STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — The College of Idaho ski team put together a strong showing at the USCSA West Regionals, with the women's team earning a trip to the USCSA National Championships in Bend, Oregon, while the men's team fought hard against tough competition.
Women's Team Secures Nationals Berth
The Yotes women opened competition Thursday in the giant slalom, finishing fifth as a team, led by Taylor Watkins' sixth-place individual finish. On Saturday, the team placed fifth again in the slalom, with Caitlyn Bumpers leading the way in seventh.
In the combined standings, College of Idaho tied for fourth overall. However, when considering only teams eligible for national qualification, the Yotes ranked second in GS and third in slalom. Their consistency secured a second-place overall finish among qualifying teams, earning them priority seeding for nationals.
Men's Team Battles Tough Field
The College of Idaho men's team fought through a deep field throughout the weekend. On Friday, they placed 16th in the GS before bouncing back with a sixth-place finish in the slalom on Saturday. Carson Parco had a standout first run in the slalom, sitting seventh before finishing 20th overall, while Will Vesely posted strong runs to place 22nd.
In the combined standings, the Yotes tied for 10th overall. Among teams eligible for nationals, they placed 12th in GS and fifth in slalom, finishing seventh in the final standings—just outside the cutoff for qualification.
With the women's team securing its spot at nationals, the Yotes will now prepare for the USCSA National Championships, set to take place in Bend, Oregon.
