
“If the team stands up, we have a very good chance of going to state,” said coach Ed Haley.
State hopefuls from Oxford on the individual level include Dan Offer, Karen Offer and Auchterlonie.
“Dan Offer is strong on both the slalom and giant slalom,” said Haley. “He’s a well rounded skier.”
Dan Offer’s best times are 24.50 on the slalom and 22.71 on the giant slalom.
Following closely on his heels is little sister Karen Offer who has a best slalom time of 31.37 and giant slalom of 27.13.
“She could do it if she really wants to,” said Haley. “She has the potential.”
Auchterlonie is another strong skier on both slopes. Her best time on slalom is 33.15 and on giant slalom is 25.83.
After regionals, the team will be competing on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the S.E.M.S.L. championship round.