Talk about the difference a week makes! Two weeks ago at Regionals in Soldotna, the first race was skied in 42 degree rain. Conversely, last weekend at State in Fairbanks, the Pineapple finally let go and temperatures barely made the -4F minimum as required by the Alaska Schools Activities Association. Needless to say, both weather conditions are at the extremes for Nordic racing and require great strength, fortitude, and ski preparation. The one difference is that the extremely cold conditions at State also required great courage as the frigid, abrasive air played havoc with fingers, toes, skin, and lungs. The State events were interval start skate races on Thursday, mass start classic races on Friday, and relay races on Saturday.  Powerhouse South Anchorage won both the boys and girls state championships. Both Buc teams competed well and did all they could do to hold their own in this very competitive event. Most of the team skied their best races of the season while some were slowed down by respiratory illness that was magnified by the cold.

               
Of the 113 girls who completed both Thursday’s 5K skate and Friday’s 7.5K classic races, Sophomore Hannah Norris capped an outstanding second year by ending up in 58^th position overall. This was by far the best performance of team either boys or girls. Once again, following Norris was  outstanding Freshman Emily Merioles at 79^th. Senior Malaika Kelly claimed the 92^nd spot finishing 9 seconds behind Kelly was Senior Tristen Larson who grabbed the 93^rd position. Senior Janice Simmons ended up the two day event in 101^st. Junior Harriet Edelman finished the first day of competition but was unable to continue due to illness. Saturday’s relay team of Larson, Kelly, Merioles, and Norris, skied a strong race in the coldest temps of the weekend and ended up in 17^th place finishing ahead of North Pole, Bartlett, and Seward and just behind Skyview (23 seconds) and 3A Champion Grace Christian (28 seconds).

               
On the boys side, rapidly improving Sophomore Matt Adamson led the way with a hard fought 80^th place finish out of 120 of Alaska’s best . Hardworking Junior Kasey Walker followed at 90^th   while steady Sophomore Craig Lematta finished at 104^th in his first state appearance. First year skier, Junior DJ Carr finished in 114^th followed by Senior Quinn Verfaillie at 116^th and Sophomore Kevin Simmons in 120^th. The boys relay team consisting of Lematta, Carr, Walker, and Adamson finished ahead of North Pole and almost closed a big lead on Bartlett but came up seconds short after a very spirited attempt. With only two seniors on the team this year (Verfaillie and Brett Wells),  most of the boys will be returning next year so the future looks very bright!

               
The team would like to bid a special farewell to Seniors Malaika Kelly, Janice Simmons, Tristen Larson, Brett Wells, and Quinn Verfaillie. Thank you for your great efforts and tremendous Buc pride!