Montpelier High School Girls Claim Victory in Division II Championship
The Montpelier High School Girls Cross Country Ski Team made history on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Prospect Mountain in Woodford by clinching the Division II championship. After years of near misses, the Solon Boys Team also put on an impressive performance, securing a second-place finish for the third consecutive year.
Seasoned Coach Brian Carlson, now in his sixth season with the Solons, expressed his delight at the team’s success and credited the support of assistant coaches Hugh Pritchard, Jason Serota-Winston, and waxing specialist Dan Voisin, as well as the families of all the skiers.
The MHS girls team, hungry for victory after finishing second in the past three years, displayed exceptional talent on the slopes. Leading the charge were Sara Saligman McGill, who finished fourth with a time of 21:26.4, followed by Adele Pritchard in eighth place, Anna Wetherell in 14th, and Clare Pritchard in 16th. The team’s depth was evident with strong performances from Marie Voisin, Phoebe Bakeman, and Miriam Serota-Winston.
On the boys’ side, the Solon Boys team showcased their consistency and determination with a commendable second-place finish. Standout performances came from Samuel Brondyke, Luke Murphy, Asa Lloyd, and Jay Borland, who secured top finishes in the Classical race. Dylan Bacon also contributed with a solid performance, finishing 46th overall.
The Division II championship rankings are determined by a series of races over two days, each featuring different techniques. This year, the Freestyle events took place at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, while the Classical races were held at Prospect Mountain. The team rankings are based on finish place points, with the goal being to achieve a low score. Individual races are followed by thrilling relays, where each school fields a team of their four fastest sprint skiers.
The competition includes schools from across Vermont, with Division II featuring a diverse range of teams including BFA Fairfax, Burr and Burton, and Harwood. The atmosphere on race day is vibrant, with officials, families, friends, and fans coming together to support the skiers.
As the Montpelier High School Girls Cross Country Ski Team basks in the glow of their championship victory, the Solon Boys Team looks ahead with determination to continue their pursuit of the top spot. With a strong foundation of talent, dedication, and support, both teams have shown that they are forces to be reckoned with in the world of cross country skiing.
