photo – Banta Visuals

Written by Kathi Kirkeby

A brief break in storms allowed Mammoth racers to travel to Auburn Ski Club and compete in the California-Nevada State Cross Country Ski Championships on Friday, March 3rd. The high schoolers competed in a 6 km skiathlon race, which included a 3 km classic loop followed by a 3km skate loop. The middle schoolers competed in a 3 km skate race.

Dane Karch skied an incredible race and was named the High School California-Nevada State Champion. The competitive efforts of the other Mammoth High School boys did not go unnoticed as they proved their skills on both classic and skate skis. As a team, Mammoth High School boys claimed the overall title of California-Nevada State Champions.

Olivia Karch and Ella Walker also put forth their best efforts in the skiathlon, and despite being the only two girls from Mammoth High School competing that day, they took home the team prize for third overall.

Following the lead of their high school role models, the Mammoth Middle School girls team navigated their way through a field of 33 racers to win the overall state championship title. Pearl Johnson and Reagan Czeschin led the team and finished the 3km course within one second of each other.

Mammoth Middle School boys did not compete, but they look forward to more races next season.

Coaches Ben Higgins and Jeff Byberg traveled to support the middle and high school teams, and they applauded the athletes’ effort, positive attitude, and sportsmanship. The coaches would also like to recognize the amazing parents for their support.

High School Boys:

1st – Dane Karch

5th – Cabot Godoy

7th – Jack Leonard

9th – Wade Perry

15th – Davin Wolter

High School Girls:

9th – Olivia Karch

15th – Ella Walker

MIddle School Girls:

3rd – Pearl Johnson

4th- Reagan Czeschin