By Meg Peters
Review Staff Writer
The Lake Orion Varsity Girl’s Ski Team has ruled the Michigan mountains this season, undefeated in dual meets up to the SEMSL championships, which were held’Tuesday’at Pine Knob, after The’Review’went to press.
Most recently the girls? varsity team placed first at the state regionals held February 11 at Mt. Holly, qualifying the team for the State Meet at Boyne Highlands on February 23.
The Lake Orion lady Dragons finished with 35.5 points in slalom and 43.5 points in giant slalom, for a total of 79 points and first place, conquering Bloomfield Hills who took second with 96 total points and Clarkston who captured third with 142 points.
Makayla Krye skied fastest through the slalom gates, for a total time of 1:00:03, and an overall fifth finish, with Sammy Swiss right behind her with an overall sixth finish.
On the GS courses, Madison Reid tucked through the finish with a total time of 45.93, the fastest Dragon and an overall third finish. Sammy Swiss took second for the Dragons in GS and eighth overall, with a combined time of 46.40.
Coach Derek Delzer said this group of girls live for any opportunity to race.
‘Any of these girls can race well and win at any given meet,? he said. ‘This is the most connected team I have ever had the chance to coach.?
Delzer said the team has a good chance to win a state title but they will have to push hard and finish strong.
The top state competitors will include Traverse City West, Bloomfield Hills and Millford, he said.
The lady Dragons also took a first place at division competition on February 4 and 5. They also won the esteemed LO Invitational Championship title February 9, and brought home the Mike Henry Trophy.
Henry, now 46, was captain of the LOHS Ski Team when he was a senior, not letting a snowmobile accident at the age of 11 which took the lower half of his left leg deter him from downhill racing.
The LO Invitational was created in his honor, and organized by Lake Orion coaches and volunteers.
‘It was one of the best invitational meets we have hosted so far,? Delzer said. ‘Without our parent volunteers and my assistant coaches, none of it would have been possible.?