Derrick Crivelli burst onto the ski scene at the age of three when he started skiing at Thunder Ridge in Patterson. He has climbed the ranks ever since.
Last weekend, as an eighth grader at Wells Middle School he represented Brewster Central School District at States in Giant Slalom and Slalom. At States, he helped his team, Section 1, to win gold and proved he has but one direction to go-up.
“I worked so hard to train this season. Even though I knew based on my times during league races, I might make it to States,” he said, “it was still a shocker. Usually, kids make it when they are juniors and seniors in high school, so I was really happy to make it as an eighth grader.”
Varsity Ski Coach Kirsten Rusinko, attended States with Crivelli said, "Derrick has worked extremely hard this season. Every practice Derrick would go above and beyond to better his skiing, yet always made time to assist his teammates. Qualifying for States as an 8th grader, on its own, is a challenging feat. Placing 14th in Giant Slalom and 21st in Slalom is beyond impressive. I am excited to see what Derrick's future holds."
Crivelli not only finished in the top 30 at States but was a contender for skimeister or top overall skier.
Although his parents grew up in the city and did not grow up skiing, Crivelli and his two siblings are all top skiers.
How was it being at States?
“It was really exciting. We were on the bus by 6:30 am and spent the entire day on the mountain. I was on the chair lift and looked over at skiers I really respect. I competed against top skiers. I got a glimpse of what it’s going to be like in high school. And the neat thing was my dad, Paul Crivelli, who is the coach at John Jay High School, was our Section 1 coach, so he was my coach for States.
But Crivelli and his siblings could not have done it alone. It is their parents who drive three hours for the training they now do at West Mountain in Queensbury New York every weekend for ski school and intensive training.
“They are really the reason all this is possible. They drive me every week. I am really grateful to have such amazing parents.”
What’s next for Crivelli?
“I want to represent Brewster High School next year at States, follow my brother as a semi-professional, and see what happens next!”