January 05, 2012 (Rumford, Maine) – Sport insiders have spoken often over the last year about the near limitless potential of USST-CXC skier, 19-year-old Jesse Diggins. The Afton, MN native took another step towards confirmation of that today by winning her second consecutive title at the 2012 US Cross Country Championships at Black Mountain of Maine in the women’s 10km FR individual start race.

Diggins set the time of 24:56.30 to take the crown over her CXC-talented teammate Caitlin Gregg who was clocked in 26:09.90 with APU’s Kate Fitzgerald taking third. Conditions were ideal for today’s event, and a bluebird sky appeared for much of the race, and even temperatures cooperated. Diggins will return to the FIS World Cup following these Championships in time for the race in Milan, Italy Jan. 14-15.

In the women’s overall Canada’s Dasha Gaiazova was second with a time of 26:09.90, but her time does not count towards the USSA National Championships.

In the men’s event, Tad Elliott of Durango, CO, USST and the Ski and Snowboard Club of Vail, took the win in 30:18.80, while second place went to Matt Liebsch (CXC) at 2.6 seconds back. The bronze medal was awarded to another Vail skier and former Bates college ace Sylvan Ellefson in 30:25.90. Aspen skier and USST member Noah Hoffman was fourth.

Women’s results HERE.
Men’s results HERE.