Submitted by VHS Nordic Ski Coach
The Valdez Nordic Ski Team enjoyed a short trip to Glennallen for a great 5K skate race. As always, the Glennallen Ski Team hosted a well run event with perfectly packed trails winding through the frozen woods. Even better, it was a beautiful sunny day, and possibly the warmest race we’ve ever had in Glennallen. This year’s competition also included the Nenana and Su-Valley ski teams.
First up were the high school girls, with six Buccaneer skiers getting first tracks on the course. Conditions were much different from what the team is used to, making it a great learning experience to race on dry snow and narrower trails. The girls skied strong races, with Hailey Major finishing in third place and Makenna Wisnor earning second.
The boys’ race featured 22 competitors tackling the 5K skate course. Starting at 20-second intervals, racers were able to keep each other in sight and push the pace throughout the race. They battled for position on the narrow trails before finishing with a large, flat sprint loop, racing neck and neck all the way to the line. After some exciting competition, two Buccaneer boys reached the podium: Gray Odencrans finished second, and Gabe Caruthers claimed first place after a hard-fought race.
Since the snow finally arrived, the Buccaneers have been working hard and improving every day. Each race brings faster times and highlights areas for continued growth. With just two weeks until regionals, every practice is valuable preparation as the team looks to finish the season strong.
