Francis Piche Trophy Qualifier Race
The Francis Piche Trophy Qualifier is a race that offers an opportunity for SWRT's strongest
racers from the J5, J4, & J3 divisions to compete against racers from Tri-state and other youth race teams from northeastern states
for invitations to the annual Francis Piche Invitational Championship at Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire. Each team in the EMBWL
sends approximately twelve racers to the qualifier. The qualifier is held in early February at Ski Bradford ski area in Haverhill,
MA. The qualifier race is comprised of three runs (combination of slalom and giant slalom). The top six finishers from each division
advance to the Francis Piche Invitational Championship held during the first or second weekend in March.
Piche racers must be
members of the United States Ski Association (USSA). Membership information and application forms can be found at the USSA website:
www.ussa.org. Annual membership fees are dependent on the racer's age. The racers and their families are responsible for all expenses
incurred in conjunction with the qualifier race and the invitational championship. In addition, each racer pays an equal contribution
of our coaches' expenses (approximately $20.00)
The SWRT Board of Directors and coaching staff selects the
final candidates to represent the Ski Ward Race Team at the qualifier race. The following guidelines are used to assist
the selection committee in its decision:
- Placement in races prior to entry deadline
- Comparison of race times to top racers
from other EMBWL teams in same division/races
-Coaches' evaluation of the racer's performance and attitude
