Hadford does it again – State Skimeister Champ!

  Last year, Nederland High School junior Jessica Hadford skied her way to the state’s number one Skimeister position, which came as a total surprise to her.

  This year, she wanted to reclaim the title, but knew she had a bunch of hard ski trails ahead of her.

  Being a Skimeister means competing in both Nordic and Alpine events. Skimeisters are not usually in the high-ranking state slots, but do consistently gain enough points overall, in the slalom, giant slalom, freestyle and classic events to rank as Skimeister.

  “My goal was to just ski as hard as I could and not crash. I just kept saying ‘I can’t crash, I can’t crash.’”

  In Jessica’s first race, a giant slalom, she crashed, earning zero points towards her goal of becoming the state’s number one Skimeister, again.

  She tried not to ski more cautiously, but knew she couldn’t crash again. She put the fall behind her and focused on skiing each race carefully but as fast as she could.

  Halfway through the season Jessica was in first place. Now all she had to do was hang on to that lead.

  On Friday night, Jessica took her place, in the Number One position of the State Skimeister podium. She achieved claiming the title two years in a row.

  She was also presented the State Alpine Skier of the year Award, which is voted on by all the ski coaches. The award is based on the athlete’s attitude, likeability, work ethic and all-around good sportsmanship.

  Jessica Hadford embodies what a high school athlete should be, a role model for all students and athletes.

  Not only is Jessica number one Skimeister, but last year she was third in the state in the 400m in track. She ran cross-country in the fall and plans to play soccer and enter more track events this spring.

  But, she says, soccer will be a priority.

  Once again, the pressure is on, but Jessica has proven she’s ready for it.

  Jerry Hadford, Jessica’s dad says it has been a very busy time, a very exciting time and he is very proud of his daughter.