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Schild and Bailey Claim Moguls National Titles

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
March, 31 2017

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO (March 31, 2017) – U.S. Ski Team athletes Morgan Schild (Rochester, NY) and Hunter Bailey (Vail, CO) skied to the top of the ranks in the U.S. Freestyle Championships moguls competition on Friday, claiming their first-career national titles.

Schild, who landed two World Cup podiums earlier this season, has struggled to find consistency in the latter half of the season. After finishing ninth in Thursday’s qualification rounds, and with the format being a one-run final, Schild had one chance to nail her run. She did just that, crossing the finish line with a big smile on her face.

“The course was so nice today - the workers kept it amazing for us every single run,” said Schild. “As soon as I pushed out of that gate, it was nice, soft, spring skiing conditions. I broke into a smile halfway down and I thought ‘ok, I’m having fun, and I’m going to keep having fun.’ I stuck my cork 7 on the bottom air and knew I was home free.”

“I needed this win,” continued Schild. “I felt like the beginning of my season was really strong, and then I struggled second half, so I really needed this redemption. It gives me the momentum I need going into summer training and the Olympic season.”

Steamboat local Avital Shimko (Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club) posted her career-best nationals finish with second place. Jaelin Kauf (Alta,WY), who also skied out of Steamboat, was third.


Hunter Bailey skis to his first-career national title. (U.S. Ski Team/Sarah Brunson)

U.S. Ski Team athletes swept the men’s podium, with Bailey scoring an 84.80 to take the win. He shook off a sixth place qualifying score and skied a clean middle section with solid airs to maintain the lead as five more competitors tore down the Voodoo mogul course. Teammates Emerson Smith (Dover, VT) and Joel Hedrick (Fort Collins, CO) finished second and third.

“I came into today with the goal of skiing the best run I could ski, and I did that,” said Bailey. “I had kind of a rough season, so it feels good to close things out with the win here. It’s always a goal to be national champion and it feels awesome.”

The 2017 U.S. Freestyle Championships concludes tomorrow with men’s and women’s dual moguls. Competition begins at 11:45 a.m. EST. Live scoring is available via FIS Freestyle.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Morgan Schild and Hunter Bailey were crowned moguls national champions at the 2017 U.S. Freestyle Championships at Steamboat Resort, CO.
  • It was a first-career national title for both athletes.
  • Avital Shimko was second and Jaelin Kauf third for the women.
  • Emerson Smith was second and Joel Hedrick third for the men.
  • Competition continues Saturday with men’s and women’s dual moguls.

 

QUOTES

Morgan Schild
The course was so nice today - the workers kept it amazing for us every single run. As soon as I pushed out of that gate I thought it was nice, soft, spring skiing conditions and I broke into a smile halfway down and I thought ‘ok, I’m having fun, and I’m going to keep having fun.’ I stuck my cork 7 on the bottom air and knew I was home free.

I needed this win. I felt like the beginning of my season was really strong, and then I struggled second half, so I really needed this redemption. It gives me the momentum I need going into summer training and the Olympic season.

Hunter Bailey
I came into today with the goal of skiing the best run I could ski, and I did that. I had kind of a rough season, so it feels good to close things out with the win here. It’s always a goal to be national champion and it feels awesome.

 

RESULTS
Men's Results
Women's Results