Nick Goepper, a third-year Windells Academy student, placed second in the Men’s Ski Slopestyle finals at this year’s Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado. The event took place Thursday night under the lights on the challenging slopestyle course. “Wall Street”, as the announcers nicknamed the urban-style jib features, includes a 25ft cargo container that 17-year-old Goepper and Gold medalist, 24-year-old Tom Wallisch, had no problem topping. After the urban portion, the athletes face four 60 to 70 foot jumps. Goepper and Wallisch landed almost identical, nearly perfect runs. Goepper qualified first in the elimination round with a score of 93.33 and finished second, just 1.34 points behind Wallisch’s record setting 96.00.

The first night of X Games was blanketed by a spirit of celebration in light of the recent loss of our dear Sarah Burke. Nick tweeted last night after the big event, “I’m going to sleep well tonight. Thanks, Sarah, for an epic night!” Burton’s Kelly Clark and a handful of other X Games athletes were showcasing Celebrate Sarah stickers on their helmets.

Photo credit Aaron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Goepper attends Fall, Spring and Summer semesters at Windells Academy. Nick’s commitment to training in the off-season has allowed him to podium at professional level events. Nick’s next big competition is the Dew Tour Championships in Ogden, Utah, February 9th.

Watch Nick’s qualifying run and go to ESPN.com to watch his second run at finals.

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