Hutchison of Lander: WyoPreps AOY Boys Nordic Skiing 2023-24

Congratulations to the recipient of our first WyoPreps Athlete of the Year Award for Boys’ Nordic Skiing, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming and Wyld Gear. The winner is Lander Valley senior Bennett Hutchison. Hutchison was a state champion and led Wyoming in all-state points in the 2023-24 season.

Hutchison won a second consecutive state title in the freestyle race at the state championships in February of this year. He defended his title in the 5km skate race on Feb. 23, 2024, at the Casper Mountain Trails Center. Hutchison finished the course with a time of 13:16.09. He won by 11.51 seconds. The Lander senior followed that effort with a runner-up finish in the 10km classic race on Feb. 24, 2024. Hutchison’s time was 28:42.57. That was about 29 seconds behind the winner.

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For the season, Bennett finished no worse than second place in the nine races he competed in. That included four regular season wins in Lander (two), Pinedale, and Cody. He was the only skier who accomplished the feat of top-two in every race he skied. Hutchison’s top six races and state point total was 238 points, the most in boys’ Nordic skiing for the 2023-24 season.

WyoPreps caught up with Hutchison this week to get his reaction to our award. He was excited to receive it. Bennett described his season, how he progressed, his mindset in the two types of Nordic races, winning an individual title, and more.

Thank you to Bennett for his time. Hats off on a great season!