Jackson Sweeps Nordic Ski State Titles

The State Nordic Ski meet wrapped up on Saturday at the White Pines ski area outside of Pinedale with the Jackson boys and girls winning state titles yet again. On the girl's side, Jackson won their 11th state title in a row with 252 points, Lander was 2nd with 239, Natrona 3rd with 157, Kelly Walsh 4th with 145, Laramie took 5th with 86 points, Cody 6th with 34, and Pinedale 7th with 19

Jackson's Kate Brigham is one of the finest athletes in the state and she took first in the 5K freestyle and the 10k classic, which is exactly what she did in 2021. In the freestyle on Friday, she finished the circuit in 15.17.7 with her teammate Lena Poduska 2nd win in 15.23.1. Ally Wheeler of Natrona took the bronze medal, Ameya Eddy from Lander was 4th and her teammate KayKay Sandall was 5th. In the 10k classic on Saturday, it was Brigham took the gold in 34.18.6 and Wheeler placed 2nd in 34.36.6. Poduska was 3rd, Sydney Wilmot of Jackson 4th and Annika Wilmot of Lander 4th. Brigham by the way is the defending state champion in 4A cross country and the defending state champion in the 800 and 1600 meters in track and field.

On the boy's side, Jackson's Mason Wheeler won both the 5K and 10K races as his team won their 4th consecutive state title. The Broncs accumulated 277 points with Lander 2nd with 176, Natrona placed 3rd with 150 points, Laramie 4th with 134, Kelly Walsh was in the 5 spot with 123, Cody 6th with 47, and Pinedale 7th with 23. Wheeler who is the defending 4A cross country champion finished 2nd in both nordic races a year ago and won the 5K in 13.14.9 with his teammate Bridger Stiles taking 2nd in 13.52.8. Jackson placed 3rd and 4th with Will Johnson and Lucas Wilmot with Lander's Diego Lobatos taking 5th. In the 10K classic, it was Wheeler crossing the line 1st in 28.45, Johnson 2nd in 30.15.2. Wilmot was the 3rd place finisher, Stiles 4th and Jackson had the 5th place finisher as well in Peter Concannon.

We have a fantastic collection of photos, compliments of Robert Galbreath of the Pinedale Round-Up. Take a look!