After finishing in third place overall in conference, the DSHA Varsity Ski Team advanced to the State Ski Championship in LaCrosse on February 18 and 19, 2018. Following a tight race against Arrowhead High School on the first day of competition, DSHA’s athletes pulled ahead in extraordinary Giant Slalom races to win the first WIARA State Downhill Ski Championship in school history.

DSHA Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun believes it was a well-deserved win by a team who is no stranger to the slopes. “All of the team members trained in the offseason and brought previous racing experience to the team,” she explained. Returning skiers were joined by what Seegers-Braun calls the team’s x-factor: three talented new freshmen.

Among these new arrivals was Abby Horning, DSHA '21, who placed fourth overall individually and first in the Slalom. Horning insists her achievements would not have been possible without the support of her sister and fellow team member Michelle Horning, DSHA '19. “She was always there supporting me,” said Horning. “I think the team chemistry set the team apart. We were all really close, always helping and
pushing each other,” she said.

Could next year bring another championship? “With only one senior graduating, the future looks bright for the team to continue to compete at a high level,” Seegers-Braun explains. For now, however, she shares the focus is on celebrating the 2018 victory. “It was a very exciting season capped off by a State Championship — the first in school history. That makes it extra special.”