State Team
Submitted by VHS Nordic Ski Coach
The VHS Buccaneer Nordic Ski Team wrapped up their season at the State Championships at Government Peak Recreation Area in Palmer. With three full days of tough racing, challenging trails, and some of the best competition in Alaska, eleven Valdez skiers represented VHS, and together they put together their strongest weekend of the season.
The championship weekend kicked off with a 5k skate race on a course that was anything but easy. The trails were challenging, and with fresh snow the night before, it created soft race conditions. The Bucs rose to the occasion, pushing themselves against a talented field. The five girls were up first in the 15-second interval start. Junior Ava Mitchell was first out for the Bucs, followed by the two freshmen, Zooey and Miquela Baksis, sophomore Makena Wisner, and chasing the pack with bib 90 was senior Hailey Major. Both Hailey and Makena placed in the top 20 for Division II on day one, seeding them in a great spot for the next day. This was a great first race for the Bucs to get a feel for the course in most skiers’ preferred technique while also attacking the many hills of Government Peak.
The six boys were next up to race. Unexpectedly, senior Gray Odencrans came down with a bad sickness that affected his ability to race with full confidence in the skate race, his best technique. Gray showed his ice-cold spirit and, with a great attitude, battled through his last skate race of his senior year. Not the result that he wanted, but he showed his drive, good attitude, and teamwork to push himself to the finish. Senior James Humphrey was the first Buc skier across the line. Closely behind was senior Gabe Caruthers, both placing in the top 20. Sophomore Paxson Williams continued to improve and show his strength by skiing a great skate race and coming in 21st with an impressive time.
Seniors
Day two brought a longer 7.5k classic race along with windy and cold conditions that made the day even more challenging. The weather tested everyone’s toughness, but the Buccaneers didn’t back down. They skied smart, stayed strong, and supported one another throughout the race. Competing against 114 skiers in each mass start race, our athletes showed they belong among the state’s best. Some skiers excel in a mass start race, being able to see all the competitors and set goals to pick them off one at a time. This was especially true for sophomore Zane Caruthers, who skied a great race and managed to move up eight places, finishing 15th after day two. Senior Reggie Baksis also had a great classic race, using his endurance and natural running ability, finishing with the fourth-fastest time on the boys’ team and adding his time to the overall team score. The girls were up next, with the added difficulty of skiing in even windier conditions than the boys’ race. Three Buccaneer girls finished in the top 20, with Makena Wisner leading the way for the Bucs, and freshman Zooey Baksis having a standout performance, finishing seconds behind Hailey Major and chasing her all the way to the finish.
The weekend wrapped up with the always exciting 4x3k relay. Valdez was proud to field both a boys’ and a girls’ relay team. Relays bring out the best in teams, and this group was no exception. Teammates lined the course cheering loudly, knowing that every leg and every second counted. The relay is a mixed-technique event, with legs one and two skiing classic and legs three and four skiing skate. The girls’ team, in that order, was Makena Wisner, Miquela Baksis, Zooey Baksis, and Hailey Major. The boys’ team featured Gabe Caruthers, Zane Caruthers, Paxson Williams, and James Humphrey.
Across all three days, this championship was a celebration of how far this team has come. From workouts in the library to the state competition, this team has continued to grow stronger, more confident, and more connected. All the hard practices, cold training days, and long travel weekends paid off at the right time. From the start line to the finish, no one raced alone this weekend; every skier had a team behind them. We will miss the five seniors who skied their last race for the Bucs this weekend. However, their legacy will continue in the great team dynamic they have helped create on the ski team.
This group proved that heart, teamwork, and determination matter just as much as results. They left everything on the course, and that’s something to be proud of. The Buccaneers represented Valdez with pride, and we couldn’t be more proud of the way they finished their season. Go Bucs!