Summit High School claimed its fourth state title in 72 hours today, this one for cross-country skiing.
John Ryan won the boys individual skate race at Snow Mountain Ranch in Grand County, beating runner-up Teddy Brunner of Vail Mountain School by nearly 20 seconds. Finishing third was Summit teammate Carter Niemkiewicz.
The Summit boys cross-country ski team went undefeated at regular season races, and that dominance continued today with another three skiers in the top-10, including Daniel Butler in sixth, Levi Ryan in seventh and Griffin Heins in eighth. Coach Mike Hagen confirms 10 of 12 boys qualified for state this year, giving Summit “the highest number and highest qualifying percentage in the State.”
In the girls skate race Lucy Greenwood finished third overall behind Kajsa Wik of Nederland and new state champ Isla Elton of Vail Mountain School.
Lucy’s teammate Maeve Niemkevich finished fourth. Marin Little also made top-10.
Tomorrow, Feb. 21, is Day 2 of the state championships with a classic race and mixed team relay. The relay happens just once every year, at the state champs, with four 1.5-kilometer legs split evenly between skate and classic.
The Summit boys are nearly untouchable for a team title, which would be their third in three years. The girls are neck-and-neck with the defending state champs, Lake County. That title might come down to the relay race.
Preview images from the final regular season race at Gold Run Nordic Center in Breck. Individual skier is Lucy Greenwood.