Merokean takes gold at national ski competition

Nine-year-old Natalie Ferretti of Merrick took first place in the slopestyle competition in the under-9 girls division at the U.S. Snowboarding and FreeSki Association's National Championships, held recently at Copper Mountain in Colorado.

Ferretti was part of the Catskill Mountain Series National Team, which comprised 68 snowboarders and skiers who competed in Colorado with 1,524 athletes from 32 regions across the U.S.

Ferretti also placed fourth in the skiercross event.

Bob Basil, the Catskill Mountain Series director, said he was pleased to have so many of his athletes qualify for the National Championships. "I am always proud of all our athletes who compete at the championships and am extremely pleased with Natalie's win," Basil said.

Natalie has competed with the Catskill Mountain Series since 2008 and calls Windham Mountain her home resort.

"Natalie is a hard-working, talented young skier," Basil said. "This win showcases her ability and commitment to her training."

. With events scheduled at five regional resorts, the Catskill Mountain Series offers riders and skiers the chance to earn national points to qualify for the USASA National Championships in April at Copper Mountain.

For more information, check out www.catskillmountainseries.com or www.usasa.org.