The Wolves have made a lasting impression for the last three years at the MHSAA Boys Skiing State Finals at Boyne Mountain, Feb. 24.
They finished in second place this season, scoring 74 points.
“It wasn’t what we were shooting for but it was a great season,” said Clarkston Boys Ski Coach Mike Foyteck. “It is very competitive at that race to be runner-up. I was pleased with the finish.”
They finished as state champion in 2012 and runner-up in 2011 – all three years taking on the same tough competition. This year it was Marquette to snag the championship title with 57 points.
“I would have liked back-to-back finalist but it just didn’t work out,” Foyteck added. “They still had a great showing.”
Derek VanItallie led the boys in the giant slalom race, finishing in second at 1:00.49. Ryan Callahan, finished in tenth; Alex McIntosh, 18th place; Lance Holsbeke, 22nd; and Ben Schuster, 43rd.
VanItallie earned a spot on the Michigan High School Coaches Association All-State first team for his finish. Callahan earned a spot on the second team and McIntosh was named to the third team.
Callahan led in the slalom with a finish in third at 1:05.34. VanItallie finished in sixth; McIntosh, ninth; Reis Weidemann, 26th; and Holsbeke, 37th.
Callahan and VanItallie earned a spot on the All-State first team. McIntosh was named to the second team.
Holsbeke earned Honorable Mention for his races.
“We had good results,” said Foyteck. “All of those kids skied fantastic. The honors were well-deserved. They earned it. They worked very hard.”
It was the last set of races for McIntosh and Holsbeke as they graduate this June.
“They had a great season,” Foyteck added. “They had the best legacy that has ever been set in the history of Clarkston racing. They were a runner up, state finalist and runner up. It is a pretty strong legacy they leave behind. Hopefully the next guys coming up can step up and fill those shoes.”
For the boys returning the last three years have helped to motivate them. The tradition will continue with new freshmen racers.
“We will miss Lance and Alex,” Foyteck said. “We are bringing in some young kids that will step into their shoes. We have some guys there already. They are excited to carry on the tradition.”
Caroline Holsbeke finished in 33rd place in the giant slalom girls race.
Foyteck added the racers had a huge help from the Clarkston Athletic Boosters Club.
“They have been great for the ski teams,” he said. “They have helped us out a lot. We have every tool and piece of equipment, which is really expensive in ski racing. They have given us a good platform to compete on the state level. We will be competitors again next year.”