For Stephan Hienzsch 1977 was a special year. He was the first member of the University of Colorado ski team to win the NCAA Giant Slalom championship in only its second year of existence.
But more success was on the way. Two days later, Hienzsch also won the slalom, completing the rare sweep of both races.
“I think I won every collegiate competition I was entered in that year,” Hienzsch said. “For some reason I found a confidence that year that put me in an athletic zone that I still can’t explain today.”
Hienzsch was also the only collegiate skier to be invited to race in the 1977 World Cup series, and he was the champion in the 1977 RMISA/NCAA West Regional Giant Slalom and slalom events.