BSF traveled to Soldier Hollow, Utah, for the first Junior National qualifier of the season. Due to low snow around the West, these were the first races for many of our athletes. This also happens to be a "super" qualifier, with teams competing from all of the Western Divisions, including Rocky Mountain, Far West, Pacific Northwest and the Intermountain Division, as well as the RMISA Collegiate teams. All in all, there were over 700 athletes competing at the races throughout the weekend. BSF had one of the larger teams competing, with 55 athletes wearing the BSF race suit!
Among our team, we had several noteworthy performances:
- Necia Nicholas, 14th overall and 3rd junior in the 7.5k skate
- Izzy Waters, 9th junior and 4th U18 in the 7.5k skate; 5th junior in the classic sprint
- Claire Rucker, 2nd U16 in the Classic Sprint and 5k skate
- Callahan Waters, 6th junior in the 7.5k skate
- Simeon Larson, 1st in U8/10 skate race and classic sprint
- Gabe Larson, 2nd in U12/14 skate race and classic sprint
- Frances Makoutz, 2nd in the U12/14 classic sprint
With a group this size, every member of the team needs to stay organized and focused to ensure the trip runs smoothly. While there were some learning moments for sure, with a few younger athletes missing their shuttles to the races, overall, coaches were extremely proud of how this group of young athletes supported each other and grew through their first races of the season!
We look forward to another big team competing in Jackson, WY, February 6th and 7th!
