The CMU Cross Country Ski Team heading out to the race course.
The CMU Cross Country Ski Team heading out to the race course.
Early morning race setup at Snow Mountain Ranch. Jeff Paulson, Nordic Director, with Sean on the snowmobile, getting everything dialed before athletes arrived.
Early morning race setup at Snow Mountain Ranch. Jeff Paulson, Nordic Director, with Sean on the snowmobile, getting everything dialed before athletes arrived.
Some of the Snow Mountain Ranch Ski Patrol on course—full medical coverage throughout the race with immediate response and transport available.
Some of the Snow Mountain Ranch Ski Patrol on course—full medical coverage throughout the race with immediate response and transport available.
Team culture matters. We stay together, travel together, and prepare all meals from scratch—fueling well is part of racing well.
Team culture matters. We stay together, travel together, and prepare all meals from scratch—fueling well is part of racing well.
Wesley Sumner, CMU
Wesley Sumner, CMU
Men’s start—calm before the effort, with the field rolling out fast.
Men’s start—calm before the effort, with the field rolling out fast.
The men’s field launching cleanly off the line at the start of the 15 km Classic.
The men’s field launching cleanly off the line at the start of the 15 km Classic.
Classic technique on display as the men settle into rhythm early in the race.
Classic technique on display as the men settle into rhythm early in the race.
Mid-race effort—athletes working through the course.
Mid-race effort—athletes working through the course.
Griffin Gracey pushing through the later kilometers, staying composed and strong to the finish.
Griffin Gracey pushing through the later kilometers, staying composed and strong to the finish.
Wes Sumner—focused and efficient on the way to a win in the men’s 15 km Classic.
Wes Sumner—focused and efficient on the way to a win in the men’s 15 km Classic.
Wes Sumner driving the pace during the men’s 15 km Classic, skiing with control and efficiency on his way to victory.
Wes Sumner driving the pace during the men’s 15 km Classic, skiing with control and efficiency on his way to victory.
Wesley Sumner (CMU) powers across the finish line to claim first place.
Wesley Sumner (CMU) powers across the finish line to claim first place.
On 15K classic race course.
On 15K classic race course.
The women’s field heading out at the start of the 15 km Classic.
The women’s field heading out at the start of the 15 km Classic.
Ruthie Richardson staying tall and efficient through women’s 15 km Classic.
Ruthie Richardson staying tall and efficient through women’s 15 km Classic.
Greta Bochenek (CMU) breaks the race open early, skiing solo to a dominant first-place finish.
Greta Bochenek (CMU) breaks the race open early, skiing solo to a dominant first-place finish.
Athletes moving into early race positions as the field begins to spread.
Athletes moving into early race positions as the field begins to spread.
Jack Lackman climbing during the men’s 15 km Classic.
Jack Lackman climbing during the men’s 15 km Classic.
Ruthie Richardson staying tall and efficient in women’s 15 km Classic.
Ruthie Richardson staying tall and efficient in women’s 15 km Classic.
Jack (CMU), Griffin (CMU) and Austin (Wyo) after the race.
Jack (CMU), Griffin (CMU) and Austin (Wyo) after the race.

Photography by David James, 303photography.com 📷 Follow on Instagram: @djphoto04

January 24 – 15 km Classic

USCSA Ski Race at Snow Mountain Ranch

The USCSA 15 km Classic on January 24 at Snow Mountain Ranch kicked off the race weekend with a demanding distance event that tested fitness, skills, and pacing. Cold temperatures and firm, fast tracks made for honest classic racing, rewarding athletes who stayed composed and efficient over the full 15 kilometers.

Women’s Results – Top 3

  1. Greta Bochenek (CMU) – 1:01:03.1
  2. Annika Beighey (CU) – 1:03:56.0
  3. Maddy Rosenberger (WCU) – 1:05:25.6

Greta Bochenek delivered a decisive performance, skiing away from the field to claim a clear victory for the CMU Cross Country Ski Team. CMU also placed multiple women deep into the results, showing strong depth in the women’s field.

CMU Women

  • 1st – Greta Bochenek – 1:01:03.1
  • 4th – Ellayna Potter – 1:05:41.5
  • 11th – Ruthie Richardson – 1:12:53.6
  • 14th – Mya Taylor – 1:15:50.9
  • 19th – Jane Malouf – 1:21:51.8

Men’s Results – Top 3

  1. Wesley Sumner (CMU) – 51:24.9
  2. Anders Hekkli (WCU) – 51:39.0
  3. Drew Crouch (UWYO) – 53:23.1

On the men’s side, Wesley Sumner edged out the competition in a tight battle at the front, securing another win for CMU in just over 51 minutes. The men’s race featured close time gaps early on, with the lead pack pushing the pace from the opening kilometers.

CMU Men

  • 1st – Wesley Sumner – 51:24.9
  • 15th – Jack Lackman – 58:09.0
  • 16th – Griffin Gracey – 58:31.0
  • 28th – Rylan Birch – 1:09:15.3 (this race marked his first season ever on cross country skis)

With victories in both the women’s and men’s races, CMU opened the weekend in dominant fashion at Snow Mountain Ranch. The 15 km Classic set the tone for the rest of the United States Collegiate Ski Association weekend, highlighting strong classic distance skills and depth across the Rocky Mountain collegiate field.

Many thanks to the Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch for hosting the event. Special appreciation goes to Jeff Paulson, Nordic Director, for the warm welcome, truly rolling out the red carpet for USCSA racers, and providing massive logistical support throughout the weekend.

A huge thank you as well to the entire grooming crew, led by Sean, for the impeccable grooming that delivered fair, fast, and consistent race tracks. The CMU Cross Country Ski Team is especially grateful for the way Snow Mountain Ranch has embraced CMU as its home team for racing and training, providing every level of support an athlete group could ask for.

Finally, special thanks to the Snow Mountain Ranch Ski Patrol for providing full medical coverage across the race course, with immediate transportation available for any athlete in need.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Fischer Nordic and Atomic for providing prizes and giveaways to our student-athletes. Their continued support of collegiate skiing is deeply appreciated and plays an important role in helping student-athletes feel valued and supported.

The CMU Cross Country Ski Team proudly skis on Fischer skis, and we are grateful for Fischer’s long-standing commitment to our team and to the development of college cross country skiing.