On February 12, 2025, the slopes of Snow Ridge hosted the Section III Alpine Ski Championships. Among the competitors were the skilled athletes from Rome Free Academy (RFA), who delivered impressive performances.
James Vaccaro, an eighth grader, emerged as the Boys Champion in the Giant Slalom event. His dedication and skill on the slopes earned him the title.
In the boys' team competition, RFA tied for second place, thanks to the efforts of Austin Howard, James Vaccaro, and Gavin Polick. The team's performance demonstrated their teamwork and determination.
Individually, Austin Howard, a 12th grader, showcased his skills by securing second place in the Boys Slalom and fifth place in the Boys Giant Slalom. James Vaccaro also excelled in the Boys' Slalom, claiming third place, and his overall performance across four runs (two slalom and two giant slaloms) earned him second place in the Boys' Overall category. Austin Howard followed closely, achieving third place in the Boys Overall category.
The girls' team from RFA also made a significant impact, securing second place overall. Annika Wallace, Rachel O'Rourke, Isabella O'Rourke, Isabella Wood, and Sierra Wood displayed their skiing skills and sportsmanship throughout the competition. Notably, Isabella Wood, a 10th grader, achieved fifth place in the Girls Slalom and eighth place in the Girls Giant Slalom. Sierra Wood, an 11th grader, finished sixth in the Girls Slalom, while Isabella O'Rourke, a senior, secured 13th place in the same event. Rachel O'Rourke, another tenth-grader, claimed 10th place in the Girls Giant Slalom.
As the skiers gear up for the NYSPHSAA Alpine Skiing States, scheduled for February 24 and 25 at Gore Mountain, RFA is proud to have James Vaccaro and Austin Howard representing the boys' team, while Isabella Wood and Sierra Wood will represent the girls' team. The RFA community eagerly anticipates their continued success on the state level.
