Submitted by VHS Nordic Ski Team Coach
The Valdez High School Nordic Ski Team showcased remarkable determination and achievement at the Lynx Loppet pursuit-style ski race in Kincaid Park, Anchorage, featuring 184 participants in the boys’ race and 149 in the girls’. This eagerly anticipated two-day event proved to be a highlight of the season, with our athletes embracing the challenge.
Amidst favorable conditions and sunny weather, our team demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience throughout the 5.6k classic technique on day one and the 5.3k skate race on day two. The pursuit-style start on the second day added an exciting dynamic, allowing our skiers to strategically gauge their competition and showcase their pacing abilities.
Leading the charge in the boys’ A bracket was Senior Rafe Caruthers, a seasoned skier familiar with the Kincaid course. After an impressive 26th place on day one, Rafe tactically approached the second day, overtaking competitors to secure an outstanding 22nd place with a combined time of 33:46. A commendable performance in Rafe’s final Loppet for the Buccaneers.
Junior Morgan Hamilton achieved a personal best, climbing seven places on day two with an exceptional skate race. Juniors Ezekiel James and Alex Aldrich showcased true grit, navigating the challenges of skiing in a large race and adeptly maneuvering through crowded conditions.
The seven sophomores exhibited tremendous growth, with notable achievements such as personal records and successful debuts in a major loppet race. The competitive spirit among the boys’ team was evident, with results within three minutes of each other. James Humphrey secured second place with remarkable endurance, while Gray Odencrans and Gabe Caruthers finished 39th and 40th, achieving their fastest times of the season. Eric Vincent set a new personal best, displaying steady pacing over a long distance. Oliver Ownby faced the 10.9k challenge with optimism, showcasing continuous improvement. First-year skiers Braiden Williams and Hailey Major displayed resilience in the face of hectic racing conditions, setting new benchmarks for themselves.
Freshman Jaymyn James, in his inaugural high school ski race, exhibited toughness and hard work, overcoming a challenging crash on day two to finish with a new time for future improvement.
The weekend brought numerous personal bests and team-wide improvement, providing the Buccaneer skiers with a confidence boost as they look forward to the upcoming Valdez Invite, their home ski meet. The sprint relay on Friday, January 26, and the 8k individual skate race on Saturday, January 27, promise another weekend of thrilling racing. Grab some cowbells and come out to the ski trails this weekend to support the Valdez Ski Team!
Go Bucs!