Last week approximately 100 Eastern skiers competed at the LL Bean US National XC Ski Championships in Soldier Hollow, Utah. There were many amazing results from Eastern skiers — but perhaps what stuck out most was the open collaboration between clubs throughout the region. In these uncertain and changing times (Covid and phasing out fluoros on a National scale), it is inspiring and reassuring to see how we have evolved to deal with challenges and how we can conduct safe events.

Will Koch, SMS T2 / University of Colorado, stunned the field with the fastest time in the Freestyle Qualification at US Nationals. Koch will represent the US Ski Team at Junior World Championships in Lynga, Norway. February 22-27. Beckwith photo.

There are some great race recaps from Fasterskier and you can watch full event livestreams thanks to the National Nordic Foundation.

Ava Thurston of the Mansfield Nordic Club will lead the Women’s Team at the U18 Nations Cup Team in Steinkjer, Norway. January 28-30. Beckwith photo.

The races at Soldier Hollow served as qualification for a number of events including the Olympics, U18 Nordic Nations Cup and Junior World/U23 Cross Country Championships. Full qualifications for U18, JWSC and U23 can be found HERE. The top-20 juniors from the first three events also prequalified for Junior Nationals — which will be held this year in Minneapolis, Minnesota during the week of March 6-12. Eastern Clubs and Teams qualified a potential of 17 athletes via this criteria. College coaches are encouraged to reach out to NENSA’s Competitive Program Director [email protected] with potential intents for JN’s.

Junior World Ski Championship Skiers:
Brian Bushey – University of Utah (GMVS)
Finn Sweet – University of Vermont
Will Koch – University of Colorado (SMS/SMS T2)

Kate Oldham – Middlebury College
Nina Seemann – Dartmouth College
Annie McColgan – University of Vermont

U23 World Championship Skiers:
Ben Ogden – University of Vermont / SMS T2

Lucinda Anderson – University of New Hampshire

U18 Nations Cup Skiers:
Jack Lange – Stratton Mountain School
Finegan Bailey – Stratton Mountain School

Ava Thurston – Mansfield Ski Club
Sofia Scirica – Eastern Mass XC

Jack Lange, Stratton Mountain School, was the top U-18 male skier at the 2022 US Senior National Championships. Beckwith photo.

We are also really excited to announce a rockstar cast for our Junior National staff for 2022. Please note the entire team (athletes and staff) will be fully vaccinated and boosted.

Trip Leader – Amie Smith – NENSA

Head Coach – Matt Boobar – SMS

U16 M – Evan Kendall – Dublin School

U16 F – Audrey Mangan – Craftsbury Ski Club

U18 M – Justin Fereshetian – Quarry Road Ski Club

U18 F – Sarah Falconer – Mansfield Nordic Club

U20 M (tester) – Jacob Volz – Gould Academy

U20 F (tester) – Hilary McNamee – Ford Sayre

Head of Wax Team (Team AC) – Justin Beckwith – NENSA

Kick – Alex Jospe – SMS

Kick – Colin Rodgers – GMVS

Glide – Adam Terko – Mansfield Nordic Club

Glide – Cate Brams – EMXC

While our next Eastern Cup is a few weeks away, this weekend features three popular races throughout New England. SkiReg.com event registration pages.

The Geschmossel Classic is one of the oldest ski races in New England, first staged during the winter of 1973.

Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches and teams behind the scene that led to the successes in Utah. It’s clear our community is stoked to be part of a growing #nordicnation.