MONTICELLO – Michael Pappas, a twelve-year-old high honor roll student in Monticello, races in the United States of American Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA). Pappas leads his region, the Catskill Mountain Series, in Giant Slalom, Slalom and Boardercross events. In the region, Hunter, Belleayre, and Windham mountains are included in the circuit.

On January 30 at Hunter Mountain, Pappas netted four gold medals for his Slalom and Giant Slalom runs. He repeated his performance on February 12 at Belleayre Mountain, adding another four golds.

After the February 12 runs, he was named the number one qualifier for his age group in the region, which means he is eligible for Nationals. Nationally, as of February 23, Pappas is ranked 3rd in both Slalom and Giant Slalom.

Pappas recently received a sponsorship from BC Goggles Co., and they sent him a bunch of merchandise to wear.

Nationals will be held in April, with regular season events still occurring in the region.