An OMS Success Story: Drew Visnic

Drew Visnic is a veteran of the Okemo Competition Center program, as well as OMS. He has been with OMS since he was in 6th grade and a part of the weekend program since starting Hopefuls at the age of 6. From a young age it was evident that Drew could be successful in ski racing if he worked hard and continued his love for the sport. Drew entered the program in Hopefuls, but the following year tried out to move onto J6s and succeeded in making the jump. Drew even remembers completing the try out with OMS Head of School, Mariel Meringolo. At the time, Drew was one of the youngest racers, which only pushed him to try harder.

Drew looks back on his younger years of racing fondly. He began racing with other OMS students early on including Brennan Hynes, Freddie Brogden, Jenna Mirabile, and many others. Throughout that time, he has been able to build some of his closest relationships and shared countless memories on and off the hill. Not only has Drew made friends, but he has also formed close relationships with coaches and teachers throughout his years at Okemo and OMS. He remembers having OMS U12 Coach, Mike Cronin, for several years as a young racer, along with many other coaches, all of which helped build the athlete he is today. At OMS, Drew has also had several of the same teachers year after year, which has improved his academics and helped keep him on track. 

Drew is now a U19 and this season is his first racing at the FIS level. Earlier in the week, Drew competed at Sugarbush in a two day FIS open series scoring both days.  Once the points list renews, his GS points will drop to 83.9. At the race on Monday, Drew was the top US 2003 Year of Birth finisher. Drew has also been successful in slalom. Due to two awesome races at Mittersill earlier in February, Drew has 81 FIS SL points. 

Drew has made awesome progress this season, especially as his first season racing FIS. To already be sub-100 in both SL and GS is great progress and sets him up well going forward!

Interview with Drew

What makes you love ski racing?

Ski racing is fun and versatile and being at OMS allows me to not only train, but I get to experience powder days and freeski days by having more time on snow.

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far?

Last year I won the slalom at the Vermont State Championships, which was an awesome experience. 

How do you think OMS has helped make you the person and athlete you are today?

As an athlete, I have had extra training to become the best I can be. OMS in general has taught me how to be organized from a young age and I became way better at time management.

Where do you see your future in ski racing going?

If I continue ski racing in college, I would want to go out west to a school.