Kylie Van Tassel, skiing for Winthrop, won the girls 2026 Junior Sassi 3k Classical at Black Mountain of Maine on January 31. With temperatures below zero in the early morning hours, the decision was made to move the race times back to give Mother Nature some time to warm 
up the air. Van Tassel finished with a time of 12:39.6 to capture the gold. Hazel Badgett, skiing for Gould Academy, took second with a time of 12:42.0. Taking the final podium position was Louisa Chalmers of Yarmouth, who crossed the finish line at the 12:51.6 mark.
Scotia Bell, skiing for Quarry Road out of Waterville, came in fourth with a time of 13:03.4. Fifth place went to Neve McGuire of Farmington Area Ski Team with a finish of 13:13.8. In sixth place was Gwen Stack, skiing for Maine West, with a time of 13:47.1.
In the boys race, Elliot Plog, who was representing Day Mountain, took the top spot with a time of 10:19.7. 
Striding across the line in second place was Paxton Coughlin with a time of 10:44.9. Finishing in third place was Quarry Road's Turner Albee with a time of 11:07.8.
Fourth place went to Eli Leblond of Quarry Road with a 11:23.9 finish time. Abe Crooker of Maine West took fifth with a time of 11:26.3. Coming in sixth place was Noel Waterman of Gray-New Gloucester, who finished in 11:37.2.
For complete results, click here.
As of 1/30/2026
JUNIOR – SASSI MEMORIAL
CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL
JANUARY 31, 2026
BLACK MOUNTAIN OF MAINE
39 GLOVER ROAD
RUMFORD, MAINE 04276
EVENT: 3km CLASSICAL - 15 second interval start
START TIME:
10:00 9:00 AM GIRLS
10:15 9:30 AM BOYS
BIB PICK-UP: Bib pick-up will be in race headquarters upon arrival at Black Mountain. Race headquarters opens at 8:00 AM. Please return unused bibs prior to the start of the race. $50.00 fee charged for any lost bib.
WAX TESTING: Wax testing and course inspection allowed on the course from 7:30 AM to 8:50 AM. Everyone must ski in the direction of the race course.
COURSE Spectators and coaches are welcome out on the side of the course during race.
MOVEMENT: C_o_a_c_h_e_s_ _m_u_s_t_ _b_e_ _w_e_a_r_i_n_g_ _a_ _c_o_a_c_h_’s_ _b_i_b_._ _A_l_l_ _other skiers will require a Nordic Pass (get your free pass at the ticket office). Skiers must travel in the direction of the race course at all times
AWARDS: Awards will be approx. 11:15 10:30 AM in the Stadium. Racers must be present to win the bib draws.
ENTRY DEADLINE: January 28, 2026 by 8 PM.