Ever since kindergarten, senior Tobias Schenk has been an avid skier.

“[I] was ‘taught’ by my dad by getting dropped off at the top and being told to follow him down,” Schenk said. “I hated it at first because it was too cold and I wasn’t having it, but over time it’s become something where I will always have room to improve and push myself.” 

Schenk’s dad is someone he calls an inspiration. “He’s kind of been there the whole way and he got me into it,” Schenk said.

As time went on, Schenk continued to perfect his craft. “Like any sport, the more practice and commitment you put in, the better you get,” Schenk said. “I’m not going to the X Games or Freeride World Tour anytime soon, but it’s my main sport and I’ve put in the hours to become pretty good at what I do.”

Schenk loves to ski — especially at Mt. Hood Meadows, which he calls his home mountain. “I’ve spent hundreds of days up there and there’s no place I’d rather be most often,” Schenk said.

Schenk’s sense of daring isn’t just limited to skiing. In his free time, he enjoys unique hobbies such as cliff diving and mountain climbing, although as he said, “I just try to get out and have a good time.”

Schenk has also been a member of La Salle’s track & field team since his freshman year, and although he wasn’t too jazzed about joining, he stayed with it and became the boys team’s main thrower for discus, shot put and javelin. 

Schenk is headed to Montana State University next fall, and he’s taking his skis and spikes with him. He plans to ski in Montana’s Big Sky “as often as possible,” he said. He also said that he may continue throwing for Montana State, and will decide after a meeting with their coaches in June.

Schenk wants to keep skiing firmly in his future. He said that he wants to become a semi-pro skier, and plans on starting entry level competition circuits. “I’ve always rode for myself and my enjoyment,” Schenk said, “but there are definitely times I regret not competing.”

Schenk plans to eventually explore the world and ski on its best mountains, but right now, he’s focused on enjoying his summer and seeing what Montana State has to offer.

Athletics and school were difficult to manage simultaneously at times for Schenk. “Skiing has definitely affected my grades,” Schenk said. “It’s definitely been a lot to manage, but I think it’s a good balance.”

Track and skiing aren’t just chances for Schenk to compete and have fun —they’ve helped him develop as a person as well. “As a little kid, I was really timid, really shy, not taking risks,” Schenk said. “Through sports and athletics, I’ve kind of developed that ability to go out and take risks more.”