craigdailypress.com

Moffat County High School junior Steven Smith practiced nearly every day this winter to improve his snowboarding skills.

He has something to show for it -- a collarbone broken in two places held together by a plate.

"I was trying a cab five. I cleared the tabletop, but spun too early, caught the front side, and basically did half a front flip," Smith said of his April 8 season-ending crash.

Arm hung in a sling, Smith manages to stay positive during his off-season, tracking how far he has come and looking ahead to the future.

"I've definitely improved in the half-pipe. In the beginning of this season I couldn't even ride in it. Now I'm doing sevens and getting way out, head-high out of the pipe," Smith said.

Smith's effort to push himself to improve did not go unnoticed by his coaches in the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, who gave Smith something more comforting than a broken bone to show for his efforts, recognizing him with their most improved athlete award.

It hasn't been easy for Smith, whose desire to train and compete with the club forced him to sacrifice an ordinary school schedule. Smith drove to the Steamboat Ski Area every afternoon from Tuesday through Saturday during the season, only taking the first three hours at Moffat County High School before driving to Steamboat.

To make up for the school he missed, Smith took classes online through Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

For Smith, finding local riders to help him improve for competitions had been a challenge and he thinks his growth has been worth the effort, sacrifice and injury.

"I found a group of kids that are interested in the same things I am and has really helped me progress."

Smith will rehabilitate his shoulder this spring with physical therapy, and he already is looking ahead to next season. He plans to travel to New Zealand in August with a couple of fellow Steamboat riders to train, and then he will return to spend his senior year commuting to Steamboat so he can continue to improve and hopefully compete in a higher class of snowboard competition series.