Seth Wescott ’94 Wins Two Olympic Gold Medals in
In this photo, Shawn Thelin takes first for points towards Nationals.
Snowboardcross
CVA was the first academy to develop a program specifically for snowboarders. Their notable alumni include Seth Wescott ’94, Jeremy Jones ’93, Mark Fawcett ’90, Jeff Greenwood ’94, and Adam Hostetter ’93. Maybe you’re next!!!
CVA was the first academy to develop a program specifically for snowboarders. Their notable alumni include Seth Wescott ’94, Jeremy Jones ’93, Mark Fawcett ’90, Jeff Greenwood ’94, and Adam Hostetter ’93. Maybe you’re next!!!
On December 19th, 19 year old, Alex Tuttle '09 squares off against the top snowboardcross riders in the world at the only Snowboardcross World Cup of the season held in the United States. Tuttle joins the world stage with his mentor, fellow Sugarloafer, Carrabassett Valley Academy alumnus and Olympic Gold Medalist, Seth Wescott.
Alex’s journey to the world stage began right here at Sugarloaf in the Bubblecuffers program. He strapped on his board with the SCVA weekend program at age 13 and then enrolled at Carrabassett Valley Academy as an eighth grader. He participated in his first national competition at age 14. While at Carrabassett Valley Academy he travelled the world training and competing. In 2008 he was the USASA National Boardercross Champion, earning him a spot on the Pacsun USASA Team. Elected to the 2009 USA FIS Junior Worlds Team; he finished 4th in Japan at FIS Junior Worlds. In the spring of 2009 he participated in USSA’s Project Gold Camp at Mt. Hood. Project Gold is designed to identify and develop some of the best young riders in the country.
Alex shares his passion for speeding down the mountain, shoulder-to-shoulder through bank turns and over gnarly jumps with snowboarding legend, Wescott. Over the past two years, Seth has offered Alex pointers on the mountain, in the gym and out in the world. According to Seth, “I don’t think he’s that far away. I looked at the heat sheets from Junior Worlds, and he’s right there. Hey, best-case scenario he goes to Telluride and earns a spot on the World Cup this year. The first World Cup race I went to, the top 10 guys in the world were there, and I went right through to the podium. That stuff is possible.”
With Sugarloaf’s rose colored sunrise blazing in the rearview mirror of Seth’s Volkswagon, Alex and Seth began their journey to the World Cup bound for Logan Airport. The two are travelling, lodging and training together for the 10 days leading up to the World Cup in Telluride. It’s a tremendous opportunity for Alex and a fitting testimony to Seth’s pay-it-forward personality.
When asked about his preparation and strategy for his first pull out of a World Cup gate, Alex said, “The snow out here in Telluride is great and the freeriding has been unbelievable. It has definitely been a little nerve racking at times but I am sure that it will all fall into place. My strategy in Telluride is to spend a couple days free riding, just trying to really get back on my feet, begin to acclimate and get a feel for the snow. I’ll just be taking everything one step at a time and really trying to dial in every section of the course. The course should be challenging but be a great event. Staying positive and focused will help me get psyched up for the race. I am excited to get the season started.”
Alex’s journey to the world stage began right here at Sugarloaf in the Bubblecuffers program. He strapped on his board with the SCVA weekend program at age 13 and then enrolled at Carrabassett Valley Academy as an eighth grader. He participated in his first national competition at age 14. While at Carrabassett Valley Academy he travelled the world training and competing. In 2008 he was the USASA National Boardercross Champion, earning him a spot on the Pacsun USASA Team. Elected to the 2009 USA FIS Junior Worlds Team; he finished 4th in Japan at FIS Junior Worlds. In the spring of 2009 he participated in USSA’s Project Gold Camp at Mt. Hood. Project Gold is designed to identify and develop some of the best young riders in the country.
Alex shares his passion for speeding down the mountain, shoulder-to-shoulder through bank turns and over gnarly jumps with snowboarding legend, Wescott. Over the past two years, Seth has offered Alex pointers on the mountain, in the gym and out in the world. According to Seth, “I don’t think he’s that far away. I looked at the heat sheets from Junior Worlds, and he’s right there. Hey, best-case scenario he goes to Telluride and earns a spot on the World Cup this year. The first World Cup race I went to, the top 10 guys in the world were there, and I went right through to the podium. That stuff is possible.”
With Sugarloaf’s rose colored sunrise blazing in the rearview mirror of Seth’s Volkswagon, Alex and Seth began their journey to the World Cup bound for Logan Airport. The two are travelling, lodging and training together for the 10 days leading up to the World Cup in Telluride. It’s a tremendous opportunity for Alex and a fitting testimony to Seth’s pay-it-forward personality.
When asked about his preparation and strategy for his first pull out of a World Cup gate, Alex said, “The snow out here in Telluride is great and the freeriding has been unbelievable. It has definitely been a little nerve racking at times but I am sure that it will all fall into place. My strategy in Telluride is to spend a couple days free riding, just trying to really get back on my feet, begin to acclimate and get a feel for the snow. I’ll just be taking everything one step at a time and really trying to dial in every section of the course. The course should be challenging but be a great event. Staying positive and focused will help me get psyched up for the race. I am excited to get the season started.”
Seth Wescott, CVA Notable alumni
OLYMPIC HIGHLIGHTS
2010 Olympic Winter Games - Gold medalist
2006 Olympic Winter Games - Gold medalist
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2009: First World Cup victory
2008: 1st Visa Snowboardcross Championship Series
2007: Silver at World Championships
2007: 3rd at X Games
2007: 2nd at Mount Baker Legendary Banked Slalom
2005: 1st at World Championships
2003: 2nd at World Championships
13-time X Games finalist (eight medals)
Three-time national champion
Five career Grand Prix podiums
Two-time Mount Baker Legendary Banked Slalom winner
— Rick Bisson
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