Justin Beckwith

The value of well run localized events was perhaps one of the biggest takeaways from conducting races during the pandemic.  NENSA is committed to taking this learning forward and believes highlighting the Popular Race Series will help grow participation numbers and create a more accessible pathway for skier development.

NENSA is placing new emphasis on our Popular Race series this season – our initiative is to highlight these excellent regional opportunities as the core of our racing calendar and make accessible and celebrated race experiences for all levels and ages of skiers.  NENSA will offer two tiers of Popular Race calendaring this season, with increased NENSA support and media opportunities at Zak Cup events.  The goal is to grow participation numbers and development opportunities for venues and athletes alike, by highlighting the Popular Races Series including broad circulation of a NENSA Popular Race calendar posters at venue and retail locations throughout the region.

Popular Race Bid Sheet

Venues interested in having their event(s) named to NENSA’s Zak Cup, Club Cup, and/or New England Marathon Series should complete this form by July 2nd.

The Zak and Club Cup Series brings together NENSA’s New England’s finest citizen races. These events offer regional racing opportunities for developing skiers, and season-long head-to-head competition for senior and masters.  There are often Bill Koch age offerings held in conjunction with many of the events.  All events that are part of this Zak Cup Series are also scored for Club Cup points. One distance (per age group) on each day is scored for the Zak Cup to ensure appropriate competition within age groups.  All timed race distances will be scored to Club Cup scoring.

While Zak Cup events often draw 100+ participants we hope to grow field sizes in the coming years with increased promotion and NENSA staff involvement.  New this season, organizers can submit for Zak or Club distinction — with Club races serving a vital role for local communities, those seeking lower key events and clubs that incentivise skier participation based on Club Cup points.  On request, NENSA will provide Technical Delegates at these Series events for the same criteria as Eastern Cups.  Zak and Club Cup Series Organizers should contact the Eastern TD Coordinator to request a TD for your event. Race sites with strong volunteer bases and some experience in hosting races are encouraged to bid for a Zak and Club Cup Series events.  Click here for more information on NENSA’s Zak Cup and Club Cup Series.

In the last two years the Popular Race Series has grown from approximately 10 events to over 20 events.  As we review the schedule for 2021-2022 we hope to create a balanced schedule between Zak and Club events.  Races  will have varied techniques and distances throughout the season to make for an exciting calendar.  Many events are now offering untimed or touring classes – branded with fun names like, “What the Heck” and “Just Try It!”  We also look forward to and support the addition of terrain features, which is not so far removed from old school cross country skiing!  We are encouraged by the growth of participation prior to the pandemic and can’t wait for next winter and highlighting this awesome series.

Zak Cup and Club Cup Series events are selected by NENSA’s Masters Committee.

To Bid:

• Bidding is now open for the 2021-2022 Zak Cup & Club Cup Season.  Bids should be submitted by July 2nd.  Please direct questions to [email protected]

Popular Race Bid Sheet

• Full details of expectations are listed in the Bid Sheet and Event Organizer Handbook.
• Organizers must use SkiReg for registration.
• Entry fee is up to the host. NENSA will assess a $5 per participant for Zak and $2 for Club (BKL excluded) head-tax which is set up to automatically withdraw via SkiReg.

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NEW ENGLAND MARATHON SERIES

The events of the New England Marathon Series offer a classic cross country ski experience with fully supported courses showcasing some of New England’s premier venues. There is something for everyone, welcoming skiers of all levels to test their endurance, or just make the most of a winter’s day on courses ranging from 25K to 50K. Elite racers and recreational touring skiers alike are invited to enjoy a traditional ski marathon experience and some of the finest skiing in New England! Visit our  NENSA New England Marathon Series page for more information.

To Bid:

• Bidding is now open for 2021-2022 New England Marathon Series and follows the same format as Zak and Club criteria.

Popular Race Bid Sheet

• Each season, 6-8 events will be named to the New England Marathon Series as selected by NENSA’s Masters Committee.  Marathons, whether designated Zak or Club will count towards the Marathon Series hats and recognition.

 

NENSA is optimistically planning for a 2021-22 Eastern Cup season without travel limitations. We owe a debt of gratitude to our venues for the work they did this past winter whether they eventually hosted their events or not — a ride we all hope we never have to take again.

Eastern Cup Bid Sheet

We also reaffirmed the value of localized racing and hope to integrate this into our Popular Races moving forward — building field sizes and creating another level of development opportunities.  We are hopeful that more NENSA involvement with designated Popular events will become an attractive option for venues in years they might not host an Eastern Cup. Bids for Popular races and Marathons will open next week.

The East currently has two proposed SuperTour bids that would be held in combination with Eastern Cup weekends two and three.  This schedule will be finalized next week at U.S. Ski & Snowboard Congress.  Venues that might be interested in hosting a Super Tour in 2022-2023 should be prepared to submit a Request For Proposal before the end of the winter.

Eastern Cup bids will be reviewed throughout the month and presented to the Athletic Development Committee (ADC) on May 23rd with a final schedule to be announced by the end of May.

We look forward to receiving your bids, and working with you throughout the year to make your event and New England’s premier races the best they can be.

Bids are due by May 22nd. Please direct questions to [email protected]

 

NENSA is proud to celebrate the athletic accomplishments of this winter by introducing the 2021 Elite and Development Team nominations and give you some updates looking towards summer.  When we named our teams last year there was so much uncertainty — while we’re not totally our of the woods — it’s safe to say this summer and next winter will be closer to normal.  The basis for Elite and Development Team naming is the U.S. Ski & Snowboard National Ranking List – due to the pandemic, races that are scored go back 24 months instead of the traditional twelve.

The criteria set forth to name the NENSA Elite and Development Team represent a pathway to regional, national and international success.  The number of athletes named to these teams each year demonstrates the depth of the Eastern region in cross country skiing.  Athletes named to these teams are invited to regional training camps and rollerski races, and part of a broader team that continues to excel at all levels.  Further Elite Team / Development Team qualification information.

2021 NENSA ELITE TEAM – MEN			17 MEN
Top 15 US	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Ian Torchia	3	1996	6484692	27.45
Adam Martin	6	1994	6313249	34.02
Benjamin Lustgarten	7	1992	6315534	35.37
Ben Ogden	12	2000	6548120	40.39
Top 3 U18	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Aidan Burt	79	2003	6666957	96.15
Jack Lange	91	2004	6389325	104.24
Mathias Boudreau-Golfman	110	2003	6796149	114.13
Top 3 U20	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Brian Bushey	70	2002	6629774	87.08
Finn Sweet	77	2002	6676019	90.67
Bjorn Westervelt	81	2001	6426957	96.62
Top 3 U23	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Daniel Streinz	37	1998	6539955	63.42
Scott Schulz	47	2000	6592495	72.01
Isaac Freitas-Eagan	55	2000	6699367	76.98
Top 3 SR	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Akeo Maifeld-Carucci	23	1993	6257379	50.38
Braden Becker	24	1996	6540138	51.98
Bill Harmeyer	32	1997	6450406	60.83
EISA	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Scott Schulz	47	2000	6592495	72.01
Andrew Meyer	128	1999	6321132	122.11
JWSC/U23/U18	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Ben Ogden – U23	12	2000	6548120	40.39
Finn Sweet – JWSC	77	2002	6676019	90.67

 

2021 NENSA ELITE TEAM – WOMEN			22 WOMEN
Top 15 US	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Jessie Diggins	1	1991	6130967	0
Julia Kern	5	1997	6383030	22.71
Caitlin Patterson	7	1990	6029847	43.09
Katharine Ogden	10	1997	6389437	48.4
Kaitlynn Miller	11	1991	6101968	52.8
Alayna Sonnesyn	13	1996	6342380	54.87
Sophia Laukli	14	2000	6654566	55.91
Top 3 U18	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Ava Thurston	69	2004	6747150	117.17
Camille Bolduc	98	2003	6678559	138.36
Sofia Scirica	123	2004	6840725	155.61
Top 3 U20	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Waverly Gebhardt	51	2001	6113039	99.41
Elizabeth Tuttle	59	2002	6646202	105.01
Annie McColgan	66	2002	6614381	113.66
Top 3 U23	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Alexandra Lawson	19	1998	6642661	68.56
Callie Young	41	2000	6599895	90.58
Erin Bianco	42	1998	6865114	94.4
Top 3 SR	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Evelina Sutro	21	1996	6436028	70.74
Margie Freed	24	1997	6485962	76.03
Michaela Keller-Miller	58	1997	6469059	104.3
EISA	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Evelina Sutro	21	1996	6436028	70.74
Lucinda Anderson	54	2000	6627483	100.17
Stephanie Nicols	67	1999	6648802	114.94
WJ/U23/U18	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Sophia Laukli – U23	14	2000	6654566	55.91
Alexandra Lawson – U23	19	1998	6642661	68.56
Ava Thurston – JWSC	69	2004	6747150	117.17
Nina Seemann – JWSC	75	2002	6625760	121.54

 

2021 NENSA Development Team – MEN			24 MEN
SR	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Benjamin Saxton	46	1993	6289937	69.47
Graham Houtsma	56	1997	5999529	77.53
Raleigh Goessling	86	1991	6357201	101.09
U16 – NRL	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Finegan Bailey	166	2005	6689343	136.25
Wyatt Teaford	192	2005	6701148	148.12
Tabor Greenberg	259	2006	6894412	174.4
David Shycon	294	2005	6934339	187.47
Leo Circosta	352	2005	6898371	214.55
Micah Bruner	363	2006	6993576	217.02
U18	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Aiden Casey	157	2003	6822686	130.98
Tzevi Schwartz	184	2004	6697668	144.54
Cormac Leahy	216	2004	6689111	159.7
Jed Kurts	242	2003	6979002	167.78
Samuel Clark	260	2003	6905735	174.65
U20	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Jack Young	106	2002	6679600	113.28
Lane Myshrall	113	2001	6233639	115
Zander Martin	126	2001	6245629	121.46
William Nemeth	147	2002	6716186	128.64
James Schneider	148	2001	6608562	128.88
U23	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
James Kitch	58	2000	6643622	78.74
Gregory Burt	73	2000	6606795	88.61
Adam Glueck	84	1999	6539910	98.99
Cameron Wolfe	92	2000	6304076	106.02
Anders Sonnesyn	97	2000	6534959	107.64

 

2021 NENSA Development Team – WOMEN			23 WOMEN
SR	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
U16 – NRL	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Miley Bletzer	266	2006	6690382	223.32
Emelia Jordan	447	2005	6926861	303.82
Virginia Cobb	309	2005	6694012	239.17
Julia Thurston	330	2006	7003246	247.21
Sarah Glueck	343	2006	6699961	252.24
Mirra Payson	408	2005	6694566	281.88
U18	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Quincy Massey-Bierman	141	2003	6649769	166.9
Evelyn Walton	173	2004	6844728	180.3
Isabelle Serrano	181	2003	6838756	184.07
Maggie McGee	183	2004	6904775	187.07
Emma Charles	187	2004	6934661	190.56
Hattie Barker	188	2004	6906062	190.78
U20	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Charlotte Ogden	71	2001	6611347	118.55
Anna Lehmann	82	2001	6617432	127.91
Georgianna Fischer	90	2002	6649674	134.53
Emma Strack	91	2002	6741736	135.63
Rose Clayton	100	2001	6818539	140.37
U23	US Overall	YOB	USSA ID	Points
Leah Brams	34	1998	6468702	93.56
Margaret Gellert	38	2000	6316787	96.66
Alexandra Lawson	39	1998	6642661	96.86
Taryn Hunt-Smith	42	1996	6349810	100.93
Emily Hyde	57	1996	6353183	112.14
Renae Anderson	58	1998	6577860	114.09

Plans are well underway for the Eastern Regional Camp (REG) that will take place the last week of June at the Green Mountain Valley School, Vermont and the new world class venue at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, NY.  This year the camp will accommodate U18 and U20 skiers and be supported by coaches from throughout the East.  The first nominations will come from the above lists — with additional spots created to support skiers from all five states throughout the Eastern region.  Initial invitations will be sent this week.  We also aim to host our first Coaches Education experience at the conclusion of this camp with U.S. Ski Team representation.

As many skiers begin their 2022 training season this week we are excited and hopeful that skiers of all abilities will join us to share their first rollerski experiences during the #25KinMay.  While there will certainly be some friendly competition – whether that be in distance skied or by a measure of speed – NENSA really intends for this to be a way for folks to engage with others in our community and get out there, have FUN, and share their stories, pictures and videos.

NENSA is creating a robust Rollerski Race Series that will provide opportunities in all states from July through late fall.  Stay tuned for the roll out of this awesome program after a years hiatus due to the pandemic.  In a few short weeks NENSA will take delivery of our second fleet of Swenor Rollerski made possible by Enjoy Winter.  This fleet of 40 matched skis (20 skate and 20 classic), along with several other models to best represent the brand, will be used not only for races but also for coaches education and club visits.  There are quite a few summer camps on our calendar already — please reach out to the Competitive Program Director if you have camp opportunities or have interest in NENSA bringing this programming to your club.

We hope you’ve all had a nice spring of recovery and are already thinking about how to prepare for next season.  Congratulations to the above athletes we look forward to seeing you soon.

As we entered into a season of uncertainty Kathy and Marty Hall reached out to support NENSA, athletes and clubs.  “It is with great pride that we give these dollars to join the fray and journey to international success.”  Originally, $5000 was earmarked for the top club throughout designated rollerski, Eastern Cup and Popular races, with  another $5000 designated for FIS prize money.  As the season continued to evolve it wasn’t clear how many FIS races would happen and the money shifted with $9000 ($5000 – 1st, $3000 – 2nd, $1000 – 3rd) to support the club competition.  The Kendall Cup FIS race at Craftsbury paid out $1300 for the top-3 men and women in the field.

So back to the A Hall Mark of Excellence – this new award changed the way we scored typical Club Cup.  The new system brought together competitions across the spectrum of our racing programs — allowing clubs with junior athletes, colleges and those with robust masters programs to stack up against each other.  The intention of the competition is to reward participation as well as excellence.  Despite the change in scoring — four powerhouse teams, Eastern Mass Nordic (CSU), Craftsbury, Ford Sayre and Mansfield Nordic have been consistently in the top 5 clubs for the past three years — this is a testament to not just their size, but also the breadth of their programming.  While travel restrictions affected what races athletes could attend it was really cool to see GMVS, SMS and the Quarry Road Ski Club crack the top ten for the first time because junior racing was included.  Dublin XC and Gunstock Nordic also had their highest placing to date.  We did score college teams although their participation as teams was perhaps the heaviest hit by pandemic restrictions – we certainly look forward to colleges showing their depth next season.

In the fight for the top spots Eastern Mass Nordic (CSU), Craftsbury, Ford Sayre and Mansfield Nordic jockeyed throughout the season.  Each club had their strengths, but it was likely the depth of the Craftsbury junior skiers that sealed the deal for our amazing partners in Northern Vermont.  Mansfield Nordic, who has developed a robust system to capture Club points in popular races, along with a talented junior squad, pulled together for a solid second place finish.  Ford Sayre finished in third after a valiant fight with club members divided east and west of the Connecticut River.  The renewed CSU, now known as Eastern Mass Nordic – and also a Club standings stalwart – capitalized on the events they were able to attend as well as hosting the Virtual Race for Snow.  The Race for Snow should be noted as one of the largest participation events of the season – pretty cool for a student created and organized competition!

You investigate the final rankings here.

Scoring criteria is available here.

As we reflect on a most unusual season we are so grateful for the generosity and commitment the Hall’s have for the sport of cross-country skiing!  The Hall’s vision to reward participation and excellence across all levels of programming as that ultimately creates the opportunities and inspiration for international success.  They also hope that their philanthropy will inspire others to step up and help the next generation of our beloved sport.

NENSA staff and committees have begun reflecting on this season and planning for the next.  While Club scoring might receive a few tweaks, or perhaps have new categories created – we are thrilled by this system that better captures the full scope of NENSA competitions.  As some of our diehard skiers are still sneaking in a few strides or turns we are busy working on a return of a rollerski series.  We’ll see you soon for #25KinMay!

NENSA is proud to announce the Eastern Regional Championship Team.  This list of athletes demonstrated exceptional performances and would have been invited to a regional event that was designed to take the place of Junior Nationals due to the pandemic.  Before we roll out the teams, it’s important to note the most impressive performances of the year — it was the actions of clubs and states that allowed for athletes to train, compete and thrive — despite limitations in travel.  Not only is it apparent that athletes learned to ski faster in 2021, but also they rallied together and as teams learned valuable lessons of self reliance, while developing a thirst for competition that will only make us stronger when we’re on the other side.  The entire New England skiing community should take pride in how it conducted itself this winter — we prospered and now can look forward to a summer of training and adventure — temper your activity this spring because like you, we might be a little excited over-excited to see snow fly again!

We also need to acknowledge that there was adversity this season and racing opportunities weren’t equal across states, the nation, or the world.  Every level of competition was affected.  However, worldwide racing persisted at whatever level it could sustain — New England state guidelines were perhaps some of the most oppressive — yet we did our best and feel athlete recognition and continuity of programming is an important step to keep us in stride.  FIS and U.S. Ski & Snowboard points were frozen, meaning that you could not move backwards in your world and national standing.  You will also see downward point trends for eastern athletes if you search those lists.  Along with Bullitt Timing we created a Junior Ranking List through the ebbs and flows of a very unique season.  While there are nuances to any form of ranking in this climate we endeavored to give every athlete the best opportunity to illustrate their skill and fitness.

The following list of teams include a state based quota above typical Junior National qualification.  We are hopeful to host an Eastern Regional Elite Group camp in late June — please note the basis for these invitations is based on U.S. Ski & Snowboard rankings — but Eastern Regional Team placement will determine alternate opportunities.

Massachussets:
U16 Girls – Emily Appleby, Francisca Feist, Lily McDermott, Mirra Payson, Sarah Kirincich

U16 Boys – Alexander Scopinich-Burgel, Nathan Doughty, Quinn McDermott

U20 Women – Amelia Tucker, Clara Lake, Ella Nichol, Evelyn Walton, Francesca Kitch, Mary Elliot, Mica Bodkins, Sofia, Scirica

U20 Men – Benjamin Buchheit, Col McDermott, Linden Niedeck, Lucas Daly, Sam Gallaudet, Ted Yee

Maine:
U16 Girls – Elise Creagan, Kayley Bell, Sylvia Harvey

U16 Boys –Benjamin Condit, Ellis Slover, Luke Streinz

U20 Women – Abigail Streinz, Brynne Robbins, Emma Charles, Hannah Chipman, Lucy Glueck, Sierra Aponte Clarke

U20 Men – Caden Cote, Caleb Hunter, Joey Rouhana, Miguel Sanclemente, Nate Livingood, Zachary Ross

New Hampshire:
U16 Girls – Adah Chapman, Addison Englund, Anna Bentley, Ava Rothe, Molly Ellison, Sarah Glueck, Wyethe Murray

U16 Boys – Aiden Bondaz, Sawyer Weale, Simon Phipps, Tyler Watt

U20 Women – Agnes Macy, Ann Rightmire, Catherine Stow, Charlotte Whitcomb, Elsa Bolinger, Katie Watt, Lili Baer, Lillian Bates, Marlia Richer

U20 Men – Adam Carlisle, Clint Macy, Dirk Andrew, Keelan Durham, Mitchell Townsend, Samuel Murray, Spencer May, Theodore Mollano

Vermont:
U16 Girls – Julia Thurston, Miley Bletzer, Virginia Cobb

U16 Boys – Charlie Krebs, David Shycon, Fin Bailey, Leo Circosta, Luke Rizio, Micah Bruner, Tabor Greenberg, Wyatt Teaford

U20 Women – Anna Lehmann, Ava Thurston, Camille Bolduc, Charlotte Brown, Charlotte Ogden, Emma Crum, Emma Strack, Hattie Barker, Ingrid Miller, Isabelle Serrano, Nina Seemann, Quincy Massey-Bierman, Rebecca Cunningham, Rose Clayton

U20 Men – Aidan Burt, Aiden Casey, Brian Bushey, Carson Beard, Cormac Leahy, Elvis McIntosh, Finn Sweet, Jack Christner, Jack Lange, Jack Young, Jed Kurts, Joe Graziadei, Mathias Boudreau-Golfman, Neil Guy, Samuel Clark, Tzevi Schwartz, Zander Martin

Congratulations to all and we look forward to seeing you on the trail or rollerskis soon!

 

73,755.75.  The number of kilometers New England skiers have logged in competition (whether virtual or in-person) this season is a clear sign that skiing DID in fact happen this winter!  Races have been smaller and organizers have been creative with formats and schedules allowing for skiers of all abilities to gather safely — but the skiers and their energy have remained constant.  As we start to see our first serious meltdown ski areas are open and the racing continues!

Many clubs are energized by A Hall Mark of Excellence – a season long competition that ranks the top overall 20 male and female finishers in every event that has been listed on our “Eastern Cup” and Popular Race schedules.  The intention of the award, which pays out $5000 – 1st, $3000 – 2nd, and $1000 – 3rd, was to encourage participation and performance across all of our adult competitions.  While the larger clubs do have a distinct advantage for the top spots, the generosity of Kathy and Marty Hall has created a club based ranking system that captures the majority of our competitive winter programming.  Tune into the Rankings Page to see how the last few races sugar out — currently Craftsbury has a nine point lead over Mansfield Nordic for the top honors.  Ford Sayre, Stratton Mountain School and Eastern Mass Nordic (CSU) are also in a tight race for third place.

NENSA will be scoring five more events to this awesome competition: the Rangeley Loppet & Burt Kettle Classic that happened last weekend in Maine, the Long Hall Loppet at Jackson, NH this weekend, the Craftsbury S’Ender on the 21st and to wrap it all up Mansfield Nordic will be providing a Virtual opportunity for all clubs to join in the New England Club Relay Championships.  There really is something for everyone – so get out there and have some fun!

Last April when the scope of the pandemic and it’s associated regulations became clearer, there was legitimate concern that we might not be able to hold many events in a typical fashion, if at all.  NENSA quickly gathered regional leaders from clubs, industry and medical professionals to gain insight and plot a course that would provide opportunities for success.  Perhaps one quote from those discussions sticks out, “you might just have a chance in New England.”  However the tone in the Zoom room was one of caution — and a clear sense that the safety of our community and the ones we visited far outweighed the benefits, or entitlement, of hosting athletic competition.

NENSA — along with organizations large, small and some that were born from necessity — forged ahead with planning for competitions.  This optimism, along with the boon of albeit late, but healthy snow, created the opportunity for cross country skiers to thrive in every corner of New England.

The winter is not over yet — but we are headed into the post season now — and that will look different too.  The past weekend was in many ways a culmination (and celebration) of the hard work done by athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and venues.  Craftsbury hosted a two-day Vermont Cup, while DublinXC and the Holderness School partnered to create a two day Eastern Cup race weekend — for what will be the only junior interstate racing opportunity for the 2021 ski season.  For a moment (a full weekend) things seemed almost normal.  While it’s easy to want more — and our community has clearly shown we could — it’s really important to focus on what we have achieved and how well we’ve done that.  If you have a few minutes tune into Bill Harmeyer’s vlog — the insight and patience of this young professional skier highlights the process and joy of the cross country skiing lifestyle.  We’ve weathered one of the worst storms of our lifetime and we all look forward to more normalcy soon.

DublinXC Freestyle Sprint Races

Originally intended to be a classic sprint with full rounds, the Dublin races evolved into a two run freestyle sprint qualifier.  This format was also used in Vermont at Prospect Mountain — providing a similar athletic demand to multiple sprint rounds and a fun experience for athletes, coaches and virtual followers too.  DublinXC and their well-trained-ranks delivered a top notch experience — building on the success of the past two years of the Dublin Double, and the Dublin Classic (New Hampshire Cup) hosted just a few weeks earlier.  A practiced schedule dovetailed with participant compliance — allowing for smooth and uncrowded transitions through the day between age groups and genders.  To make an interstate event feel extremely safe during a pandemic is a lofty task.  There is no doubt the spirit of Jim Rodrigues and all he taught so much were a part of, and witness to, this fantastic day of racing.

Complete Results
Video links to all skiers:
U16 Boys
1. Sawyer Weale @fordsayre_nordic (Run 1 & 2)
2. Tyler Watt @gunstocknordic (Run 1 & 2)
3. Benjamin Condit @quarryroadskiclub (Run 1)
3. Ellis Slover @quarryroadskiclub (Run 2)
U16 Girls
1. Sarah Glueck @fordsayre_nordic (Run 1 & 2)
2. Mirra Payson @Eastern Mass Nordic (Run 1 & 2)
3. Molly Ellison @Kearsarge Nordic (Run 1)
3. Ava Rothe Blackwater Nordic (Run 2)
U23 Men (including U20)
1. John Henry Paluszek @Flamingo Race Team (Run 1-1st, Run 2-2nd)
1. Adam Glueck @fordsayre_nordic (Run 1-2nd, Run 2-1st)
3. Marcus Wentworth SFMIL
U20 Women
1. Amelia Tucker @Eastern Mass Nordic
2. Agnes Macy @dublin_xc
3. Emma Charles @quarryroadskiclub
U20 Men
1. Carson Williams @bowdoinskiing
2. Samuel Murray @fordsayre_nordic (Run 1-2nd, Run 2-2nd)
3. Adam Carlisle @dublin_xc (Run 1-2nd)
4. Andrew Dirk @fordsayre_nordic (Run 2 -3rd)

Cheri Walsh Memorial

The Holderness School skiing family has understood the philosophy of creating a ski festival for decades.  For instance, the now veteran Chief of Stadium was weaned to ski lore as a BKL’er some forty years before on the same field — or the custom of a Jimi Hendrix riffed National Anthem on an electric cello.  Yet there is undeniable new and renewed energy in this community system.  There are plans for snowmaking, and updating – while preserving, the nostalgic feel of this rolling serpentine trail network.

Saturday in Dublin the sun did a beautiful dance behind clouds and trees — Sunday it provided a perfect winter transformation.  Racers and support staff arrived and departed at regulated intervals, yet an unspoken lightness was shared by all through the day.  There is hope for the close future.  It was a klister cover day with two forgiving railroad tracks that stayed intact, and perhaps even got faster through the day.

“you might just have a chance in New England.”  And we did.

U16 Boys
1. Ellis Slover @quarryroadskiclub
2. Aiden Bondaz @gunstocknordic
3. Sawyer Weale @fordsayre_nordic
U16 Girls
1. Mirra Payson @Eastern Mass Nordic
2. Sarah Glueck @fordsayre_nordic
3. Emily Appleby @Eastern Mass Nordic
U20 Men
1. Carson Williams @bowdoinskiing
2. Theodore Mollano @dublin_xc
3. Andrew Dirk @fordsayre_nordic
U20 Women
1. Catherine Stow @gunstocknordic
2. Amelia Tucker @Eastern Mass Nordic
3. Elsa Bolinger @fordsayre_nordic
U23 Men
1. Adam Glueck @fordsayre_nordic
2. John Henry Paluszek @Flamingo Race Team
3. Adam Glueck @fordsayre_nordic

Complete Results
Cheri Walsh Photos 📸 Holderness

Bill Henchey Memorial – Vermont Cup Finals 📸 Dave Priganc

Craftsbury continues to be an industry leader when it comes to hosting events.  Vermont was the first state with strict regulations put in place, originally limiting any gatherings — due to inspired work from within their organization and several other key snow sport bodies — competition was eventually permitted for residents of the state.  As NENSA intentioned to create racing opportunities, Craftsbury stepped up in customary fashion and adapted their resources to best fit the broader Vermont skiing community.

The weekend’s races accommodated skiers of all ages and by many accounts the Bill Koch competition on Sunday was the highlight of the event.  The terrain features carved into Ruthies Field are a product of much skill and thought — they will be utilized through the remainder of the winter for competition and no doubt create transcendent nordic experiences for countless youth and adults.  The naming of the event and the integrity to host such an inclusive and professional experience for all comers is too fitting of a tribute to Bill Henchey — a hero of Vermont skiing.

Open Women
1. Caitlin Patterson @greenracingproject
2. Margie Freed @greenracingproject
3. Callie Young @craftsburyoutdoorcenter

Open Men
1. Adam Martin @greenracingproject
2. Braden Becker @greenracingproject
3. Akeo Maifeld-Carucci @greenracingproject

Junior Women
1. Rose Clayton @mansfield_nordic
2. Camille Bolduc @craftsburyoutdoorcenter
3. Emma Strack @gmvsxc

Junior Men
1. Aidan Burt @gmvsxc
2. Keelan Durham @fordsayre_nordic
3. Aiden Casey @craftsburyoutdoorcenter

U16 Girls
1. Julia Thurston @mansfield_nordic
2. Miley Bletzer @gosmsnordic
3. Amelia Circosta @craftsburyoutdoorcenter

U16 Men
1. Fin Bailey @gosmsnordic
2. Tabor Greenberg @gmvsxc
3. Wyatt Teaford @gosmsnordic

Masters Women
1. Anna Schulz @craftsburycoachsquad
2. Audrey Mangan @craftsburycoachsquad
3. Sara Falconer @mansfield_nordic

Masters Men
1. Nils Koons @craftsburyoutdoorcenter
2. Alex Howe @craftsburyoutdoorcenter
3. Adam Terko @mansfield_nordic

Complete Results.
Photo Album of all skiers. 📸 @davepriganc

Post Season and Junior Ranking List

A benchmark of our safety protocols this season has been intrastate racing.  When we view competition and associated rankings with a traditional lens, there is no perfect solution — and that’s part of what the pandemic has taught us.  NENSA has remained steadfast in creating opportunities for our athletes to gather and compete.  It’s safe to say we’ve planned, postponed, and conducted more junior events than ever before in NENSA’s 25 year history.  Our highest level of competition, the Eastern Cup, was made possible by the creation of “State Cups,” some by necessity and some with the intention of creating parity for across states.

Due in part to regulations, we will not be hosting an Eastern Regional Championships.  Instead, each state will be hosting their own version of a U16/Eastern High School Championships — dubbed the NENSA Eastern States Championships.  The Junior Ranking List will compile each of these competitions.  The intention of the system is to give all athletes the opportunity for a “Best 3” ranking as a comparison across New England.  We acknowledge that each state has had its disadvantages, including the temporary loss of collaboration with our great friends from the Mid-Atlantic.  All traditional team naming and associated development programs will undergo due evaluation — with the knowledge that we will be recognizing more athletes than in a typical year.

Popular Racing and A Hall Mark of Excellence

The Popular race calendar remains nimble and reinforced by Virtual events — we are currently processing February’s data for the A Hall Mark of Excellence.  We look forward to sharing more exciting new with you shortly.

 

 

This past weekend mother nature aided the return of competition to Prospect Mountain, Vermont.  One hundred skiers made the journey to the southern part of the state for a weekend of classic competition on newly designed trails.  While temperatures hovered in the single digits and teens most of the weekend intermittent sunshine and the excitement of racing again warmed everyone to the core.

Saturday was a test of our Covid-safe sprint protocol, where skiers perform to “runs,” 20 minutes apart, replacing typical head-to-head sprint heats.  The U16’s started the day racing under the shade of the mountain, with an enthusiastic announcer and the sounds of 70’s rock and roll filling the air.  While the lodge was not open to prevent close contact between visitors it provided an iconic Vermont backdrop for a stadium filled with sponsor banners and Bullitt’s high tech timing systems.  The new 1.2km sprint loop was a combination of several steep climbs and descents – garnering descriptions ranging from “brutal” to “fun.”  Skiers had a section of double poling out of the stadium, but the two noteworthy climbs were a running affair.  With easy-to-find-kick many competitors were able to keep their skis parallel for most of the course.

Fin Bailey of the Stratton Mountain School, turned heads with convincing speed – his first run time of 3:09 was the second fastest skied by any competitor on the day.  His teammates Wyatt Teaford and David Shycon we able to hold on to second and third in both runs.

Miley Bletzer, SMS, also won both of her runs with times of 4:02 and 4:03 — showing consistency that many were not able to match during the demanding back-to-back sprint qualifiers.  Virginia Cobb of Mansfield Nordic, who topped the field last week in the Craftsbury distance race, came second in both runs followed by her fellow Pug, Esther Cuneo.

Bill Harmeyer, SMS T2, was finally able to put on a bib for the first time in a sprint competition since last January’s US Nationals in Houghton, Michigan.  The clear race favorite, and the producer of our NENSA recap videos, showed the junior field what smooth and fast looks like, recording times of 3:01 and 3:04.  In the first run, Brian Bushey and Aidan Burt, both GMVS skiers took second and third place.  In run two, Burt was able to move up a place and Jack Young from Craftsbury snuck into third.

2020 Junior World Sprint competitor, Callie Young of Dartmouth set the tone for the women’s field — winning both runs by nearly 10 seconds apiece.  Her fastest run was 3:32.  In the first run, Mansfield’s Ava Thurston, who will represent USA at Junior Worlds this year snagged second place with her impressive running.  Rena Schwartz was able to nip fellow Dartmouth skier, Chelsea Moore for the third position.  In run two, second was claimed by Anna Lehmann who skis for SMS this season and Schwartz remained in third.

Sunday morning dawned a skiers paradise and a striders dream.  While nearly two feet of snow had fallen over the past week – cold temps and a reprieve from new snow allowed groomer Steve Whitman to transform the newly homologated 5km course into a piece of Nordic artwork.  While the sprint course challenged racers to steep climbs, the distance course is filled with undulating and rolling terrain allowing for traditional technique.  Before the skiers knew it they were halfway up the mountain were they either rocketed into the stadium to finish (5km U16) or hit the lap for a second trip around to make 1okm.  The two parallel tracks of natural powder snow didn’t look much different at 3pm than they did as initial skier inspections started at 8am.  Folks will remember that day for some time.

In the U16 boys race the Stratton trio of Bailey, Teaford and Shycon continued their speedy ways making for a clean sweep on the weekend.  Bailey ripped a 5km lap in 14:41.

Miley Bletzer kept her momentum as well with a :47 second victory over second.  She completed the 5km course in 18:25.  Julia Thurston of Mansfield claimed second and brought Virginia Cobb along to third.

Bill Harmeyer was in his own class Sunday too, where he achieved his pre-race goal of negative splitting the second lap.  He covered the 10km course in 29:04.  Zander Martin, a Vermont resident who races for Bates College, put down an impressive performance to take second place just shy of :40 seconds from Harmeyer.  Brian Bushey finished in third just :12 seconds back of Martin.

Ava Thurston stepped up in the absence of the college women to claim victory by over a minute with a time of 34:55.  Quincy Massey-Bierman continues to ski into race form and found herself in second on the day ahead of Emma Strack who has found some new gears recently.

As a spectator it was apparent that this was a group of competitors who really know how to ski and the organizing committee and volunteers knocked the weekends event out of the park.  Being a part of such a well run event, only weeks separated, from when Vermont residents weren’t even able to gather for club practices was nothing short of surreal.  We look forward to visiting Prospect soon again.

Full Results.

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Racing Updates:

We are halfway through the Virtual Freeman Frost with registration closing on the 31st.  There is a 22km and 14km option – both will be scored to Zak and Club scoring.  This is an opportunity for any club regardless of their location to compete for the A Hallmark of Excellence.

This weekend racing resumes at Craftsbury with the Kendall Cup a FIS event with opportunities for open skiers and masters.  Although the masters numbers will be limited we will score the event to Zak and Club Cup points.  And we will be giving out NENSA / Hall Prize money in the FIS race.

New to the calendar, Dublin XC will be hosting a “New Hampshire Cup” race on February 6th.  More details to come soon.

Stay up to date on all in-person and Virtual Popular Race listings here.

 

We continue to forge ahead into a winter of change.  Many regions have created local solutions to reduced travel and number of competitive events able to be held.  We remain strong and committed to keeping our community as safe as possible during a pandemic.  We also realize that this comes with understandable frustration, especially for many of our junior athletes.  Please read on for the latest updates of whats happening and where we are headed.

It’s also a great time for all to review our New England Cross Country promise and be fully familiar with the resources on our Covid Considerations page.  The pandemic is playing out with tremendous force – perhaps stronger than many of us could fathom – and the only way to get back to normal is strict adherence to these guidelines.

The Rodrigues Cup

The Craftsbury Outdoor Center was able to host a Vermont Cup for 124 athletes last weekend.  The first U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned event in Vermont for the season was further testament to the protocols and participant adherence to NENSA and state guidelines.  Bullitt Timing is proving to be an invaluable resource to our community – allowing for touchless timing and precise data management.  Competitors were separated throughout the day in 25 (or less) person cohorts keeping distance between individual groups, and embodied the states motto of, “arrive-race-leave.”  These protocols will be practices in any Eastern or Vermont Cups we are able to host this winter.

NENSA continues to provide livestream video at events and professional recap videos as we currently have a strict “no spectator” policy at our events.

Ben Ogden of UVM and SMS T2 set the pace in the men’s race covering the 8.8km course in 22:10 despite the constant suction of the zero-ski conditions.  Juniors, Finn Sweet (Craftsbury GRP) and Brian Bushey (GMVS) continue to push each other and the pace of US Junior skiing, taking second and third respectively.

Alayna Sonnesyn, SMS T2, was thrilled by the last minute opportunity to jump in a race.  New guidelines produced just last week in Vermont now allow for adult competition in snow sports.  She topped the field with graceful and powerful skiing with a time of 25:47.  Alex Lawson and Margie Freed, both skiing for the Craftsbury GRP were second and  third.

In the U16 Boys field, Fin Bailey of SMS took the victory with a time of 12:42 for the 4.4km course.  SMS teammate, Wyatt Teaford was second just 19 seconds back and Leo Circosta from Craftsbury was third.

Virginia Cobb from Mansfield Nordic topped the U16 Girls field with a time of 15:32.  Ten seconds back, in second was Miley Bletzer of SMS followed by Julia Thurston from Mansfield.

Full results.
Current Junior Ranking List.

Eastern Cup and FIS Racing

NENSA and the Gunstock Nordic Association have made the difficult decision to cancel the Eastern Cup weekend slated for February 6th & 7th — the joint decision highlights the priority of keeping our communities safe.  The remainder of the schedule is currently moving forward as planned.  We ask for your continued patience and understanding as we work to provide the highest quality races.  There have been many questions about “Bibs & Chips” — these will continue to be sent to larger clubs, or picked up at venues in a sealed bag at the first event an athlete is able to attend.  Please note there are no spectators at any of these events and coaches, volunteers and officials all must complete registrations, pre and day-of health screens.  Registration pages will open much closer to the events than normal and all will close at 5pm on the Wednesday before the event. 

The latest Vermont and Eastern Cup details are posted here.

Craftsbury has calendared a FIS race, The 2021 Kendall Cup, on January 30th.  The event will boast generous prize money made possible by Kathy and Marty Hall and also have master racing opportunities.  That race will also be scored to the Zak and Club Cup Series which has season-long prize money of $5000, $3000 and $1000 as a part of the A Hall Mark of Excellence.

Current rankings here.

Popular Racing

Citizen racing has been greatly reduced by the pandemic and associated state guidelines.  However through Virtual Challenges and in-person events our skiers have already logged 63,794.85 kilometers – that’s 1.5 times around the earth, and it’s only January!

Upcoming events include a self-recorded version of the Freeman Frost White Mountain Challenge, beginning on the 23rd and running for nine days.  The above mentioned Kendall Cup allows for a racing opportunity for Vermont based masters on January 30th — and the winter long Virtual Craftsbury Marathon is open to all.  Gunstock has moved its Zak Cup event to February 7th – allowing an in-person race event for many New England athletes.  The student led Race for Snow also provides a race experience for all and has a wonderful environmental mission.

Full and updating Zak and Club Cup calendar.

Enjoy the Snow – Stay Safe.  We hope to see you out there!

 

As we bravely stride into 2021 we are fortunate for folks like Bob Haydock who are adapting to a Virtual world by creating competitive and fun-focused events.  The Bogburn motto has always been, “anyone who takes this race too seriously will be disqualified.”  In all, 86 participants from nine clubs took part in the event.  The event was scored to both the Zak Cup and the A Hall Mark of Excellence (Club Cup) standings.  Rankings here. Results here.  Keep reading below for a wonderful view into the mind’s eye of Damian Bolduc from NWVE about how he prepared and executed the 2021 Bogburn.

The Bogburn dates back to 1986 and has only been cancelled four times due to lack of snow.  As you can see from the above historical results there have been some impressive names on the leaderboard!  We look forward to next winter when we can hopefully travel to North Pomfret, Vermont and celebrate a set of tracks winding through the woods.

While in-person events are starting to happen across New England, many locally organized, there is a new season long Craftsbury Marathon Virtual Challenge that has recently been released.  You can find complete information about that here: https://www.craftsburymarathon.com/

Stay safe and keep skiing.

Virtual Bogburn 2021
by Damian Bolduc (interspersed with participant Strava maps)

The Bogburn has always had a little lore surrounding it. While there is not really a question in the mantra “Ski the Bogburn,” there are things that need to be answered. What is a Bogburn? Bob Haydock, the long-time director of the race, can eloquently answer that, but it never satisfies Why the Bogburn? Of course, once you have Bogburned, you most likely will have the answer ingrained in you as the name suits the experience so well, and you will keep coming back for more. After a night of restless contemplation of how to attack the Virtual Bogburn, I rose to the occasion a bit grumpy due to a lack of sleep.

Eric Tremble, NWVE – Craftsbury
Questions of what I should do for a course kept me awake. Should I find the longest downhill I can and go for time? Should I trespass and set a track for a warm-up and then ski the race? How equivalent to the traditional Bogburn should I be? Should I go over to Hazen’s Notch and ski the Ted Means course? Maybe climb Burnt Mountain, start at the top and use the runout on Route 58? Should I ski Dante’s Loop, away from spectators and everyone? Would all the mass I have added to my abs shock the SMS and GRP Teams? Will my uniform even fit this year?

I decided to go to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and slug it out on the humanmade loop. So, the decision answers the question, What would the Bogburn be like if it were held on a course, I can ski rather than one I fight against? I know it is a copout, and perhaps I will try the Dante’s idea this weekend to make it more legit, but as I said, I spent a lot of energy overthinking it and ended up just wanting to get it over with. A Bogburn truism.

The course was the Craftsbury Manmade Outer Loop. I extended it as much as possible. I had a homologated course with bomb-proof tracks—a far cry from the usual. There were no water bars; my poles never punched through the ground up to my grip, the tracks never went into that ten-meter section where I am pretty sure it is just set mud after the earthen dam. Mud tracks are fine as long as they are not frozen. There were no hairpin turns, and there was no reason to thrash. It was a tame course designed and groomed by a team of perfectionists.

Elissa Bradley, Ford Sayre – Woodstock

So, my physical condition is not the usual as I have not even done 20% of my racing quota this past year. Only six running races. No December ski races. Only one, more challenging ski effort last Saturday. Thus, all the mass I have added in the off-season.

I started at the Yurt and went out on Lemon’s, taking the Ruthie’s Cut Off onto Screaming Mimi and cresting the hill at Coaches Corner into the dip into the lower field, up Teaching Hill, across the Upper Field, onto Round-a-bit to the Junction with Murphy’s, back to the old clubhouse between the Activity Center and Events building, down Teaching Hill back to the Yurt. To get to 13km and change, it was 6.5 laps of this finishing at the Coaches Corner. So, seven Screaming Mimi’s.

Carole Van Dyke, Stowe Nordic – Trapp Family Lodge

The conditions were excellent. Pistenbully 400 groomed, temps steady in the high 20’s, overcast with no wind. At the end of my warm-up, I inspected what SMS was using for kick. Some type of red, Rode WC -1-7, and some Oslo Violet. I was kicking fine on my Rode Multigrade Violet. I was using my trusty old RCS’s with whatever was on them from before as my base. This is another Bogburn Truism. Not your best skis, and not a lot of prep. I also make sure they are a little slick so as not to rip out the soft tracks (if there are any left) on the traditional course.

I did not feel great; I was compromising what I really wanted to do mentally and was fatigued by the abandoned grandiose ideas that kept me up most of the night. After a 2.5 lap warm-up, I stripped to my racing threads and the Bogburn magic began. While this loop pales in comparison with the Bogburn course, it is still demanding.

Justin Beckwith, Mad River Nordic – Catamount Trail

I got underway in my usual fashion and was launched into the racing zone. An easy start can do that. I kicked up Screaming Mimi fine and thought that this was not going to be too bad. I found the trouble spot on the loop to be the Upper Field to Round-a-bit. I guess getting the heart rate up on Mimi; then a brief recovery turned Teaching Hill into a kicker that launched me through the ceiling. Going into the double-pole hurt, and for yet another season, I was reminded I ought to work on that. Don’t worry; I won’t.

During my race, some GRP and SMS Men were doing different workouts. It was nice to have some speedy company. The coaches were out, so of course, I had to try to step it up a little under their critical eye, especially after Pepa’s presumption that the GRP would pass me at my pedestrian pace when skiing the weekend prior. At the Bogburn, I am familiar with being passed by someone wearing a bib number twenty-plus mine. Here my age was greater than twenty of theirs. We were all cordial, but there may have been some confusion about why I was dressed up in a racing suit and going for it with everything hanging out.

A Master’s practice was also taking place. World Master’s Medalists Trina Hosmer (Stowe Nordic) and Peter Harris (Craftsbury) were participating. So more familiar masked faces from the races were there. The Bogburn Magic continued as I checked my progress, thinking I must be close to done, only to find I was halfway. Just like in the real Bogburn! Do I really want to do this again!? I did. Heidi Caldwell cheered me as I trudged over the top of Screaming Mimi, recognizing I was up to something. I shouted, “Virtual Bogburn!” She kicked it up a notch with excitement – “nice, GO GET IT.” Mansfield Nordic’s Tom and Sheila Weaver gave encouragement at least once every lap. The racing mentality stuck through-and-through.

Cipperly Good, NWVE – Quarry Road Trails

So, while not the usual Bogburn, many of the event’s key aspects remained in place. The anticipation, the dread, the wax, and ski selection, trying not to get caught, the slow burn flaring into anaerobic despair on a course that will not give up, then starting the second half. The internal battle of mind over muscle and the encouragement out of the blue just when you need it most. So, to answer my question, “What would the Bogburn be like if it were held on a course, I can ski rather than one I fight against?” A blast getting a 13km PR!

There is virtually only one way to find out the answer to what the Bogburn can bring you this year – Ski the Bogburn!