Mammoth's Geordie Lonza is named Van Ruiten Scholarship Recipient. MAMMOTH TIMES PHOTO/SUSAN MORNING

Geordie Lonza, a third year J1 athlete and 13-year member of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Team has been named the recipient of the prestigious 3rd Annual Dave Van Ruiten Memorial Scholarship, awarded each fall to a Far West athlete judged to have a legitimate opportunity for selection to the United States Ski Team in the coming season. Lonza, ranked among the nation’s top 15 juniors in all four disciplines, is also Far West’s top junior seed in downhill, giant slalom and slalom, and second in super giant slalom. She will receive a $5,000 gift from Far West Skiing to offset the tremendous expense of campaigning at the super elite level throughout North America and Europe.

“I can’t believe I was chosen for this scholarship. I am still in complete shock,” said Lonza from her Mammoth Lakes home when she received word on her selection. “My family and I are so grateful for the generosity of Far West Skiing. This honor means so much to me, and I truly appreciate all the support.”

“This was a particularly tough year to select a winner as we had five excellent candidates, of which all were deserving of such an award,” said Tim Cohee, President of Far West Skiing.

Lonza follows two previous Dave Van Ruiten Memorial Scholarships winners who are joining NCAA racing this season. Marty Harris, who skied for the Heavenly Ski Foundation for more than a decade, is now a member of the University of Nevada Ski Team. Nick Cohee, a long time member of the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation, will be racing for the University of Utah. Both remain ranked among the top alpine athletes in the nation in at least two disciplines, and are still very much on the U.S. Ski Team radar.

Van Ruiten was instrumental in the formation and tremendous growth of the Sugar Bowl Ski Team, was Vice President of Far West Skiing, and a huge supporter of junior ski racing everywhere. This scholarship was established in his name by the Far West Board of Directors in 2006.