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