Courtesy of VHS Nordic Ski Coach
The Valdez High School ski team traveled to Fairbanks to compete in the Region 6 competition at Birch Hill Ski Trails. Nineteen Buccaneers took on the challenging two-day race, with Day 1 featuring a 7.5k skate race and Day 2 showcasing a 4x3k classic relay. This competition marked our first distance skate race of the season, due to a unique winter and several canceled races. Despite this, our athletes showed incredible determination to stay committed to the sport, finding creative ways to train in the absence of snow. Thankfully, the trail conditions improved, allowing for some solid training on skis.
With no times to chase from this season, the Buccaneers knew they had to attack the course with everything they had. This year, seven of the 19 skiers were competing in their first regional competition, and each returning skier set a new personal record (PR) — a great benchmark for the upcoming state competition in two weeks, which will take place on the same trails in Fairbanks.
Day 1: Skate Race
The conditions on Day 1 presented a challenge, with three inches of fresh snow falling just before the race, leaving soft trails that were quickly worn down after numerous laps by skiers. Despite the tough conditions and cold temperatures, the Buccaneers dug deep, showing their grit and determination.
Senior Morgan Hamilton led the way with a personal best time of 36:47, and in doing so, qualified for the state competition. Morgan’s improvement over the years has been remarkable, as her time dropped by 13:47 from her first regional 7.5k skate race. Another senior, first-year skier Kinsey Mishmash, also qualified for state with a great first regional race. Junior Hailey Major showed her strong determination and skill throughout the race and also qualified for the state team. Aysiri Shiujones, Ava Mitchell, and Kassidy Ferguson all completed the challenging course for the first time, setting a new standard for themselves.
The boys’ race followed, and 13 Buccaneers raced against a field of 61 skiers. Our top four skiers all posted PRs under 30 minutes. Gray Odencrans led the way with a PR of 26:10, followed closely by James Humphrey, Gabe Caruthers, and Braiden Williams, all of whom also finished with PRs under 30 minutes — securing spots on the state team. The first of the final two state team spots was earned by Jaymyn James, whose relentless effort in practice earned him a time of 30:59, and first-year skier, freshman Zane Caruthers, who had a fantastic first season and set an impressive time to beat. Senior Ezekiel James skied an outstanding race, dropping over 10 minutes from his previous 7.5k time. Ezekiel, a part of the Nordic Ski program since 6th grade, has consistently improved his skills, and his smooth technique has been a joy to ski with over the past seven winters. Paxson Williams, Kain Montgomery, and Reggie Baksis all skied in their first regional race and set impressive times to challenge next season. Juniors Oliver Ownby, Erick Vincent, and Dennis Baron also raced the 7.5k skate. Though Dennis had to walk back after his binding broke, Erick shaved an impressive 18:06 off his time from his first regional competition, and Oliver also posted a new PR.
Day 2: 4x3k Classic Relay
Day 2 brought the much-anticipated 4x3k classic technique relay. Cold conditions provided excellent kick, allowing our skiers to race with confidence and speed. The boys were up first, and this year, we were able to field three boys’ teams. The Valdez A team, consisting of James Humphrey, Braiden Williams, Gabe Caruthers, and Gray Odencrans, placed 6th overall and 4th among Region 6 teams, narrowly missing the podium in a thrilling race with Glennallen. The Valdez B team, made up of Jaymyn James, Paxson Williams, Zane Caruthers, and Ezekiel James, finished 11th, while the Valdez C team, with Erik Vincent, Oliver Ownby, Reggie Baksis, and Kain Montgomery, took 14th.
The girls’ relay team, in the lead position was Hailey Major followed by Ava Mitchell who had an impressive first season and stepped up to take on a relay spot, Kinsey Mishmash competing in her first relay, and anchored by senior Morgan Hamilton, also gave an outstanding performance. Although the Bucs fell shy of the podium to a strong Glennallen team, it was an exciting day of racing and a great first relay of the season for the team, leaving us with plenty of motivation for next season.
This season has been full of challenges, but it has also taught us the value of creativity, dedication, and perseverance. Since November, these 19 skiers have put in the work — from countless stair laps and crunches to running in the rain — all while hoping for snow. They made the most of every day, and it paid off with a performance at regionals that each one can be incredibly proud of.
Go Bucs!