Maine may be known for its snowfall and winter activities, but it takes a dedicated athlete to turn a hobby into a professional accomplishment. C.J. LaPointe, son of Ralph and Martha LaPointe of Presque Isle, recently did just that at the United States of America Snowboard Association National Championships in Truckee, Calif., in early April.
To qualify for the USASA National Championships, LaPointe had to compete in the USASA regional series against some of the best male and female athletes from around the country. The series includes competitions in the halfpipe, slopestyle, boardercross, slalom and giant slalom.
LaPointe competed in 12 events last winter at Shawnee Peak, Sugarloaf and Sunday River, winning the competitions in three disciplines: boardercross, slalom and giant slalom.
He then was named the Maine Series Snowboard Master’s Champion, which covers competitors ages 30-39 years, and moved on to the national championship.
The USASA National Championship had 1,497 athletes vying for titles and is considered to be the largest snowboarding and free ski event on earth. LaPointe took home a gold medal in slalom and a silver in giant slalom; as well as placing seventh in boardercross. As a result of his accomplishments, he claimed the title of Master Alpine Overall Champion.
With this win, LaPointe automatically is invited to the 2008 USASA National Championships in Copper Mountain, Colo, to defend his title in the alpine events.
