All three riders are sponsored by Geiger’s Ski and Sport Haus. “This is the first year we’ve created an Elite Ski and Board Team, and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys attending Nationals,” said owner and President Gordon Geiger.

Christopher Kern is a 14-year-old eighth grader at R.B. Chamberlin Middle School in Twinsburg. He has been competing in snowboarding events since age 11 and will be competing at the USASA Nationals for the third year in a row. This season, Kern won gold and silver medals at competitions in Ohio, and Pennsylvania. “It’s hard to chose, but I think my favorite is Slopestyle, which is a freestyle event,” said Chris. He is also a sponsored team rider for Salomon Sports, Bonfire Clothing, and Osiris Shoes.

Alex Baker is an 11-year-old fifth grader at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School in Chagrin Falls. He began competing in snowboarding events just last winter. “I’m really excited to be representing Ohio at Nationals for the first time.” This season, Baker won gold and silver medals in competitions in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. Baker’s favorite events are Boardercross, Slopestyle and Halfpipe. He is also a sponsored team rider for Salomon Sports, Bonfire Clothing, and Osiris Shoes.

Alex Spectorsky, of Russell Township, is a 16 year old sophomore at University School. He began competing in snowboarding events last year, and this is his second trip to Nationals. He has won gold and silver medals in BoarderCross and Slopestyle in Ohio and New York, and trained at High Cascade Snowboard Camp at Mt. Hood, Oregon. “It was helpful to ride at the higher altitudes, and get used to larger jumps than here in Ohio.”