Chapman, Chandler shine at Summer Fun Nationals

One of the constants of summer for masters ski racers is the annual trek to Government Camp for the revelry packed gate-bashing known as Summer Fun Nationals.   

MOUNT HOOD, Oregon — One of the constants of summer for masters ski racers is the annual trek to Government Camp for the revelry packed gate-bashing known as Summer Fun Nationals.    
    Last month, old friends and new from far and near gathered for the welcome party at Ski Bowl’s Multorpor Lodge in Government Camp. The occasion was racer check-in for the 19th annual USSA Masters Rooley Summer Fun Nationals at Mount Hood. The racers and guests were greeted with local microbrew, fresh local cherries, welcome bags and bibs for the race.
    When the racers arrived high on the Palmer Snowfield on Saturday for GS racing, the clouds clung to the mountain, heavy with penetrating moisture. It wasn’t rain, but the clouds were definitely wet … and so became the racers and workers.
    If and when you could see them, great courses were set by The Honda Ski Tour skiercross champ and former Olympian Stanley Hayer and masters racer Knut Olberg. Just after the second run start list was posted with the hard-won, ego-boosting Superseed ranking, the weather deteriorated. The jury met and called it a one-run race. Cheers were heard across the hill as racers packed up their gear. They were headed to dry out and prepare for the next social event — the barbecue and awards party. The turnout for the party was salubrious. The Superseed had been named even though there was no second run; the racers had dried out and were ready to party; and the DNS racers showed up for the stories and celebration.
    It also was a time for receiving. Class awards were handed out; skis and ski trips along with ski paraphernalia were raffled off; praises were sung and a good time was had by all. The Atomic Masters Skier of the Year award was presented to Meri Stratton, event coordinator.
    Sunday, the skies were friendly for a great day of slalom racing. Course setters were notable: A/B courses were set by Hayer and Olle Larsson, while C/D/E courses were set by Olberg and Bob Vial of Hurricane Racing. Challenges surfaced. Superseed was hard fought. In the end, there were some upsets and DNFs.
    The Putzi Cup (Putzi Ski Den, Pennsylvania) for the fastest slalom man and woman were won by masters Toby Chapman (Montana) and Carolynne Chandler (New Mexico). In reality, the fastest times came from the junior racers — AJ Oliver (men, Utah) and Alex Andrews (women, Connecticut). This created a multidirectional challenge, for masters to go faster and juniors to wait their turn until they can be masters.
    Protesting his age (he won’t be 87 until Sept. 19, but this race season started July 1), Tuck Keleher donned a goofy hat and danced a jig to pick up his awards. This begins his third year as a Class 13 (85-89 years old).  
    While masters racing is by class, a Superseed is created to add competitiveness between classes. The fastest 10 men from first run are pulled out of their classes, race at the beginning of A/B second run, then ranked by combined times (except for the one-run race). This Superseed class is coveted by all men and creates an overall challenge that knows no age. This year, the Superseed included racers from 20-64 years old. It keeps the old ones going fast and the young ones trying to keep ahead.
    Class awards are given to class winners. The Skoch Cup was awarded to the fastest in classes by adding Saturday GS and Sunday slalom times.
    For complete results and additional information on the event, go to www.SummerFunNationals.com.
    The weekend of July 25-27, 2008, will be filled with celebration of the 20th anniversary of the event.