UAA senior Michael Soetaert goes out on top by winning his final ski race

UAA’s Michael Soetaert skied the final FIS event of his racing career Thursday at Alyeska Resort, and he made it a memorable one.

Soetaert, a senior from Edmonton, wrapped up four seasons with the Seawolves by making the podium twice in his final two races.

He finished second to teammate Moro Bamber in the day’s first slalom race and then capped his career by winning the second slalom. Bamber, a UAA freshman, finished second in the second race.

Third place went to UAA junior Didrik Nilsen in the first race and former Alyeska Ski Club racer Hunter Eid in the second race. Eid trains with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation team in Idaho.

After three days of sun and ideal conditions, snow came to Alyeska overnight and throughout the day Thursday, with several inches accumulating. It was the final day of the four-day race series, and officials were able to shovel the Tanaka slalom course to allow both races to be held with no major delays.

Slalom #1 -- 1) Moro Bamber, UAA, 1:22.87; 2) Michael Soetaert, UAA, 1:23.11; 3) Didrik Langmoen Nilsen, UAA, 1:24.04; 4) Will Snyder, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, 1:24.29; 5) Teagan Turner, Sugar Bowl Academy, 1:24.41.

Slalom #2 -- 1) Michael Soetaert, UAA, 1:24.98; 2) Moro Bamber, UAA, 1:25.71; 3) Hunter Eid, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, 1:26.34; 4) Teagan Turner, Sugar Bowl Academy, 1:27.38; 5) Blake Bathum, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, 1:27.40.