Liz Havens' success on the slopes

Liz Havens flashes a winning smile to match her winning ski season.

Elizabeth Havens, a freshman at Milton High School and a member of the Smugglers' Notch Ski and Snowboard Club (SNSC), had an outstanding 2008 -2009 ski season, qualifying for USSA J3 & J4 States. She spent her weekends training at SNSC and her week day afternoons with the BFA St. Albans' team training either at Smuggs' or Hard'ack. Liz competes in Slalom and Giant Slalom for both high school and the USSA (United States Ski Association). She is an independent racer for Milton training with BFA St. Albans.

Elizabeth completed several competitive USSA races consistently finishing in the top 7 in the High School events. During the Essex Winter Carnival, a two day affair with 11 high schools competing, she finished 2nd in Giant Slalom and 4th in Slalom with a 2nd overall finish.

To qualify for high school districts, skiers have to do well all season long. Liz placed in the top 10 in all her high school events and had qualifying finishes in the Northern Council easily making it to Districts which took place at Pico, Burke, and Sugarbush.

“I first started skiing when I was 3 years old and I started racing when I was 5. I love it!” said Liz enthusiastically.

Her present coach, Travis Widger is the director at SNSC, and he has helped her a lot with skiing technique. According to Liz, “he definitely made me a better ski racer. I have made it to states and districts for both USSA and high school every year.”

Each year the SNSC presents the Mad Dog Award to one alpine athlete for displaying 110% dedication and participation. Elizabeth was the recipient of the award, presented by Widger, at the annual SNSC end of the season banquet held Saturday, April 18.

Liz left for summer camp at Mount Hood, Oregon, on June 20. “I am very excited for that! The trip to Mt. Hood is for training and for fun it is a summer ski camp.  While I'm out there I will be training in the morning, and in the afternoon we do fun activities like whitewater rafting and rope courses.”

In the future Liz would like to study nursing and she hopes to be on the ski team of the college she attends.