January 05, 2014 (Soldier Hollow, UT ) – Day two of the 2014 US Cross Country Championships in Soldier Hollow, Utah brought clear skies and fast skiing with freestyle sprint competitions that did not disappoint. For the first time in years, the men and women skated on the same 1.5 kilometer loop that included the notoriously challenging Hermod’s hill.

Torin Koos in action © Ian Harvey/Toko

And for the second time this week, the winners of the men’s and women’s competition belonged to the same program, only this time from the lower 48. Bozeman Ski Foundation skiers Jennie Bender and Torin Koos snagged the titles in photo finishes. Ben Saxton (Stratton Mountain School) and Reese Hanneman (Alaska Pacific University) followed Koos while Caitlin Gregg (Team Gregg) and Rosie Brennan (APU) took the women’s second and third podium spots.

“I wanted to qualify better than top ten but I was able to refocus,” said Koos of his 10th place qualification. “I knew it was going to be some really tight racing but I had a plan and was able to execute and am very satisfied with the day.” Saxton qualified fourth at the start of the day while Hanneman qualified 11th.

Rosie Brennan © Ian Harvey/Toko

In addition to being the second overall finisher, Saxton took home the title as first U23 finisher. “You wait for this all year,” said Saxton, “and once the gun went off it settled into the same old groove. It was really exciting.”

The men’s final also included Bates College skier Jordan Buetow, Logan Hanneman (University of Alaska Fairbanks) and Samuel Nanney (Methow Olympic Development/Madsus).

On the women’s side, Bender claimed her second national title, after last year’s classic sprint, and Gregg took her second consecutive silver medal. Brennen, fresh off the first period of racing World Cups, took third. The top three women were followed by Kate Fitzgerald (APU), Rose Kemp (SVSEF Gold Team), and Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury GRP).

“I feel like I’m ready to race again,” said Bender, fresh off her win, despite having felt like she “was being punched in the face” throughout the qualifier. She qualified 5th in the morning, while Gregg and Brennan qualified 1st and 3rd, respectively.

Women's podium © Annie Pokorny

“Sunshine, family, awesome racing, it doesn’t get any better than this,” said Caitlin, surrounded by her parents and husband, Brian. She added that after the good start to the week, she was most excited for the 20-kilometer skate.

Elizabeth Guiney (Craftsbury GRP) was the top U23 woman and Nicole Bathe (University of Alaska) was the fastest junior finisher in 11th. For the men it was Cole Morgan (University of Vermont) who qualified 16th in the morning and was the top junior male finisher in the senior heats.

The athletes now have two off days before they return to race the 20 and 30 kilometer skate competitions on Jan. 8. The final race, a classic sprint, will be held on Jan. 10.

Qualifications HERE.

Sprint Brackets for FJR
Sprint Brackets for MJR
Sprint Brackets for FSR
Sprint Brackets for MSR