Henry Walder Memorial Race 2025
The Schussmeisters once again made a proud showing in the eyes of the skiing community in and around Genesee County. Once synonymous with wild and crazy partiers, the name Schussmeisters has slowly but surely evolved over the past several years. While we haven’t forgotten how to have a good time, we’re now recognized as more than that by our fellow riders.
On Sunday, March 2nd, several Schussmeisters, led by 2nd Vice President Jill Gillespie, took charge of the 2nd floor at Mt. Holly to host the 5th Annual Henry Walder Memorial Race. This fundraiser for Area 13 Special Olympics is a labor-intensive event, but as past President Bonnie Streit would say, “many hands make light work.” Thanks to those who arrived by 7:30 a.m. to help set up:
On the Hill:
Dave Turrey, Brian Rood, Stacy Merrill, Steve Felix, Kirk Smith, Ken Brackney, Seth Thompson, Tony Shumaker and Al Gillespie
Inside:
Jill Gillespie, Julie Phillips, Abby Merrill, Kim Holbrook, Jerry Balogh, Linda Gillespie, and Jay Jones.
Later, Pat Peters and her crew from Special Olympics joined, along with Bob McCollough, Pam Domanski, Jen Major, and last but not least, Lindsay Shriner.
With over 60 racers in divisions ranging from 10 and under to 70 and over, we had a real race on our hands. The race began shortly after 10:00 a.m., with Max Merrill and his honor guard skiing down from the start shack, carrying Old Glory as the National Anthem played. This year, we had two Special Olympians—Jay Wolfe and Clayson Cook. Their times were combined with the top racers, chosen by luck of the draw.
Tom Hanson’s combined time of 39.53 was just 0.15 seconds faster than Garrett Shumaker’s 39.68. However, Garrett, by luck of the draw, was paired with Clayson Cook. Clayson’s 66.47 topped Jay’s 67.27 by 0.8 seconds, making Team Cook/Shumaker the winners of the Henry Walder Cup for 2025.
Awards were presented to the top 3 places in each division, both male and female.
Female Division
10 and Under:
Paige Mason – 25.90, 24.65, 50.55
Nora Ferri – 27.35, 26.36, 53.71
Lila Schroth – 3rd Place
11 to 14:
Maizy Shaffer – 24.72, 24.10, 48.82
Jorie Dickson – 26.37, 25.46, 51.83
15 to 18:
Anna Heimberger – 21.45, 20.52, 41.97
Kallyn Sprague – 21.16, 21.23, 42.39
Maleia Dickson – 3rd Place
30 to 49:
Sarah Voeffray – DNF
50 to 69:
No Females
70 and Over:
No Females
Male Division
10 and Under:
Liam Schroth – 30.20, 28.88, 59.08
Lars Riegle – 40.19, 36.19, 1:16.2
Cameron Brown – 3rd Place
11 to 14:
Chase Jacob – 23.73, 22.79, 46.52
Tyler Green – 24.08, 23.25, 47.33
Lukas Blough – 3rd Place
15 to 18:
Gilroy Pike – 20.16, 19.60, 39.76
Max Merrill – 20.62, 29.66, 50.28
Grant Petrella – 3rd Place
30 to 49:
Rob Green – 20.55, 20.25, 40.80
Richard Mason – 21.41, 21.21, 42.62
Jay Dickson – 3rd Place
50 to 69:
Tony Shumaker – 20.77, 20.55, 41.32
Steve Felix – 22.27, 21.36, 43.63
Thilo Riegel – 3rd Place
70 and Over:
Al Gillespie – 1st Place
Pro Division:
Tom Hanson – 19.98, 19.55, 39.53
Garrett Shumaker – 20.04, 19.64, 39.68
Sarah Voeffray – DNF
Special Olympians:
Clayson Cook – 33.24, 33.24, 66.47
Jay Wolfe – 33.64, 33.64, 67.27
Winner of the 5th Annual Henry Walder Cup 2025:
Team Clayson Cook / Garrett Shumaker
Trophies:
Most Donations by Team: Team Grand Blanc
Most Donations by Individual: Steve Felix
A special thanks to all of our prize donors for the successful raffle:
- Shumakers Ski Shop
- Mt. Holly Ski Shop
- Nicholes Ski Shop
- Schussmeisters of Michigan
- Atlas Valley Golf Course
- Special Olympics Area 13
The Schussmeisters of Michigan, along with Special Olympics Area 13, would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this event—whether by racing, donating, contributing to the raffle, or being present at the event. You can take pride in the impact we’ve made for Area 13 Special Olympics. Donations are still coming in, but as of now, we’ve raised $11,600. With the exception of the medals and a few trophies, every dollar raised has gone directly to the Special Olympics. Well done to all!
We also want to thank our very special business donors this year.
Dee Cramer Gold
Nubs Nob Gold
Mt Holly Gold
S&Z Sheetmetal Silver
Platinum Mechanical Bronze
Patriot Ambulance Bronze
Dean Sellers Ford Bronze
Flint Prints Bronze
Special Guest at the event Ruth Walders and granddaughter.
A very special thank you to Mt. Holly’s management team, led by Mark Tibbitts, for providing their facility for this event. The Schussmeisters have enjoyed a long and special relationship with Mt. Holly that began with our founder, Henry Walder, so many years ago.