State Champion Spotlight - Thatcher Riley

1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?

I was just very focused on training, trying to get in quality runs and have fun on the skis.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?

I just tried to focus on what I knew I needed to do and try and find ways to calm down my nerves and enjoy the race.
3) What was going through your mind at the start?

I was thinking that I didn’t want to mess anything up for the team, we had a really good team this year and I just wanted to make sure I finished well to score for the team so we had a real shot at the state championship.
4)  What do you contribute your success to?

I had a lot of fun this season so I had plenty of motivation to go ski with my friends and work hard at training.
5)  What are your goals/plans for next year?

I plan to go to college and continue to ski race although I am not sure where yet.
6) What surprised you the most about this season?

Winning shootout, I never thought I would ever have a chance at that so being able to accomplish that was really exciting for me.
7) What moment/event will you remember the most from the season?

I will remember winning the state championship with our team, we had been working towards that goal for so long and to be able to win that senior year was amazing.

8) What do you like most about Alpine skiing?

Slalom and powder days.