March 11, 2008 (Anchorage, Alaska) – The first event to kick off the 2008 Junior Olympics was yesterday’s 1.2km classic technique sprints and a total of 18 medals were handed out – 12 of them were taken by New England (7) and Alaskan skiers (5). Alex Howe (Gunstock Nordic) won the Boys age 18-19 years and Becca Rorabaugh (APU Nordic Ski Center) won the Girls age 18-19 years category.

It was a day that saw the NSAA host organization turn slush and ice into raceable classic tracks that were tested by 402 racers, and 48 heats of head-to-head racing. The above average temperatures threatened to disrupt the championships that will run from March 9-15th at Anchorage’s Kincaid park. However, diligent efforts by volunteers and the moving of the sprint course enabled Monday’s event to be a success.

Results

Boys (18-19) – 1.25km

1. Alex Howe (Gunstock Nordic)
2. Doug Debold (Green Mountain Valley School)
3. Reid Fletcher (Sun Valley S.E.F)
4. Miles Havlick (Boulder Nordic Junior Racers)
5. Reese Hanneman (Fairbanks AK Ski Team)

Girls (18-19) – 1.25km

1. Becca Rorabaugh (APU Nordic Ski Center)
2. Parker Tyler (Stratton Mountain School)
3. Mali Noyes (Sun Valley S.E.F.)
4. Sadie Bjornsen (Methow Valley XC)
5. Ky Eiben (APU Nordic Ski Center)

Boys (16-17) – 1.25km

1. Joe Dubay (Andover High School)
2. Sam Tarling (Burke Mountain Academy)
3. Tyler Kornfield (Alaska Winter Stars)
4. David Norris (Fairbanks AK Ski Team)
5. Eric Packer (Alaska Winter Stars)

Girls (16-17) – 1.25km
1. Amy Glen (Alaska Winter Stars)
2. Jessie Diggins (Stillwater High School)
3. Sophie Caldwell (Stratton Mountain School)
4. Stephanie Crocker (St. Paul’s School)
5. Kate Dolan (Bridger Ski Foundation)

Boys (14-15) – 1.25km
1. Steve Mangan (Honeoyo-Falls Nordic)
2. Scott Patterson (Alaska Winter Stars)
3. Bridger Tyler (Stratton Mountain School)
4. Eric Ryan (Alaska Winter Stars)
5. Johnny Springer (Jackson Hole Ski Club)

Girls (14-15) – 1.25km
1. Kristin Halvorsen (Green Mountain Valley School)
2. Karina Packer (Alaska Winter Stars)
3. Tara Geraghty-Moats (Craftsbury Nordic)
4. Isabel Caldwell (Stratton Mountain School)
5. Elizabeth Anderson Ford (Sayre Ski Club)

For complete results click here.