By Fred Stabbert III
HUNTER – Nine Sullivan County ski racers hit the slopes on Monday afternoon at Hunter Mtn. to compete in the Section 9 Alpine Ski Championships.
The race is a stepping stone to the State Championship, which will be held February 24 and 25 at Bristol Mtn. near Rochester.
The Heins family of Monticello had a lot to be proud of as both Haley and Richard raced fast enough to move on to states.
The top 12 boy and top 12 girl racers advanced to the state championship.
Qualifying for the state championship on the girls side were fourth place finisher Haley Heins of Monticello in a time of 89.63.
Also, Kendra Erts of Tri-Valley/Fallsburg (94.62) and Kassie Thelman of Sullivan West (95.38).
Qualifying on the boys side were John Bernstein of Fallsburg/Tri-Valley, who finished eighth (82.79); and Richard Heins of Monticello, in ninth at 83.06.
Also racing in the sectionals were Monticello’s Devinne DePuy and Rachel Klein and Sarah Coney of Tri-Valley/Fallsburg as well as Ryan Heins of Monticello, who finished 15th at 84.05.