Gray Odencrans and James Humphrey lead the pack
Courtesy of VHS Coaches – The Valdez Nordic Ski Team enjoyed a weekend of competition on our home Mineral Creek ski trails. The Valdez Invitational took place as a two-day event with eight competing schools. Valdez, West Valley, Lathrop, North Pole, Hutchison, Monroe, Grace Christian, and Glennallen. 78 skiers competed in a 4x2k Sprint Classic Relay on Friday and an 8k Freestyle race on Saturday.
Elias Wisner
The Buccaneer skiers enjoyed near perfect race conditions for the weekend, fresh snow and chilly just how we like it. For ten of our new team members this was the first race of their high school careers. The ability to ski on trails our team knows and practices on was a great confidence boost as they stepped up to the start line. With that advantage, many skiers set new personal bests at this distance over the weekend.
Elaina Hanson placed 13th overall in the girls 8k skate and came in first place amongst all 3A school skiers. Rafe Caruthers finished in a solid 20th position and set a new PR by four minutes. Senior Cole Wadsworth also had a course PR placing 25th overall.
Elaina Hanson
Special thank you to the many people that donated their time, resources, and talents to help us host this ski race at home. Thank you to the Parks Maintenance Department for the immaculate ski trails and starting area. Also, to Mark Prevost of the Valdez Snowmachine Club for donating his time to help set up the course, and to be on- site with a rescue sled during the races. Thank you to the many bundled-up volunteers that supported the team as trail monitors, timers, photographers, event volunteers, and
cowbell ringers! We are grateful to have this race and couldn’t do it without the help and support of the Valdez community.
National Anthem
Cole Wadsworth
Blake Roosma
BUC SPORTS THIS WEEK
Nordic Ski @ Lynx Loppet in Anchorage, compete Fri & Sat @ Kincaid Park.
Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball @ 34th Annual Rus Hitchcock Nikiski Tip-Off Tournament in Nikiski
