Heidi Halvorsen at the finish of the FU18 relay © Herb Swanson

March 09, 2014 (Stowe, Vermont) – The 2014 Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships wrapped up on March 8 with the men’s and women’s 3X3km Relay races at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. When the dust settled Team New England emerged as the big winner of the day taking three Relay titles along with the famed Alasaka Cup.

Team New England wins the Alaska Cup © Herb Swanson

Stratton Mountain School’s Katherine Ogden from Landgrove, VT, distinguished herself taking home three titles as she won both the FU18 classic and freestyle races along with the under 18 women’s 3X3k relay team partnered with Zoe Snow and Julia Kern. Five other skiers recorded two wins each.

Katharine Ogden © Herb Swanson

Bill Koch, the sole American to win an Olympic medal in cross country skiing, was on hand to present awards on the final day of competition to the winning Relay teams:

FU16 – Brooke Dunnagan, Anna Gibson, Leah Lange – TEAM INTERMOUNTAIN
FU18 – Zoe Snow, Katherine Ogden, Julia Kern – TEAM NEW ENGLAND
FU20 – Hannah Benson, Kelsey Phinney, Heidi Halverson – TEAM NEW ENGLAND

MU16 – Max Polito, Peter Wolter, Zach Williams – TEAM INTERMOUNTAIN
MU18 – John Farr, Joe Bue, Thomas O’Hara – TEAM ALASKA
MU20 – Jack Schrupp, Jack Hegman, Cole Morgan – TEAM NEW ENGLAND

Cole Morgan © Herb Swanson

The closing ceremonies included an awards banquet with more festivities including the final leg of the “Junior Olympic Torch”. Head of the Organizing Committee, Kristina von Trapp Frame, expressed her gratitude to all.

Zach Williams © Herb Swanson

“This championship event lived up to all our expectations.  All the races were great for the big crowds cheering their heroes on. And so many generous volunteers made this week run like clockwork.  I can’t begin to thank all the people who were a part of this wonderful experience for these deserving youngsters.  We can’t wait to see many of them in the next Olympic Games,” commented von Trapp Frame.

With files from Trapp Family Lodge.

Full results here.
Alaska Cup Points here.