We now begin spotlighting every individual state champion in slalom, giant slalom, classical, and freestyle. We asked the state champions some questions. We begin with Cape Elizabeth senior Keegan Lathrop. He was the 2024 Class B Slalom state champion. We asked him about his state meet preparations, his favorite moment from the season, and more.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
Last year I was distracted from skiing in my pursuit of playing college lacrosse. This year those distractions were behind me and I made it a point to keep the skis under my feet every weekend. My enthusiasm for skiing escalated when my brothers were home from college for Christmas break. As college athletes they hadn’t been allowed to ski in the past but this year they were given the green light and we made sure to rip around the mountain like the good old days.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
With it being my last year of racing, the pressure was significant knowing that all three of my brothers (Devon, Killian, and Tiernan) have been on top of the podium and I have not. I had to ignore those thoughts since the talent and success of several racers in Class B would likely only give me a tiny window of opportunity. My primary focus in training leading up to the state meet was to stay upright and hopefully put down a fast run to help Cape Elizabeth win the state meet.
3) What was going through your mind at the starting gate?
I try to stay mentally loose and avoid any stress at the start gate. As I slid into the start gate, many thoughts were going through my head but the main one was that we finished day one only slightly out of first place as a team and we had a chance to compete for first on this final day. After the first run my teammate and I were sitting in 2nd and 3rd place so we felt like we were in the hunt. In the gate that afternoon, I have to admit that with only 1 run left in high school racing and sitting in 3rd this was my last chance to match my older brother's success.
4) What do you contribute to your success?
There are so many factors over my 18 years that contributed to any ski racing success I had. Starting at a young age gave me so many hours on the snow. Having motivating and fun alpine coaches that continued to train, encourage and motivate those of us that chose to race high school and not to chase FIS or USSA any longer. The lifelong friendships we developed made training so much fun each weekend. It also helps having a condo at Sugarloaf.
5) What are your goals/plans for next year?
I am attending the University of Delaware as a student athlete playing Division 1 lacrosse.
6) What surprised you the most about this season?
In the past fews years, it was difficult to finish slalom races. This year I had a great start and it was definitely a surprise to be consistent throughout the season.
7) What moment/event will you remember the most from the season?
I will forever remember getting a new pair of Atomic Maverick free skis for Christmas this year. Why? Because it was my first pair of new skis ever, unlike those old hand-me-downs from my three older brothers.
8) What do you like most about Alpine Skiing?
Alpine skiing is an excellent time. Alpine racing definitely helps you become an all-around great skier and it’s a great way to meet new friends. Unfortunately, I believe I’m going to have to hang my skis up for the next 4 years and these next few weeks may be my last for a long time. After lacrosse is over I look forward to reconnecting with all my ski friends on the hill and maybe my new skis will still be hanging where I left them.
9)Is there anything else that you would like to add?
This season might not have been possible without my older brother Devon stepping up to coach the Cape Elizabeth team. Also, a huge thanks to Coach Riley for joining Devon to help ensure it was a success. Both were a lot of fun for our team and I hope they continue to coach for the next few years.
