Abby McAlindon finishes her 2020 skiing season placing top 10 in both events at the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals

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This Monday, junior captain Abby McAlindon finished her junior skiing season off strong in the MHSAA Division 2 Ski championships. Individually, Abby placed in the top 10 in both the Giant Slalom and the Slalom events. 

“When I found out I was in the top 10, I was super excited,” Abby said. “ I worked really hard for it and I am glad that it shows in my results.” 

This is the third year that Abby has qualified for states. Battling the toughest courses of the season, Abby had a great morning Slalom race.  Overall in the Slalom, Abby placed 7th with a time of 1:18.31. The Giant Slalom race was in the afternoon. Abby’s first run put her in 16th place. Although, she fought hard in the second run to place her back within the top 10 finishers.  Abby placed 10th in the Giant Slalom with a time of 55.31 seconds.

Her solid performance was the perfect way to end a season filled with hard work and dedication. Abby earned All-Conference honors in the Giant Slalom, Slalom and combined as well as All-Region honors in the Giant Slalom and Slalom, and second-team All-State honors in the Giant Slalom and Slalom. 

“Abby’s 2020 season was remarkable. She consistently skied at the highest level all season which is very difficult to do,” head coach Sabin said. 

As only a junior, Abby’s leadership on and off the slopes has inspired the other skiers on the team. Many skiers ranging from underclassmen to upperclassmen looked up to Abby not only as a captain but for inspiration as well. 

“Abby McAlindon definitely inspires me a lot,” said junior Ben Taylor. “She is the best skier on the team and still constantly works hard to get better while at the same time helps everyone else be the best they can be.” 

With Abby’s two top 10 finishes at states this season, both McAlindon sisters have now placed at States. Abby looks forward to next season and hopes to win an individual state event like her older sister Courtney in 2019. 

“I am looking forward to next season already,” Abby said. “ I hope that the cards will fall into place and that I could possibly win my own state title like Courtney did.”