By A&E Editor: Madison Deadman
“I would like to thank everyone I have ever raced for challenging me and making me work harder to become a better racer,” said humbled Howell High School junior, Emily Dascenzo after shocking herself by winning first place in State Individuals at Mount Brighton on Friday, Feb 14.
Boardercross season started in mid January. Dascenzo set little goals for herself starting at the beginning of the season. The goals she set were easily attainable and mostly there to give her a little confidence boost.
“It was so cool winning individuals and so unexpected. I always do my best, but to get first place? That was new and exhilarating!” expressed Dascenzo.
Snowboarding is a hobby Dascenzo fell in love with from the very beginning. She fell for the challenge and the thrill. She first started snowboarding in seventh grade and after many trials and errors she mastered the craft her eighth grade year. The next year Dascenzo joined the high school’s boardercross team. She was so excited to be a part of an opportunity that many high schools do not have to offer to their students.
Once the team started competing against other schools there wasn’t much time to practice in between races as a whole team, so Dascenzo would dedicate her spare time at Mt. Brighton doing free runs down the hills. However, she would much rather be with her team.
“I’d much rather race with my team than individually because they are there to lean back on and a great support system. They motivate me, I motivate them. The team effort makes it more fun!”
Dascenzo wanted me to acknowledge the fact that not only did she grow as an individual racer but the team grew as a whole. Literally, there is a full boys and girls team. Last year neither teams had enough people. Both teams also grew skill-wise as well. The girls team received first place overall and the boys received second in the Wildcard Race.
“Every rider has what it takes to win. That’s why we’re a solid team.”
To prepare for this season’s last race Dascenzo went to Mt. Brighton with some other Howell racers to practice. That day, she did some free runs and envisioned the course and the path she was going to take. She is always aware of her surroundings and keeping an eye open for whom her competition might be. Some motivational encouragement from her coach, Mr. Vest, is always a good way of helping her focus and pump her up as well.
Dascenzo’s next endeavor is with USASA (United States of America Snowboard Association) at Treetops Resort.
“I just don’t want the season to end so I’m doing whatever I can do draw it out. I love it so much, especially now that I know I’m good at it,” she laughed.
