Skaneateles native receives Shelley Glover Award
The Vermont Alpine Racing Association recently chose Jane Gutchess ‘20 as the recipient of this year’s Shelley Glover Award.
The award, created in memory of former U.S. Ski Team member, Shelly Glover, honors her commitment to alpine racing and compassion for others.
Each year, the Vermont Alpine Racing Association presents a scholarship to a young individual who exemplifies Glover’s passion, tenacity, and determination both on and off the snow.
“There may be no better match than Jane Gutchess for the Shelly Glover Award,” said Stratton Mountain School’s Alpine Program Director, Mike Morin. “She is a team-first athlete and is committed to those around her, getting everyone fired up every day.” “She sets the tone for hard work, commitment, and determination. Ultimately, she makes the entire group stronger daily. We are proud to see her recognized for this award.”
Jim Sullivan, who coached Gutchess as a U14 athlete, also praised the skier’s can-do attitude, “Jane’s zeal for the sport of ski racing and willingness to put in the hard work to become the best she can be is inspiring to both her peers and coaches.”
Since joining the alpine program at Stratton Mountain School, Gutchess has continued to excel. Last season, she qualified for the National Junior Championships based on her Eastern Cup results, where she took first place for U19‘s at Sunday River and third place for U19‘s at Sugarbush.
She also took third place for U19’s during the Women’s Devo FIS at Okemo last January. Even with such success, she has remained a team player and a positive role model of sportsmanship.
“Jane is the leader every coach hopes to have on their team,” Stratton Mountain School’s FIS Women’s Head Coach, Topher Harlow, said. “She can keep things light and fun while setting the bar very high academically, in the gym, and on snow. Jane exemplifies what it means to be a fierce competitor while truly enjoying the journey.”
Gutchess graduated from Stratton Mountain School in 2020 and recently announced that she would be pursuing a post-graduate program with her alma mater.
Harlow has big plans for Gutchess for this upcoming season, focusing on conditioning and on-snow training sessions to compete at the Eastern Cup level. She will also be adding collegiate races to her schedule as she prepares to race at the Division I level for Williams College next year on the highly competitive EISA circuit.
“We are happy to have her back as a leader for the U19 women’s team,” Harlow said. “She sets the tone for a supportive environment and a team-first atmosphere.”
Stratton Mountain School is an independent boarding and day school that focuses on college preparatory academics and competitive winter sports. Located at the base of Stratton Mountain, Stratton Mountain School serves students in grades 7-12.
