Laramie 2025 Mar 1

Finally - Sheridan has a State Champion!

The Nordic State Championship concluded with a thrilling 10K Skate race. Due to the limited starting area at Happy Jack, skiers were sorted into seven narrow lanes based on Friday’s race results. The start was intense, with athletes sprinting out of the box while trying to avoid collisions, broken poles, or tangled skis. The trail initially allowed for two to three skiers side by side but quickly narrowed, making even passing single-file nearly impossible. Positioning at the start was crucial to avoid accidents and secure an advantageous race position.

Over the first 2.5 miles, skiers climbed 500 vertical feet, mostly on gradual inclines with a few level sections. A “false” summit tricked unfamiliar skiers into thinking they were beginning the descent when, in reality, the most challenging climb still lay ahead. The total elevation gain for the race was 787 feet. Once reaching the true summit, the descent was both thrilling and treacherous. The recent freeze-thaw cycle left the course icy, with sharp turns that made maintaining control difficult. Having skied the course early in the morning, I (Coach A) personally found some sections nerve-wracking—even snow plowing barely slowed the speed on the ice, and missing a turn meant risking a crash into the trees. Fortunately, despite the challenging conditions, no significant injuries were reported, and crashes did not impact race outcomes.

Ski Structure and Preparation

Unlike Friday’s classic race, where we focused on waxing for kick, our primary concern for the skate race was ski structure. This involves imprinting a pattern onto the ski to minimize friction and suction from melting snow or icy grains.

For the boys’ race at 10 AM, the snow was still relatively cold, so we opted to leave the skis as they were—adding structure risked picking up dirt, which could slow them down. However, by the time the girls raced at 11:30 AM, the warming snow necessitated applying a structure. Testing different patterns was nerve-wracking, as the icy conditions quickly wore them away. It wasn’t until 20 minutes before the race that we finally decided on a solution.

Boys' Race

At 10 AM, the boys charged onto the course. SeanKyle, starting in 6th position, took off alongside Wyoming’s top high school skiers. Coaches and teammates stood at key points with spare poles in case of breakage, though thankfully, few were needed.

Due to the course layout, we had to wait until the skiers returned from the mountain to see how the race had played out. In an incredible 28:22, Fisk Johansson of Kelly Walsh HS crossed the finish line first, carrying the KW flag in celebration, with a commanding 17-second lead over Sam Hutchinson of Jackson, Friday’s winner.

With a fantastic time of 31:05, SeanKyle finished 11th overall, first among Sheridan skiers. To put that into perspective, I completed the course in 39:45 that morning! This marked a four-place improvement from last year’s State Championship and a remarkable 54-place improvement from his first high school state race in 2022. SeanKyle also finished 12th in the overall All-State rankings, an improvement from 17th last year. As our most competitive skier over the past two years, we couldn’t be more proud of his effort and performance.

Gabe followed as the second Sheridan finisher, placing 15th overall. Just 45 minutes before the race, he was struggling with a major stomach issue, making his strong performance even more impressive. As a junior, we are excited to have him for another year, with big plans ahead.

Justin finished 21st with a time of 33:11, marking a 50-place improvement from his freshman year. He ranked 18th in the All-State standings, five places better than last year. Known as our best technician, Justin was often used as a model when teaching technique. He received the Willy Neal nomination, an annual award given to the most exemplary high school skier in Wyoming. With his graduation, alongside SeanKyle and last year’s graduate Ben Boulter, we bid farewell to three of Sheridan Nordic’s OGs.

Abe placed 33rd, improving 14 places from last year. His All-State ranking climbed from 47th to 27th. Being a sophomore, we expect him to be a top-10 classic skier next year and, with continued technique focus, a strong competitor in skate races.

Kade, finishing 35th, improved from his 42nd starting position despite still recovering from illness. As a first-year high school skier with a strong middle school ski background, we expected long-term potential but didn’t anticipate him scoring for the team this soon. He proved us wrong, securing a top-six spot. Kade has transformed as an athlete, showing incredible growth in strength, endurance, and racecraft. His rapid rise reflects his work ethic, and as only a freshman, his potential is enormous. This is just the beginning and truly great days are ahead for him.

Carter finished 45th, an excellent result for a first-year skier. Coming from a strong running background, we expected him to excel in classic skiing, but the fact that he matched his skate result with his classic result—both in 45th place—proves he has real potential in Nordic. Making the State team in his first year is an achievement in itself. Our hope is that Carter will dedicate himself fully to endurance sports, continuing to run and ski. Given that this was not only his first year skiing but also his first year in any endurance sport, his improvement is remarkable. He has an incredibly bright sports future ahead.

Luke finished 46th, right behind Carter, in his first year of racing. No athlete has ever picked up skate skiing as quickly as he has. The fact that he started in dead last—63rd position—and moved up 17 places shows his sheer grit. This is even more impressive considering he was still recovering from an illness. Just a week ago, Luke was so weak he could barely complete two meadow loops at Cutler, while the team skied for 2 hours. His determination and willingness to push himself beyond limits make him one to watch in the coming years.

Andre finished 55th, proving yet again that his spirit animal is a workhorse (LOL). His work ethic is unmatched on the team. After falling sick just days before the race, he could have easily bowed out, but instead, he insisted on coming to Laramie and racing. He even spent most of Thursday resting in the hotel room instead of previewing the course—his only focus was finishing what he started. On a normal day, he likely would have been up with Abe and Kade. As a freshman, his drive and resilience make it clear that he has big things ahead.

Eric was the final finisher for the boys, but he carried that spot with grace, confidence, and positivity. For a coach, there is no greater gift than seeing an athlete smile, knowing they gave their best, and being truly valued for who they are beyond the results. Eric embodies the heart of this team. He earned his place at the State Championship, and we are proud of him.

Girls' Race

At 11:30 AM, the girls took off. Kayley executed a smart race strategy, staying with the lead pack while conserving energy by drafting. She identified Olivia Tolson of Pinedale as her biggest competitor, and the two tactically matched each other’s moves.

After the first long climb, Kayley attempted to take the lead but couldn’t pass on the narrow, flat section. She waited until the descent after the “false” summit before attacking on the next uphill. Olivia initially matched her, but Kayley’s superior transitions gradually allowed her to break away. By the time she reached the first course intersection on the return, she had a commanding 42-second lead. Olivia’s father later remarked on how impressed Olivia was with Kayley’s ability to capitalize on course transitions.

Kayley finished with an incredible one-minute, five-second lead! Olivia placed second, Ameya Eddie of Lander third, and Raina Wachob—Friday’s winner—finished fourth. While we say goodbye to Ameya as she graduates, Kayley, Olivia, and Raina will all return next year and will soon compete at Junior Nationals in Utah against the nation’s best.

Brynn was our second Sheridan finisher, placing 33rd overall—an improvement of nine places over last year. While she was a bit frustrated with her season, the coaches have seen incredible growth in her confidence, attitude, and self-talk. She’s no longer a bundle of nerves before races, and there have been more smiles than ever. It’s been a joy to have her on the team this year, and we’re excited for what her senior season will bring. We anticipate a big step forward in her final year.

Livie and Brynn are practically inseparable, so it’s no surprise that Livie finished just behind her in 35th place. This season had its challenges for her, and we couldn’t be prouder of her for sticking with it. If it weren’t for Livie and Brynn, Kayley wouldn’t have even picked up skiing, and neither coach would have considered coaching this team. Their impact on Sheridan Nordic can’t be overstated. They may not have been founding members, but they’re honorary OGs in every sense, and we’re grateful for them.

Kindell skied through pain to finish 48th, a strong result considering her knee injury from the classic race. It was clear she wasn’t at full strength, but that didn’t stop her from pushing through and giving her all. What makes Kindell special is her dedication—few athletes have committed as fully as she has, following a structured training plan through the summer and fall and even investing in her own ski equipment. Her ski form is totally transformed from years past and exemplary. As she graduates this spring, we’ll miss not just her presence on the team but also her character, wit, and work ethic. Whatever she pursues next, she’ll bring the same determination and fire.

Ella finished 64th, rounding out our top five for Sheridan. She’ll be back next year, and we’re excited to see her growth. Skate skiing isn’t her favorite technique, and this was an incredibly technical course, so to see her cross the finish line with a big smile was awesome. Ella brings true energy and positivity to the team, and we love having her.

Mary closed out our girls' team in 67th place. She joined Nordic last year as a junior but missed most of the season due to injury, so this was her first full year of skiing. From the start, she’s been one of the most reliable and disciplined athletes—always on time, always focused, always giving her best. She’s also the most mature and calm presence on the team, which makes it all the more fun when she lets loose. Around her 18th birthday, she surprised us by launching snowballs at me and teaming up with Kindell to try to tackle me into deep snow! We will miss these two partner in crime dearly as she graduates, but we’re so grateful for the time we had with them.

This championship showcased the progress and spirit of our team. From first-time racers to seasoned veterans, every athlete gave their best, proving that Sheridan Nordic is here to stay - heck we now have a State Champion in our midst!! We are proud of every skier and excited for what’s to come!