Courtesy of VHS Nordic Ski Coach
The ASAA State Nordic Ski Championships were held in Anchorage this year, and the Valdez Buccaneers traveled with 8 of their finest to compete in races over the course of three days. Our skiers faced many challenges such as the difficulty of the trail, conditions on the course and with the weather surrounding them. The Buccaneer Skiers met these challenges head-on and reached new heights at the finale of their season.
On Day 1, the Bucs tackled a 5k skate race. The course included an especially challenging section with three uphills in succession. Junior Morgan Hamilton led the way for the Buccaneers as the girls’ race was first. Morgan tackled the grueling course with an impressive 2:18 time drop from her 7.5k classic at regionals, coming in 21st in Division II. Hailey Major finished closely behind in 23rd place. Hailey, a first-year skier, has worked very hard and seen continuous improvement in each race, earning her a spot on the team for state. The boys went out second, starting at 1:00 pm, with the added challenge of skiing on a warm course and the snow turning into slush. The boys needed to rely on their endurance and technique to power their way through the less- than-favorable conditions. Skiing in their first state-level race for the boys were Gray Odencrans, James Humphrey, Ezekiel James, and Braiden Williams. The boys toughed
it out and climbed up and over the massive gong hill, skiing a great race. After day one’s grueling race, the results determined the position each skier would start in day two’s Mass start 7.5k Classic race.
Day 1: 5k Skate Results. Division II
The boys went out first for the Classic race. A wet and icy mix of snow created difficult conditions for a classic race. Wax can be crucial during a race but is not always reliable on any given race day. With the best kick we could get on our skis while still keeping them fast, the boys headed to the mass start. 111 skiers took off all at once, charging down the 7.5k course. Senior Rafe Caruthers earned 10th place in Division II, achieving his highest-ever finish at the state competition with a top 10. A well-deserved
award for his dedication and hard work, a 4-year skier and 2-year ski team captain. James Humphrey and Gabe Caruthers also had great races, placing in the top 20. Gabe Odencrans was not far behind, coming in 24th place. Junior Ezekiel James dropped 1:53 from his regional time, and first-year skier Braiden Williams dropped 1:57 on a more challenging course. Morgan and Hailey took their place among 117 other skiers for their Classic mass start. One of the additional challenges that the girls faced was having to ski on a trail that was just trampled on by the boys in a two-lap race. The hills, turns, and tracks of the course became chopped up and difficult to control speed throughout the course. They showed grit fighting all the way to the finish despite the difficult course.
Day 2: 7.5k Classic Results. Division II
Day 3 featured a 4x3k Relay. The twist in the weather for day 3 was a few inches of fresh snow that morningIt was divided into 4 legs, the first two being classic technique and the last two being skate. Rafe and Gabe led the classic portion, while Gray and James carried out the skate portion. The team set a good pace and ended up staying ahead of North Pole by the end. The Buccaneer relay team finished in Fourth Place in Division II, just behind Grace Christian.
Day 3: 4x3k Relay
These 8 skiers not only raced a combined 118k over the weekend but also represented our school well. The Buc skiers are always there to cheer their teammates up the most difficult hills and chase them into the finish line. This has been a great season for the Bucs, full of individual growth, teamwork, personal bests, and podiums! It’s been an honor to coach this great group of skiers.
Go Bucs!