Michael Chen, Frida Henningsson, and Grant Keith know the need for speed. The three Rye High School students have competed in alpine race events since they were in elementary school.

Michael Chen, Frida Henningsson, and Grant Keith know the need for speed. The three Rye High School students have competed in alpine race events since they were in elementary school.

The trio is thankful to be able to train with the Mamaroneck High School team, thanks to a program set up five years ago by Michael’s parents, Lisa and Bernie Chen when their older son Jason was at Rye High, and RHS Athletic

Director Rob Castagna. They race as independents for Rye High in the NY Section 1 races at Thunder Ridge Ski Hill.

“It’s been a very supportive and cooperative relationship,” said Andrew’s mom, Suzanna. This year, Mamaroneck coach Christine Crowley appointed Michael as one of the co-captains of the overall team. He, along with senior classmate Frida, and junior Grant, serve as co-captains of the Rye team.

This year, all three qualified for Sectionals. Based on their performances at Sectionals, Frida and Grant earned spots on the Section 1 region team and competed in the NY State finals in Lake Placid in late February. In a flight of over 130 racers, Frida placed 15 in Slalom and 20 in Giant Slalom, and Grant placed 22 in Slalom and 26 in Giant Slalom.

For these three athletes, winter isn’t as bad as it is for the rest of us. On weekends, Michael is an instructor at Windham Mountain, Grant races for Berkshire East, and Frida skis for Thunder Ridge.

Before hitting the slopes, the team practices three to four days a week, starting with dry land training — running and weight lifting in December. Once the snow falls, they head to Thunder Ridge for gate training. Races are held two or three times a week with dual meets against other schools in the district.

Now that spring is here you’ll find Grant running track, Frida playing golf, and Michael on the tennis court.

But the sport that makes them tick is skiing. “It’s the fastest a human can go without a motor,” Grant explained enthusiastically. “I love the speed and concentration needed to focus on managing the gates to the finish. Plus, what else are you going to do to enjoy these winters?”