Holy Cross Ski Club Racer Earns Divisional Honors

After winning the Division IV National Tournament with the Holy Cross women’s rugby team last fall, Marina Vornle von Haagenfels ’10 probably thought that her year in sports could not get much better. As she drove home from Vermont’s Killington Mountain Resort last weekend, however, she was able to add Women’s Individual United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association’s Eastern Collegiate Ski Conference Thompson Division Champion and First Place Season Overall Finisher of the Year to her list of outstanding accomplishments.

Vornle has been the undisputed ski team leader this season. With a first place victory and four other podium finishes at the ECSC Thompson Division races, she earned a total of 118 points. Though racers from St. Lawrence gave her much competition, it was Vornle’s consistency throughout the day that allowed her to finish on top of the women’s individual standings. Her performance also helped lead the Holy Cross women’s ski team to finish ninth overall in the division.

Vornle, a physics major from Westport, Conn., remembers skiing for as long as she can remember. Throughout high school, she raced competitively and obtained many honors, including being named the team captain and Most Valuable Player all four years. Her success is no surprise to her teammates who witness her talent in action each year.

“She is one of the most focused racers I have ever met,” said Flynn Govern ’09, Holy Cross ski team president. “Her sincere dedication to racing and love of the sport keeps her riding that chairlift time and time again.”

Though these accomplishments are quite noteworthy, the Vornle family is no stranger to such victories. The Men’s ECSC Thompson Division Skier of the Year was Vornle’s older brother, Nicholas Vornle of Boston University. While sweeping the top positions was an exciting aspect of the weekend, Vornle noted that having her brother’s presence and support was the best part. She considers him to be one of her top inspirations and respects his accomplishments as well.

Competing in both the Eastern Division of the United States Collegiate Ski Association, and within the Thompson Division, the Holy Cross ski team begins their season in the beginning of January with a training camp at Sunday River in Maine.

“The Holy Cross Ski Team is very supportive and fun. It doesn’t matter how good you are, it is just nice to get out onto the slopes and have a good time,” said Vornle.

With no coach to set up organized drills or training sessions, the team relies on their student president and pure desire to stay dedicated to the sport. With such freedom and personal responsibility, Vornle stated that each player does as well as they want to do. She emphasized that anyone can join and no race experience is needed.

Vornle will race in her last event of the year at the Eastern Regional Championships on Feb. 21 and 22. As the only Crusader to qualify for this race, she hopes to do Holy Cross proud at Waterville Valley, N.H.

By Mary Moczula ’11

Pictured: Marina Vornle von Haagenfels ’10 poses with her medals.