In an athletic season that defied expectations and captured the imagination of the New England ski community, the Cardigan Middle School Ski Team, representing Cardigan Mountain School, achieved an unprecedented victory, sweeping both the slalom and giant slalom events to claim the prestigious Class A Championship in February at Mount Sunapee. This triumph was particularly remarkable as the Cougars, comprised entirely of middle school students, decisively outmaneuvered a field dominated by older, more experienced high school athletes, prompting audible surprise and admiration from spectators.
The initial reaction from behind the finish line, "Look how small they are," quickly transformed into a chorus of bewildered inquiries: "What’s a junior boarding school?" and "Did we just get beaten by middle schoolers?" The answer, unequivocally, was yes. The Cardigan Cougars didn’t just compete; they controlled the race, showcasing a level of skill, cohesion, and determination rarely seen from a team of their age. This victory wasn’t merely a win; it was a statement about the efficacy of Cardigan’s unique developmental program.
The Unprecedented Victory at Mount Sunapee: A Deep Dive into the Class A Championship
The Class A Championship, a cornerstone event within the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) ski circuit, traditionally pits the region’s most formidable high school ski programs against each other. These schools often boast extensive resources, dedicated training facilities, and athletes who have been competing at an advanced level for years. For a junior boarding school like Cardigan, whose student body ranges from sixth to ninth grade, to even qualify for, let alone dominate, this high school-level competition is extraordinary.
The conditions at Mount Sunapee in February were typical for a New England winter race day – a mix of challenging snow, variable light, and the pressure of a significant championship. Yet, the young Cougars remained unfazed. Seven core athletes led the charge, with Cam Blatz ’25 and Thomas Choi ’25 emerging as key figures. However, the true strength lay in the collective effort. The entire team contributed, not just through their individual runs, but by fostering an electric atmosphere of support and encouragement that propelled every racer down the course. This visible camaraderie and mutual encouragement stood in stark contrast to the often more individualistic nature of high school ski racing, catching the attention of seasoned coaches and spectators alike.
Julia Ford, Cardigan’s esteemed Director of Skiing and a former U.S. Ski Team athlete herself, articulated the essence of their success. "What makes this team special is how they push each other every day," she stated. "They work together, support each other, and grow as a team. That is what makes the results meaningful." Her insights underscore a philosophy where athlete development transcends mere podium finishes, prioritizing a holistic growth model that emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and personal improvement. This cultural bedrock, cultivated daily on the slopes and within the school community, proved to be the decisive factor against older, physically stronger opponents.
From Regional Dominance to National and International Stages
The Class A Championship triumph at Mount Sunapee was not an isolated incident but a powerful indicator of the caliber of talent and training within the Cardigan program. The momentum generated by this team victory propelled individual athletes to even higher levels of competition. Cam Blatz and Thomas Choi, in particular, demonstrated their exceptional abilities on national and international platforms shortly after their team’s regional success.
In March, just weeks after the Class A Championship, Blatz and Choi traveled to Sugarloaf, Maine, for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard U16 National Championships. This event is a critical benchmark for aspiring young ski racers, drawing the deepest junior fields in the country, with athletes typically ranging from 14 to 16 years old. Competing against the nation’s elite, Blatz delivered a stunning performance, securing a second-place finish in the giant slalom. Choi followed closely, claiming an impressive fifth place. Their results at U16 Nationals solidified their status as two of the most promising junior skiers in the United States, underscoring Cardigan’s ability to develop athletes capable of excelling at the highest levels of youth competition.
Beyond national recognition, both athletes also made their mark on the international stage, representing their respective countries in elite competitions. Blatz notably captured a gold medal at the prestigious Whistler Cup, an international junior ski race held annually in British Columbia, Canada, often considered a proving ground for future Olympic and World Cup stars. Such international exposure at a young age provides invaluable experience, honing their skills and mental fortitude against a diverse range of competitive styles and conditions.
The Holistic Athlete: Cam Blatz’s Journey and Cardigan’s Developmental Model
The journey of Cam Blatz exemplifies Cardigan’s unique approach to athlete development, which extends far beyond the ski slopes. His transition to Cardigan Mountain School presented a distinct set of challenges, highlighting the supportive environment that enables student-athletes to thrive. "Not having my phone was a big adjustment," Blatz recounted, reflecting on his shift from online schooling to a full-time junior boarding school environment. "I had been doing online school, so I was used to being home and connected all the time."
The school’s robust support system proved instrumental in helping him find his footing quickly. Blatz credits the unwavering assistance from faculty and older teammates. "Mr. Turcotte helped me a lot in math when I was struggling. Ms. Ford was there from day one. Older guys in my dorm checked in on me." This personalized attention, from academic tutoring to peer mentorship, creates a nurturing ecosystem where young athletes can navigate the demands of both rigorous academics and elite athletic training.
Balancing academics with the demanding schedule of ski racing and other sports is a cornerstone of Cardigan’s philosophy. The school facilitates this delicate balance through proactive communication and flexible support. "My teachers stayed in touch when I traveled. They made time for Zoom calls and helped me keep up. Everyone supported me," Blatz explained. This integration ensures that athletic pursuits enhance, rather than detract from, academic progress, fostering well-rounded individuals.
Furthermore, Cardigan’s emphasis on a multi-sport environment plays a crucial role in developing versatile and resilient athletes. Blatz’s participation in football and lacrosse provided distinct, yet complementary, benefits to his skiing. "Football helped with conditioning. Learning plays improved my focus and footwork. Lacrosse gave me a mental reset. When I came back to skiing, things clicked again." This cross-training approach develops diverse athletic skills, prevents burnout, and offers mental breaks, allowing athletes to return to their primary sport with renewed vigor and perspective. The physical demands of football built strength and endurance, while the strategic elements improved cognitive processing under pressure. Lacrosse offered a different type of agility and teamwork, contributing to overall athletic literacy.
Unforgettable Moments: Beyond the Race Clock and the Podium
While the medals and championships are indelible markers of success, Blatz’s most cherished memories from his time at Cardigan extend far beyond the race course. When asked what he would remember most, he immediately recalled a rain-soaked lacrosse victory against rival Eaglebrook School, with the entire student body lining the sidelines in a powerful display of community spirit. This vivid memory underscores the profound sense of belonging and collective pride that Cardigan instills in its students.
He also spoke movingly of his final home game against Eaglebrook, a moment charged with the bittersweet realization that it would be his last time taking the field in a Cardigan jersey. The gold medal at the Whistler Cup, while a major international accomplishment, gained even greater significance through the recognition and celebration that followed back on campus, connecting his individual achievement to the wider Cardigan family. His emotional reflection on his final Eaglebrook Day, another "last time in a Cardigan jersey," culminated in a profound statement: "I cried. It meant everything." These moments highlight that the true measure of Cardigan’s impact lies not just in athletic prowess, but in the deep personal connections and sense of identity it cultivates.
The Power of Teamwork: Why Cardigan Excelled on the Slopes
Revisiting the Class A Championship at Sunapee, Blatz emphasized that the team’s collective energy was the true catalyst for their victory. "I have never seen us work like that," he recalled. "Everyone was at the bottom cheering. People on course could hear us." This palpable support, echoing across the mountain, undoubtedly provided a psychological edge, infusing confidence and drive into every run. The synergy between individual effort and collective encouragement translated directly into faster times. "We were a team. That is why we were fast," Blatz asserted, encapsulating the core reason behind their astonishing performance.
The internal dynamic between Blatz and Choi also played a pivotal role in elevating their respective performances. Throughout the season, they were often separated by mere tenths of a second, a testament to their closely matched skill and competitive spirit. "People compare us all the time," Blatz acknowledged, "But we make each other better." This healthy rivalry, fueled by mutual respect, created an environment of continuous improvement. Off the hill, their relationship remained simple and strong: "At the end of the day, we are just friends." This balance between intense competition and genuine camaraderie is a hallmark of truly effective athletic teams.
Charting the Future: The Next Steps for Blatz and Choi
As their time at Cardigan draws to a close, both Blatz and Choi are poised for the next exciting chapter in their ski racing careers, moving on to highly regarded ski academies renowned for developing elite talent. Cam Blatz will attend Stratton Mountain School, an institution with a storied history of producing Olympic and World Cup athletes, while also training with the U.S. Regional Development Team, a crucial stepping stone in the national team pipeline. Thomas Choi will continue his development at Burke Mountain Academy, another premier ski academy celebrated for its rigorous training programs and academic integration.
Blatz expressed a profound sense of readiness for the challenges ahead, attributing his preparation to his Cardigan experience. "I am ready," he stated confidently. "Cardigan prepared me." Yet, the prospect of leaving is tinged with emotion, reflecting the deep bonds forged during his formative years at the school. "This place is family," he concluded, underscoring the indelible mark Cardigan has left on him.
Broader Implications: A Blueprint for Youth Athletic Development
Cardigan’s extraordinary results at Mount Sunapee and the subsequent successes of its top athletes offer significant insights into the broader landscape of youth athletic development. The prevailing wisdom often emphasizes raw talent or early specialization. However, Cardigan’s story powerfully illustrates that "Talent matters. But environment, culture, and daily training habits often decide who actually improves."
The school’s model demonstrates the profound impact of a comprehensive, supportive ecosystem that integrates high-level coaching with robust academic support, encourages multi-sport participation, and cultivates a strong sense of community and teamwork. This holistic approach not only fosters exceptional athletic performance but also builds character, resilience, and a lifelong love for sport. For a junior boarding school to achieve such dominance against older, established high school programs is a testament to the efficacy of prioritizing long-term development over short-term gains, proving that nurturing the whole individual yields superior results.
The Cardigan Middle School Ski Team’s 2024-2025 season will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark year, not just for the trophies and medals, but for redefining what is possible for young athletes when talent aligns with an unparalleled environment, a winning culture, and dedicated daily training habits. Their success serves as a compelling blueprint for how to cultivate the next generation of sporting excellence.
