All Downhill From Here

Twenty Central Catholic students have been carving up snow-covered mountainsides as members of Central Catholic's first-ever Varsity Alpine Ski Team.

Led by Coach Mr. Adam Westaway, the Alpine Ski Team (downhill skiing) races out of the Mass Bay Ski League at Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, MA. Coach Westaway, who is a seasoned skier himself, has two sons on the team, William Westaway '24 and Ethan Westaway '25. 

"I have been skiing since I was 14 months old, and I spent my youth skiing and racing up at Sugarloaf (ME). I then took up coaching after college," said Coach Westaway.

"I am very proud to be a part of the inaugural season for the Raider Alpine Ski Team. Ski racing has played a very large role in my life, and my family, and to be able to support the CCHS community, and my own kids, is very special to me."

"Ski racing really is a family affair in our house. As for our student-athletes, they’re learning to push themselves, learn new skills, overcome challenges, encourage and support each other, and have fun together while doing all that."
 
The Alpine Ski Team has races scheduled on Tuesdays at Nashoba Valley Ski Area - both Slalom and Giant Slalom – and they compete with Acton-Boxborough, Belmont, Bromfield, Chelmsford, Groton Dunstable, Newton South, and Westford Academy each week. The team practices on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. 

Lauren Deskin '24, in photo above on left and skiing in photo below, is an experienced skier (she started at 5!) doing what she loves on the new Alpine Ski Team.

"I love to ski, and I have been ski racing for multiple years now. It’s important for Central to have a ski team, because it’s different than the other sports we already have and it’s a good way for kids to try it out and see if skiing is what they like to do."

"I personally hope to improve out of this experience and to make ski racing a bigger thing. I know it’s the first year and everyone is just learning, but I’m excited to see what happens in the future."

"We are excited to finally add Alpine Ski to our competitive athletics program with 30 varsity offerings, giving our students another opportunity to share their gifts and talents," said Mr. Zach Blaszak, Director of Athletics & Activities for CCHS.

 "The Alpine Ski program has been in development for a few years, but with the help of some motivated parents and members of the Mass Bay East Ski League, we were able to finally make it a reality this year."

"Coach Westaway is an experienced skier and coach, who has been influential in getting this program off the ground and we are excited to see where he will lead Alpine Ski in the future."

Photo Album: Alpine Ski Team

January 14, 2022 - Nashoba Valley Ski Area

About Raider Athletics

Raider Athletics represents a proud tradition of teamwork and excellence that enriches the Central Catholic experience for both participants and spectators.

We offer 30 Varsity Sports in competitions governed by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), the Merrimack Valley Conference (MVC), and the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators' Association (MSSAA).

Our student-athletes bring home State, Sectional, and Conference Championships on a regular basis while representing the school community with pride.