After the upperclassmen that built the foundation of the men's and women's ski team graduated last year, the current leaders of the squad expected this year to be one of transition.

However, resting at the midpoint of the season, both teams are not only exceeding expectations but are slated to advance to the United States Collegiate Ski Association Regional Competition on Feb. 25-26 at Sugar Loaf Mountain in Maine.

The men's team currently sits at second in its division, while the women rest in third place.

Coach Lauran O'Neal is pleased with the progress the club has made in her three years of coaching.

"We have definitely exceeded all expectations," she said.

"Our boys' squad is second in our division, and while we're thin, we're doing an impressive job in spite of that."

Captain Jesse Manning '13 has also been impressed with the performance of both squads this season. He especially praises the new members for the many adjustments they have had to make.

"We had a lot of turnover at the top, particularly for the girls' team," he said.

"A lot of kids who raced before graduated, and now, there is a lot of new blood on the team, but these new skiers have definitely stepped up in the spots that we needed them to fill."

The Brandeis ski team currently competes in a division that boasts Yale University, the University of Rhode Island, Marist College, Wellesley College, and Wesleyan University. These schools make up an assortment of Division I and Division III schools.

While schools such as Yale and URI may pose challenges to Brandeis' Division III team, Manning is confident in the squads' ability to succeed.

"Our division got a little weaker this year, which is beneficial to us," he said.

"Also, though, our squads are only getting better, and we have a really young, exciting group of skiers."

O'Neal explained, however, that the key to bulding up the team further lies in attracting more members to the team.

"Our main goal simply is to raise awareness," she said.

"We need to get out to the school that this team is not just for racers, but for those who have never raced and just want to have a good time."

Both squads will next compete this Saturday at the Pico Mountain meet in Killington, Vermont.