Olympic Valley, CA (Monday, May 19, 2003) - Under beautiful blue skies and the warm California spring sunshine, a Yeti, a '96 year old' woman, a hula dancer, a Spiderman look-alike and dozens of other costumed skiers and snowboarders gathered around Lake Cushing at the base of Squaw Valley USA for one of the resorts most popular springtime traditions, the Lake Cushing Classic yesterday afternoon.

After being postponed numerous times due to spring snowstorms, the annual right of passage in its 13th year, proved to be as popular as ever with over 40 contestants and hundreds of spectators turning out to see the great costumes and wacky pond crossing attempts. The goal for each entrant was to get enough speed down the snow ramp and across the lake without falling.

This year's event followed tradition with a wide array of outstanding costumes. Squaw Valley filmmaker and skier Scott Gaffney miraculously transformed himself into a very believable 96-year-old woman and crossed the pond with elderly flair, Chrissy Kreig wore an especially furry Yeti costume and Squaw Valley skier Jamie Burge made the crossing in her recycled cap and gown from her college graduation the day before. Crowd pleasing stunts included Aaron McGovern's attempt to cross the pond 'switch' (backwards), and the 'team monoski' crossing by Lee Dube and Shane McConkey. In the end, it was Shane McConkey on his own that brought the crowd to its feet in a roar of applause with his stunning pond maneuvering. Shane tucked down the ramp, skied into the pond straight, made a 180 degree turn in the middle of the pond so he was skiing backwards, and then he made another 180 degree turn and skied gracefully out of the pond straight. The judges agreed with the crowd, awarding McConkey the highest score of the day - a perfect 40!

Judging was based on style, grace, flair and of course, successfully crossing the lake. Judges included Squaw Valley's General Manager Ernst Hager and Facilities Director Tom Kelly, local freelance writer Robert Frohlich and High Sierra Water Ski School owner and Squaw Valley Ski Coach Lee Schmidt. The Classic's two lovely lady judges included America's most winningest female ski racer Tamara McKinney (with assistant, daughter Francesca) and local celebrity mom and ex-Hot Dog stunt skier Debbie Dutton Naughton (with assistant, daughter Kendall). Prizes were awarded in five divisions - men's and women's ski and snowboard divisions and the fifth, and often most amusing, unlimited division.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
OVERALL WINNER: Shane McConkey
Unlimited: Lee Dube
Men's Ski: John Morton
Women's Ski: Jamie Burge
Men's Snowboard: Jared Johnson
Women's Snowboard: Chrissy Kreig