TRAVERSE CITY — With consistent success and production in crunch time, Traverse City Central’s Jace Rowell has earned the Record-Eagle Skier of the Year.
“It feels great,” Rowell said. “I’ve worked so hard for the last four years of high school and I’m grateful to earn the recognition.”
The Trojans finished third (103) in the Michigan High School Athletic Associations Division 1 state championship, and Rowell can be cited as a major catalyst for the team’s finish.
Rowell’s 74.27 combined time in the slalom was good enough for third in the slalom and paced all Traverse City athletes. Combined with a fourth-place finish in the giant slalom, Rowell’s consistent production helped TC Central maintain its winning reputation.
After making his final run, Rowell explained his keys to success.
“You have to have fun,” Rowell said. “Stay positive. If you’re not smiling, then you’re not going to have a good time. So just smile and be positive and make the best of it.”
With Rowell’s high school career coming to an end, the talented skier reflected upon his favorite accomplishment.
“My best performance and what I’m most proud of is my junior year in the states (finals),” Rowell said. “I stood up to some really competitive racers who I had been struggling to beat all year. I came through as states with the one of the best runs in my life. I’m very proud of it.”
In the slalom, Rowel finished in third place with a time of 63.52 leading the Trojans to a state final championship in dominating fashion with a score of 47.
“With such a strong, talented team, it’s hard for any of us to stand out,” Rowell said. “I appreciate and respect my teammates, and I’ll miss racing with them.”
On Feb. 19, the Trojans won the final Big North Conference regular season meet, helping to secure the league championship. Rowell’s fourth-place finish along with teammate Rocco Elkins’ top finish were the deciding factors in what was a dominating performance by TC Central.
BOYS SKIING DREAM TEAM
Jace Rowell – (Skier of the Year) Traverse City Central
With impressive finishes in the state tournament, Rowell’s fifth place finish in the slalom at the regional tournament cemented a finals appearance for the Trojans.
Elijah Dettmer – Petoskey
Dettmer helped the Northman finish second in the MHSAA state finals with a strong performance that included second-place finishes in the slalom and giant slalom.
Solid performances in the regional tournament included a second-place finish in the slalom and third place in the slalom, again helped Petoskey finish second in the deep field.
Isaac Shapiro – Traverse City West
The TC West senior finished 11th in the giant slalom state finals, anchoring a crew that finished second. The TC West team cites Shapiro as a reason for their success and continuity.
“He’s our leader. We definitely would not have gotten to states without him,” said TC West skier Grady Ellis.
Cam Lewandowski – Traverse City West
Lewandowski is carving out a legacy for himself in the skiing world. The TC West blooming star finished fifth in the state in the slalom and giant slalom propelling his team to their second-place finish. Lewandowski was integral in the team’s success in the regional final coming in third.
Trevor Suttle – Traverse City Central
As part of the TC Central powerhouse, Suttle’s seventh place finish in the state championship were essential to the team’s victory. The third-place finish in the region finals also helped the team reach the state finals.
Keaton Abraham – Gaylord
With his fourth-place finish in the state finals, Abraham ensured his place in Gaylord’s impressive skiing legacy.
Corbin Bogard – Great North Alpine
A first-place finish in the Division 2 regional tournament’s giant slalom made him a shoo-in to advance to the state finals. The GNA star remained hot as he finished fourth in the giant slalom at the state championship.
Rocco Elkins – Traverse City CentralThe fastest of the TC Central skiers, Elkins fourth place finish in the giant slalom was key to the team’s top three finish at the state finals. Elkins was also the fastest of the TC Central skiers in the giant slalom clocking in at 60.46.
Dane Lewandowski – Traverse City WestLewandowski consistent 2025 season was a critical contribution for the titans. With a ninth-place finish in the giant slalom and a seventh-place finish in the slalom, Lewandowski’s performance proves that skiing runs in the family.
Grady Ellis – Traverse City West
TC West’s future looks bright. Ellis’s ninth place finish in the slalom and seventh place finish in the giant slalom at the state finals are just a preview of what the junior is capable of.
Gavin Galbraith – Petoskey
The 2024 state champion finished in first place giant slalom at the regional tournament and third in slalom. Galbraith’s third place contribution in the slalom were pivotal to the Northmen’s second place finish at the 2025 regional tournament.
Taylor Keiswetter – Petoskey
Another potent Petoskey skier, Keiswetter 3rd place finish in the regional finals was a massive factor in the teams showing. An eighth-place finish in the giant slalom at the Division 2 finals ensured that Petoskey team would finish well in the tournament.
Carson Truman – Harbor Springs
Truman was the key cog in the Harbor Springs machine as his fifth-place finish in the giant slalom and seventh-place finish in the slalom ensured a trip the state finals. Truman was the highest finisher in the slalom state finals, finishing sixth.
Miles Luther – Glen Lake
Strong performances in the Clare Invitational were essential to the team’s success and placement in the tournament. A second-place finish in the slalom and fourth-place finish in the giant slalom showcased the talented skier’s technique and slope judgement.
Ben Stoops – Glen Lake
Stoops’ impressive first-place finish at the Clare Invitational displayed the talent capacity that the skier possesses. A 13th-place finish in the Division 2 slalom finals further displayed the skier’s talent.
SECOND TEAM
Cooper Gerber – Traverse City Central
Ryan Lamphere – Traverse City West
Benjamin Dyste – Great North Alpine
Carter Walkerdine – Petoskey
Justin Thompson – Glen Lake
Greg Walter – Great North Alpine
Jay Macnowski – Great North Alpine