The 2024-25 Wyoming high school Nordic skiing season officially begins this weekend at the Trail Creek Ranch Nordic Facility in Wilson, Wyopreps.com reports.
The event, known as the Betty Woolsey Classic, will feature student-athletes from eight schools competing in sprint and distance races.
Participating schools include:
- Casper Kelly Walsh
- Casper Natrona County
- Cody
- Jackson
- Lander
- Laramie
- Pinedale
- Sheridan
This marks the third consecutive year that the Nordic skiing season will begin on time, providing an early test of skill and endurance for competitors.
Event Schedule
The competition spans two days with different race formats each day:
- Friday, Dec. 13: 1.25 km Skate Sprint race starting at 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 14: Classic race starting at 10 a.m. Distances vary depending on the competitors’ age division:
- U18/20: 10 km race
- U16: 5 km race
- U14: 2.5 km race
These races serve as a preview for the season, showcasing athletes’ conditioning and race strategies early in the schedule.
Athletes to Watch
Girls’ Division
All eyes will be on Ally Wheeler of Natrona County, a two-time defending state champion. Wheeler has been a dominant force in Wyoming’s high school skiing circuit, winning last year’s state championship races by significant margins (1:12 and 2:44).
Other notable competitors include:
- Twyla Beason (Lander)
- Kayley Alicke (Sheridan)
- Julia Veauthier (Kelly Walsh)
- Elisa Wachob (Cody)
- Olivia Tolson (Pinedale)
With a strong field of returners, the girls’ competition promises to be one of the most exciting storylines of the season.
Boys’ Division
On the boys’ side, Kalel Brubaker of Natrona County High School (NCHS) enters as a top contender. Brubaker placed third and fourth in last year’s state championship races, signaling strong potential for the new season.
Other athletes to watch include:
- Gideon Moore (Laramie)
- William Blair (Natrona County)
- Hunter Pickett (Natrona County)
- Everett Roberson (Kelly Walsh)
With multiple schools fielding strong competitors, the boys’ division could see intense competition throughout the season.
The season will culminate with the 2025 State Championships, hosted by Laramie at the Happy Jack Recreation Area on February 28 and March 1. The state championship schedule includes a 5 km classic race and a 10 km skate race, offering athletes the chance to compete for individual and team honors.
Spectators, parents, and fans are encouraged to support local athletes by attending events. WyoPreps is also inviting the public to submit photos from Nordic skiing races to be featured on their website. Photos can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected].
