This year when you’re checking the scores for Holyoke High, make sure to keep tabs on the ski team. I am a proud member and can say that our team has been up and coming for a few years now. Head coach Paul Stolar has built the program from nothing to what it once was in its glory days. Last year was the first time Holyoke High was a contender in the Valley South Division in years falling short only one point of taking first place after losing one of the top performers, Shane Lafortune, to a stomach flu.

In recent years, Holyoke High’s ski program that has fallen from grace. The team was once a true contender and reeled in national attention in 1969 as one of the best teams in the country. When asked about the team, Holyoke’s own Tom Bowler (who now works in the history department at Holyoke High but was a member of the team in its heyday) talked about how Cherry Creek High School in Englewood Colorado donated an engraved ski with a plaque on it recognizing the strength of the squad in ’69. He talked about the difference in the sport now comparing the electronic laser start to the “1, 2, 3 GO!” start back in his days. Another comparison Mr. Bowler made was the difference in the actual ski technology with bindings and safer skis. When, or if, our team falls this year our athletes will pop right out of their skis. That is something Mr. Bowler said has changed the most. He spoke of times where the skis were locked and wrapped in. The times have changed but ex-players like Mr. Bowler still look for Holyoke’s score reports with hope for a return to past glory.

This year does have a good returning squad. It is anchored by Jimmy Mier who is a senior captain and hoping to make it all the way to States this year. Another strong participant is Garret Lemieux, who is another senior captain with the same goal for the season. Jimmy’s younger brother Andy is a sophomore and has shown true potential on the slopes. James Kennedy and Ryan Beauregard are both strong skiers as well. The loss of Shane Lafortune to a torn ACL during football season will definitely hurt, but hopefully this strong squad can overcome the adversity.