The Newtown-Pomperaug of Southbury high school ski team has had a successful season on the slopes culminating in high finishes at the conference and state level. One family, in particular, helped drive the team’s achievements from Newtown High School: the Jacobs family.

There was no Newtown-specific ski team at NHS, so this combined school team has given athletes Tyler Fralley, Andrew Jacobs, Lauren Jacobs, Matt Jacobs, Kyle Ruddy, Joseph Silverman, and Yarema Stasyshyn the opportunity to ski competitively at the high school level.

At the State Championship at Mount Southington on February 10, the ski team took home a fifth-place finish. Senior Captain Matt Jacobs was the overall individual state champion, and Andrew Jacobs placed 20th.

“It was great to finally get the state championship after falling last year,” Matt said.

On the girls’ side, junior captain Lauren was the second overall individual in the state.

Based on how they competed all season, the boys’ team was South-West Conference runner-up. Matt was the SWC champion, and Andrew Jacobs placed fourth. Additionally, Fralley contributed to the team score. Lauren was crowned SWC champion as well, resulting in a first-place Jacobs sweep.

All of the races for the season took place at Mount Southington. Throughout the entire season, Matt and Lauren placed either first or second in each of their races, and Andrew placed in the top ten.

“It’s been really awesome to be able to perform as well as we have this season, especially because I’ve been able to share that experience with my brothers. We’ve all been in this sport for a long time so it’s really rewarding to see it pay off,” Lauren said.

Senior twins Matt and Andrew, along with Lauren, who is one year younger, have thrived throughout their time competing at the high school level.

“Being able to race with my family the last four years has been such a fun experience. I think it helped add to all of our success,” Andrew said.

Next up for the Jacobs family trio is the High School Alpine Skiing Eastern Regional Championships, to be held in New Hampshire in early March. Because of their performance in a qualifying competition, they will represent team Connecticut at the championship. Twelve boys and a dozen girls were selected to represent the state.

“I’m really happy with how the whole season went and can’t wait for Easterns,” Matt said.