By Lisa O’Daly

Diamond Peak skier Casey Delaney tore it up to finish second overall in men’s giant slalom on Day 1 of the Far West Race Series at Mount Shasta last weekend, while Payton Norton charged to take second for the men on Day 2.

Winston Pretti (5th, 9th), and Cory Huber (6th, 11th) joined their teammates in the top 15.

Delaney was in fourth place and on his way to a win on Jan. 27 before dramatically crashing his second run due to an equipment failure. Also on Sunday, Noah Cleary was skiing fast when he hooked a tip and ripped out a gate and panel before losing a ski and sliding down the steep pitch in a spectacular crash.

Incline’s Payton Norton competes at Shasta; finishing second overall in the Jan. 26-27 races. Photo/Provided

Of the seven Diamond Peak U14 ladies competing at Shasta, Madison Idso was her team’s top scorer, finishing in the top 10 on Saturday, tying for 10th place. On Sunday, Idso (5th) continued her reign in the top 10, joined by teammate Sophia Holm (10th), whose stellar Day 2 performance saw her move dramatically in her rank.

Emily Donahue had consistent results with a 20th on Saturday, followed by a 22nd Sunday. Teammate Bridgette Johnson improved her 24th from Saturday to take 19th on Sunday, right behind Laurel Taylor. Taylor climbed up the scoreboard on Day 2, jumping from 35th place on Saturday to 18th.

The team ripped it up on a long, steep course on very firm snow. Despite the intimidating conditions, the weekend was marked by outstanding performances by all team members.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of the U14 athletes. They’ve been training hard and it shows,” said coach Mark Norton. Many of Diamond Peak’s 23 men and ladies U14 racers (ages 12 and 13) have been training five days a week, honing their ski racing techniques and tactics.

Lisa O’Daly is a parent volunteer with the Diamond Peak Ski Foundation.