That was my first inner thought when I got in that starting gate.

“Oh my God”

That was my first inner thought when I crossed the finish line.

Three little words to first describe my fear and then the same to describe my exhilaration of finishing my first CMSC Alpine Race. I couldn't wait to share my new found passion with all my friends back at the awards ceremony.

I'm glad I took that first leap, it has changed my life. I have learned to race and have advanced through the ranks of the program. I have also made many friends, and we fight for bragging rights at each race.

This program has a spot from the beginner skier to the country's most elite. We separate off into 7 women's and 11 men's race classes varying in age and ability. So you don't have to be young, you don't have to be old you don't have to be good and you don't have to be bad. There are 7 Giant Slalom and 7 Slalom races spread out through 7 winter wonderland weekends. You can make any or all of them.

Join the Friar's Alpine Racing Team and come out and play downhill skier with us. I bet you will surprise yourself. After it's all said and done, you'll be happy you did it. Trust me, John Finerty, your new race team captain.

If you have any questions about the Friar race team, just talk to our team captain John Finerty at any meeting. Find out more about the CMSC racing program by visiting its web site.