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Risman's heroics give Andover boys first state ski title

Andover ski coach Tom Busta described the scene in baseball language.

"It was like being down by two runs heading into the bottom of the ninth," he said. "Then coming back with three runs to win it."

Sitting in fifth place at the close of the slalom, the Golden Warriors stormed back with a trio of stellar finishes in the giant slalom, and that was enough to give Andover the MIAA boys State Skiing title Tuesday at Berkshire East Ski Area in Charlemont with 721 points, besting No. 2 Longmeadow (709).

This is believed to be the first state ski title for Andover in program history according to Busta, and the first in his 12 years as head coach. The Golden Warriors placed second a season ago.

"We had four stellar runs that gave us a fantastic comeback," said Busta, whose girls finished fifth overall.

Nick Sherman, an Eagle-Tribune All-Star last season, took third overall in the slalom, but Andover could not place another skier in the top 30, leaving the team in fifth overall.

But back came the Golden Warriors.

Andover junior Adam Risman delivered a run for the ages, grabbing seventh overall in the giant slalom with a 46.08.

"That was the run of his life," said Busta. "It really propelled us to the state title."

Sherman matched that mark, tying for seventh with a 46.08. Unsung hero Tom Suglia then chipped in with a 12th (46.43) and Matt Cummings bounced back from a tough slalom to take 17th in the giant slalom.

The Golden Warriors claimed the title, were then treated to a police escort into Andover, and were brought to a restaurant to have a celebratory dinner with their families.

"It was so nice," said Busta. "It was just unbelievable."