March 12th (Rumford, ME): Putting four skiers in the top ten, and two on
the podium after today's 6.6km Freestyle race, Vermont's Eastern High School
XC Ski Team made it known today that the rest of this weekend's races
everyone else would be fighting for second place. Mt. Mansfield High
School's Jen McGowen eeked out a two second win over Mohawk High School's
(MA) Alyssa Sessions, as the 100 girl field battled their way around the
course of slushy corn snow. Essex Junction's Kristin Bednar was just one
second behind second place, a tight finish of three racers within three
seconds. They were supported by Erica Hunt (Colchester, VT) and Sarah
VanDyke (St. Paul's School/Stowe) in 7th and 8th.
2nd, Jen McGowen (Mt. Mansfield HS) 1st, Kristen Bednar (Essex Jct. HS) 3rd, 6.6km Freestyle; Credit: Dorcas Wonsavage</font><BR></p>
<p>The Vermont boys managed three in the top 10, including Silas Gill (Burke<br />
Mountain Academy) and Fritz Horst (Stratton Mountain School) in second and<br />
third, and from People's HS, Ben Hickory in 7th. By the end of the day, it<br />
was Vermont was ahead of Mained by only 8 points, with three more events to<br />
go.</p>
<p> The best high school cross-country ski racers in the East are at Black<br />
Mountain this weekend for the Banknorth Eastern High School Championships.<br />
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts have sent teams of their<br />
best 20 girls and 20 boys to compete in this weekend's four race<br />
Championships. Saturday's races are the Freestyle Sprints and the 4 x 2.5km<br />
mixed medley/mixed gender relay. Sunday concludes with the 6.6km classic<br />
event.</p>
<p>Banknorth Eastern High School Championships<br />
Boys 6.6km Freestyle</p>
<p>1. Ben Knowles, Greely HS ME, 20:29<br />
2. Silas Gill, Burke Mountain Academy VT, 20:44<br />
3. Fritz Horst, Stratton Mountain School VT 21:08<br />
4. Pavel Sotskov, Vermont Academy VT NH 21:13.2<br />
5. Matt Dunlap, Farmington ME, 21:13.5<br />
6. Nick Kline, Cape Elizabeth ME, 21;33<br />
7. BEN HICKORY, PEOPLES HS VT 21:36<br />
8. SHANE MACDOWELL, HOOSAC VALLEY MA 21:46<br />
9. FORREST TOBIE, MARANACOOK HS ME, 21:51<br />
10. IAN MCPHERRAN, Farmington ME, 21:56</p>
<p>Banknorth Eastern High School Championships<br />
Girls 6.6km Freestyle</p>
<p>1. Jen McGowen, Mt. Mansfield VT 25:56<br />
2. Alyssa Sessions, Mohawk Trail MA 25:58<br />
3. Kristen Bednar, Essex Junction VT 25:59<br />
4. Kalie dunn, Yarmouth HS ME , 26:10<br />
5. Meagan Toussaint, Madawaska ME, 26:17<br />
6. Elise Moody-Roberts, Cape Elizabeth ME, 26:21<br />
7. Eric Hunt, Colchester HS VT, 26:45<br />
8. Sarah VanDyke, Stowe VT, 26:56<br />
9. Liz Kantack, Kennett HS, NH 26:58<br />
10. Hannah Specht, Mohawk Trail MA, 27:06</p>
<p>For more updates on the schedule, results, photos visit <a href=http://www.NENSA.net)
www.NENSA.net and
www.ChisholmSkiClub.org
