NENSA News

Two weekends ago the top 14 and 15 year-old skiers in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont traveled to North Creek, New York to compete in the three day Eastern U16 Championship event hosted at the Gore Mountain Nordic Center. Eastern U16 Championships is the premier event for U16 cross country ski racers in New England and New York. The goal of the event is to provide the highest quality competition for U16 athletes to learn and develop as skiers and people. Eastern U16 Champs (U16s) began modestly in 1992 and has grown into one of the highlights of the season for junior athletes. The Gore Mountain Nordic Center staff pulled out all the stops to ensure we had great snow coverage for the event. The Mountain even closed the adjacent alpine slope providing warmup and ski testing of the race course.

Below we have featured the top-10 results for the individual races and the top-5 for the relay as well as the top-3 overall individual standings. While we are highlighting these finishes, we want to take a moment to acknowledge every athlete who stepped onto the start line this weekend and tried their hardest out there on the race course!

Championship racing action kicked off at on Friday afternoon with a wave start 5k freestyle race. The girls raced first followed by the boys.  

Girls 5k Skate Top-10 Results:
1: Elli Englund, NH
2: Olivia Hanna, NH
3: Astrid Longstreth, VT
4: Tillie Lange, VT
5: Lucille Dent, NH
6: Claire Serrano, VT
7: Charlotte Crum, VT
8: Antonia Schramm, VT
9: Millie Larrick, NH
10: Anya Moriarty, VT

Results

Boys 5k Skate Top-10 Results:
1: Jed Bentley, NH
2: Matthew Northcott, NH
3: Tomas Masterson, VT
4: Will Wallace, VT
5: Aiden Guay, NY
6: Isaac Fellows, NH
7: Foster Whitworth V, NH
8: Damian Wynn, ME
9: Henry Swarzentruber, VT
10: Magnus Hayden, VT

Results

Saturday morning kicked off with a 5k wave start classic race in very spring-like conditions. Klister, zeros, or harries were on order for the race. The course was modified from the previous day to optimize the best available skiing, which had the added affect of increasing the ease of viewing on an already super spectator friendly course. Well over 100 parents, coaches and teammates could be seen and heard cheering on the hillside above the stadium!

Girls 5k Classic Top-10 Results:
1: Elli Englund, NH
2: Olivia Hanna, NH
3: Astrid Longstreth, VT
4: Claire Serrano, VT
5: Zola Bruner, VT
6: Tillie Lange, VT
7: Lucille Dent, NH
8: Antonia Schramm, VT
9: Charlotte Crum, VT
10: Millie Larrick, NH

Results

Boys 5k Classic Top-10 Results:
1: Jed Bentley, NH
2: Will Wallace, VT
3: Dean Ayotte, NH
4: Tomas Masterson, VT
5: Donovan Van Citters, NH
6: Henry Swarzentruber, VT
7: Patrick Holland, MA
8: Matthew Northcott, NH
9: Eli McEnaney, VT
10: Acer Verson, MA

Results

Saturday afternoon the 1.3km wave start sprint event got underway. This event featured three progressively steeper hills, with two downhill hairpin turns and rolling downhill to the finish. There were some exciting lunges at the finish to boot!

Girls Sprint Top-10 Results:
1: Olivia Hanna, NH
2: Astrid Longstreth, VT
3: Claire Serrano, VT
4: Zola Bruner, VT
5: Elli Englund, NH
6: Lucille Dent, NH
7: Tillie Lange, VT
8: Antonia Schramm, VT
9: Leila Griffith, VT
10: Millie Larrick, NH

Results

Boys Sprint Top-10 Results:
1: Jed Bentley, NH
2: Matthew Northcott, NH
3: Tor Webb, MA
4: Will Wallace, VT
5: Tomas Masterson, VT
6: Aiden Guay, NY
7: Dean Ayotte, NH
8: Jasper Lloyd, MA
9: Henry Swarzentruber, VT
10: Magnus Hayden, VT

Results

Saturday night Gore Mountain hosted a banquet for all the athletes at the main base lodge. A spaghetti dinner was on the menu, complete with vegan and vegetarian options and some delicious cookies! The cavernous room allowed for 300 people to be fitted simultaneously, with room to spare. During the banquet the top 10 athletes in each of the three individual races received their medals, in addition to the top three in the overall standings. Recognition was made of all the groups making this event possible: the host, volunteers, coaches, athletes, and parents. The evening was made even more exciting by several inches of new wet snow!

Girls Overall Individual 3 Event Standings (Top-3):
1: Olivia Hanna, NH
2: Elli Englund, NH
3: Astrid Longstreth, VT

Full Standings

Boys Overall Individual 3 Event Standings (Top-3):
1: Jed Bentley, NH
2: Matthew Northcott, NH
3: Will Wallace, VT

Full Standings

The final day of racing action featured the mixed relay. Sunday morning revealed excellent ski conditions due to ten inches of dense, heavy snow that fell overnight and many hours of work by the groomers that went into getting the course race-ready. After all the weekend races came to a close, Vermont had tallied the most number of points claiming the overall team win. Thank you to all the states for an action packed weekend of fun racing and camaraderie!

Mixed Relay Top-5 Results:
1: NH-1 Elli Englund, Dean Ayotte, Olivia Hanna & Jed Bentley
2: VT-2 Claire Serrano, Magnus Hayden, Astrid Longstreth & Henry Swarzentruber
4: NH-2 Lucille Dent, Donovan Van Citters, Millie Larrick & Matthew Northcott
3: VT-1 Antonia Schramm, Will Wallace, Zola Bruner & Tomas Masterson
5: VT-4 Tillie Lange, James Langan, Anya Moriarty & Samuel Swarzentruber

Results

Team Scores

Before we wrap up, we want to take a moment to thank the Gore Mountain Nordic Center for everything they put into hosting this fantastic event. We also want to thank our NENSA sponsors for their ongoing support of our Championship events, Eastern Amateur Educational Foundation (EASEF) for supporting athletes all across the East in attending EHSC. Also a big thank you to our race officials and Underdog Timing. And last but not least, thank you to all the athletes and coaches for bringing your energy, enthusiasm, and love of skiing to this event!

This year’s BKL Festival was an event to remember. In spite of a winter of low-snow all throughout New England and beyond, 730 young skiers made their way to Ripton, Vermont to join Frost Mountain Nordic and the Rikert Outdoor Center for two spectacular days celebrating New England youth cross country skiing.

This youth cross country ski festival is the marquee event of the New England Nordic Ski Association’s Bill Koch Youth Ski League whose mission is to introduce young people to the lifelong sport of cross-country skiing, and the many associated health, fitness, and social benefits, in a fun, inclusive, and safe environment.  The 2024 Festival featured racing, as well as a wide range of fun winter activities, for skiers of all ability levels from kindergarten up to 8th grade.

There was an activity for everyone including the Press Forward Mini-marathon ski, Gnome and Fairy home building, a Story Book Ski, the UnTapped Terrain Park, Laser Biathlon with USBA, Vermont Fish and Widlife Tent, Glitter Station, Mural Painting, Bump Jump, a speed trap, a limbo station and of course the welcoming parade, which featured a moment of noise in honor of John Ogden, organized by his daughter, Katharine. Gnome hats, yetis, and costumes of all kinds could be found in every corner of the stadium and at each activity.

We were also thrilled to have Bill Koch himself at the event cheering on athletes, shaking hands, signing autographs, and sharing his love of the sport with all the young skiers.  We are so grateful that he is still so involved with youth skiing and actively working to ensure that having fun remains at the core of skiing for racers and recreational skiers alike.

Our Frost Mountain Nordic Club organizers also did a great job on the racing side of the weekend. Saturday featured a classic relay race and Sunday’s event was a freestyle paired and individual start race. After the 5/6 and 7/8 groups raced in the morning on Sunday, the 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony took place in the stadium followed by the Lollipop races, led off by one of our special guests of the weekend, a unicorn! 8th graders waited as our youngest skiers navigated their way through the stadium, around a sea of blow-up penguins and across the finish line. This year, our 8th grade graduates received a special buff and ski ties, and also received graduation certificates.

The level of excitement and joy were high the entire weekend. Check out the photo library linked below and our NENSA recap video to see more action from the weekend. We are very grateful to Frost Mountain Nordic Ski Club and the Rikert Outdoor Center for hosting the 2024 edition of this event.

Written by Rangeley Lakes Trails Center staff

Traditionally held on the first weekend of March, the Rangeley Loppet is always a crowd pleaser, with many repeat participants and rekindling of old friendships. This year was no exception! The crew at the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center pulled out all the stops to host an exciting event, rising above the challenges from Mother Nature. On a course shortened by lack of snow, 36K, 18K and 9K races were held Saturday and Sunday.

Saturdays 36K brought a thrilling finish in the men’s race, with William Riley edging out Victor Sparks and Eske Ronneau for the win. Topping the women’s 36K field was Lucy Hochschartner with Agnes Macy in second and Francisca Feist in third. Another close finish in the 18K FS men’s race saw Walt Shepard squeaking out the win over Jordi St. John, with Jack Pierce in third.

In the men’s Burt Kettle classic, Anders Vikstrom took first with Joe Holland second and Dyhan Nirmegh third. In the women’s race, Elizabeth Ransom placed first with Valentine Desplat second. The 10K classic men’s race winner was Vim Smith with Jerry Curico second. Special mention goes out to three youngsters racing in the
18K- Marco Lombardo, Peter Colianni, and Ben Hankens.

Feb. 1, 2024, 12:59 PM (ET)
by USOPC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and Team USA Partner, Comcast, today announced the 2023 Team USA Community Champions honorees. Jamal Hill (Swim Up Hill), Peter Westbrook (The Peter Westbrook Foundation), Staci Mannella (Sisters in Sports), and Kait Miller (New England Nordic Ski Association) were selected to receive the award, which celebrates Team USA athletes’ commitment to their communities and the Olympic and Paralympic values.

The annual program, funded by the USOPF and Comcast, grants $25,000 to each honoree. Half of the grant funding is directed toward the athlete’s nonprofit of choice.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our four awardees, who have exemplified their unwavering commitment to excellence and service within their communities,” said Christine Walshe, president of the USOPF. “Jamal, Peter, Staci and Kait, your contributions are inspiring, and you truly exemplify what it means to be a champion.”

To qualify for this award, each athlete must demonstrate a proven commitment to serving their community through nonprofit work while embodying the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, and the Paralympic values of determination, inspiration, courage, and equality. The chosen honorees are celebrated not only for their excellence as a member of Team USA, but for their meaningful service and engagement in the community, specifically with organizations who focus on youth sport, physical activity, health, and well-being.

“We are proud to recognize Jamal, Peter, Staci, and Kait for the impact they’ve made on their local communities,” said Jessica Muir, Senior Director of Brand Partnerships & Amplification at Comcast. “By highlighting these athletes and their remarkable stories of achievement, resilience, and dedication, we hope to inspire the next generation – the Team of Tomorrow.”

During the 2023 cycle, the award received 67 athlete applications, 66% of which came from athletes who are currently competing or training. Over 85% of those athletes were Olympians or Paralympians, with 85% of the total applicant pool hailing from summer sports.

“Choosing just four winners from this exceptional pool of athlete applicants was extremely difficult and is a testament to how incredible our athlete community is,” said Yucca Rieschel of the selection committee. “As a co-chair of this committee, I’ve come to recognize that true champions are not defined by just their athletic achievements, but by their commitment to serving others and finding a deeper purpose. The impact that has been made on communities across the country by Team USA athletes is immeasurable and we hope this award continues to spotlight their success.”

U.S. Paralympian Jamal Hill, who won bronze at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, is passionate about providing accessible swimming education and water safety courses to all. His nonprofit, Swim Up Hill, provides free lessons, mentorship and skill development around aquatic safety to underserved communities. While Hill is deeply involved in his nonprofit work, he remains dedicated to his training, with sights set on Paris 2024.

Legendary fencer and five-time U.S. Olympian Peter Westbrook, who won bronze at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984, has dedicated over three decades of service to the New York City community through the Peter Westbrook Foundation. Established in 1991, the PWF uses fencing to empower underrepresented youth through structured physical activity and academic support. By providing opportunity, guidance and mentorship to underserved communities, the PWF has helped its students achieve a 100% high school graduation rate, with over 98% attending college post-graduation.

Two-time alpine skiing U.S. Paralympian Staci Mannella is a volunteer with the Sisters in Sports Foundation. The foundation, which focuses on promoting gender equity in the Paralympic Movement, provides community, financial support, and mentorship to women with disabilities. Manella, who is pursuing a degree in counseling with a focus in sport psychology, uses her expertise to serve as a mentor, conduct research, and develop tailored lessons to address the specific needs of female athletes with disabilities.

Team USA alum cross-country skier Kait Miller is a volunteer with the New England Nordic Ski Association. The association serves as an educational hub for people of all ages and abilities, providing year-round programs, clinics, and events to create accessibility in the sport. As a volunteer, Miller is dedicated to expanding the youth program, while also promoting inclusivity and equity within the ski community.

As a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sponsor and Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Comcast is the official presenter of Team USA Community Champions.

The 2024 application is now open. To apply, visit TeamUSA.com. For more information on the Team USA Community Champions in partnership with Comcast, please visit TeamUSA.com.   

About Comcast Corporation 
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Team USA athletes on and off the field of play. As the fundraising arm of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the USOPF generates philanthropic support to empower Team USA athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence and well-being. Since 2013, the USOPF has raised more than $200 million for U.S. Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls. To learn more about the foundation, visit give.teamusa.org.

About United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee 
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. The USOPC is focused on protecting, supporting and empowering America’s athletes, and is responsible for fielding U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, and serving as the steward of the Olympic and Paralympic movements in the U.S. For more information, visit TeamUSA.com.

This year’s Mansfield Skiathlon was energetic, fun, and a little exchange zone chaos, making a perfect recipe for a wonderful day of ski racing. BKL skiers kicked off the day. 84 BKL racers started in all age groups, making a very large youth competition. Participants represented clubs from all over Northern Vermont including: Sleepy Hollow, Mansfield Nordic Club, NWVE, Frost Mountain Nordic, Mad River Valley BKL, Craftsbury Ski Club, and from a little further a field: West River Sports. It was cool to see all the kids having so much fun competing and playing together after the races, including many belonging to our Master’s competitors!

In the Open men’s race, Mansfield Nordic Club juniors Nico Hochanadel and Anders Linseisen had a small lead over Justin Freeman, with Nico out pacing Anders for the win. On the women’s side, Emily Stitt held off Greta Kilburn (both Mansfield skiers) for the win, with NWVE’s Katie Enman out pacing Mary Stewart of Mansfield to round out the podium.

On the Club side, this year’s Mansfield Skiathlon was a big windfall for the Mansfield Nordic Club with 1061 points, cushioning their sizable lead in the Club standings. NWVE had strong showing as well, taking home 594 points. Ford Sayre with 178 points, Black Water Nordic Ski Club with 120 points, and West River Sports Association with 56 points rounded out the remainder of the Club competition.

A big thank you to the Mansfield Nordic Club and Sleepy Hollow for hosting such a fun event for all ages!

Results
Rankings