At the Section IV Delaware League Ski Championships on Wednesday at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, NY, the Hunter-Tannersville Central (HTC) Boys Varsity Ski Team claimed first place, securing a spot at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Skiing State Championships. The state finals, set for Feb. 24-25 at Gore Mountain in North Creek, NY, will bring together more than 200 student-athletes from 11 sections to compete in slalom, giant slalom, and Nordic ski events.
HTC’s standout skiers—Will Schneider, Jay Prince, and Mason Bellinger—led the team to victory, cementing their places at States. Freshman Teagan Mahoney, daughter of Coach Alison Hyer, also qualified, while Mason Streich was named first alternate for Section IV.
Senior Jay Prince Reaches States for the First Time
HTC senior Jay Prince, who has been skiing since age three, will make his State Championships debut.
“It’s been a long time getting here,” Prince said. “Last year, I was an alternate for States but didn’t get to compete. It feels great to win the Section title in my senior year.”
Prince credited Coaches Alison Hyer and Heather Byrne for shaping his growth as a racer.
“I couldn’t ask for better coaches. They both raced in high school and have so much wisdom to share,” he said. “Winning back the Section title and making it to States in my last year is an amazing way to finish high school.”
HTC Honors Seniors at Final Home Meet
At HTC’s Senior Night on Feb. 11, the team celebrated its graduating athletes. Coach Byrne praised Ava Byrne, who has been a dedicated racer since ninth grade.
“Ava applies herself, sets high expectations, and has medaled at Sectionals throughout her career. It’s been a pleasure coaching her, and I look forward to seeing her on the slopes in the future.”
Coach Hyer also recognized Mason Bellinger for his leadership and work ethic:
“Mason has been a dedicated team player since ninth grade. Watching him grow on the racecourse has been incredible. His quiet leadership has set the tone for our team.”
“Coach [Heather] Barnett and I are incredibly proud of our ski racing team. We’ve completed seven races this season—three slalom and four giant slalom—and our athletes have shown tremendous progress. Ski racing isn’t just about individual speed; it’s about teamwork. Our men’s varsity team won first place, and our women’s varsity team placed second at Sectionals. Now, we have four athletes heading to States. It’s been a great season, and we’re working hard to finish strong at Gore Mountain!”
Coach Alison Hyer
State Championships Set for Feb. 24-25 at Gore Mountain
Gore Mountain will again host the NYSPHSAA State Championships.
Bob Underwood, NYSPHSAA Nordic State Sport Coordinator, emphasized the prestige of the event:
“The State Championships showcase New York’s top high school skiers. Gore Mountain is a fantastic venue, and we’re excited to return.”
Dennis O’Brien, NYSPHSAA Alpine State Sport Coordinator, highlighted the dedication of the athletes:
“These kids put in countless hours of training to qualify. It’s the biggest high school ski event of the year, and the competition will be thrilling.”
Race Schedule & Spectator Info
The event is free to the public, with races starting:
- Monday, Feb. 24 – Giant Slalom (9:30 a.m.), Boys’ 7.5K Classic Individual (10:00 a.m.)
- Tuesday, Feb. 25 – Slalom (9:30 a.m.), 3x3K Skate Relay (10:00 a.m.)
With HTC and WAJ athletes representing their schools, the competition at Gore Mountain promises an exciting finish to the season.
Max Oppen is a contributing journalist. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com
