Submitted by VHS Cross Country Coach
The snow finally arrived—maybe a little too much! After months of dryland training, the Bucs were eager to hit the snow and welcome 10 schools from around the state. But heavy rain led to road closures and washed-out crossings, forcing visiting teams to cancel.
Instead of letting that stop them, the Bucs turned it into an opportunity. Racing through rain, snow, and wind, the team used the weekend as a first-time trial, pushing each other in a low- pressure but high-energy environment.
Day One saw a 4k classic race at Nyurluku Park, featuring a tough 2k climb and a fast 2k downhill. Difficult conditions tested the skiers’ ability to adapt, teaching valuable lessons about waxing and perseverance.
On Day Two, the skate race was shortened from 8k to 6k due to flooding, but that didn’t dampen the intensity. All 21 skiers lined up for the mass start, battling it out on a technical course. There was some amazing teamwork on display, with teammates pacing one another, encouraging one another through the pain, and giving it everything they had to push through to the finish line.
While the weekend didn’t unfold exactly as planned, the Bucs showed incredible resilience and came together as a team. It wasn’t about the competition—it was about working hard, supporting each other, and making the most of every moment on the snow. This will always be a memorable Valdez Invite for the team! Huge thanks to the parents who came out with cowbells to cheer on the team; they brought even more energy to an already great weekend!