Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Cross Country athletes, coaches, families, and supporters gathered at the Sage School Barn in Hailey to celebrate the conclusion of another successful season at the SVSEF Cross Country End-of-Year Awards Banquet for the Prep and Comp Teams.

The evening honored athlete achievements, senior reflections, and the strong sense of community that defines the SVSEF XC program.

“It was a great celebration of team, athlete recognitions, senior speeches, and an overall deep show of appreciation for all that our coaches, athletes, families and community do to support SVSEF Cross Country,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director.

Prep Team Head Coach and Assistant Program Director Kelley Yeates highlighted the impact of the team’s graduating seniors.

“We had some exceptional senior speeches this year,” said Yeates. “They were touching reflections on each athlete’s journey with the Cross Country team and powerful reminders of the friendships, growth, and lifelong impact this program creates.”

Prep Team Awards

Prep Team Outstanding Skier honors went to Augie Allaire and Nina O’Sullivan, while Ben Wellner and Eisley Burdette received the Coaches Award. Ford Ramsay and Sadie Guss were named Most Improved Skiers, and Cody Lloyd received the Sean Flynn Memorial Scholarship Award.

The evening also included a presentation of the Bob Rosso Scholarship, established by the Boulder Mountain Tour in honor of longtime community leader and skiing advocate Bob Rosso. The scholarship recognizes athletes who embody enthusiasm for skiing, respect for others, love of the outdoors, and a desire to positively impact the community. This year’s Bob Rosso Scholarship recipients were Silas Seppa and Catherine Jameson. Additional nominees included Jed Schmidt, Henri Allaire, Penelope Zook, and Hope Lloyd.

Inspirational Skier awards went to Spencer Flynn and Payton Daley-Scheingraber.

Comp Team Awards

On the Comp Team side, Anna Gilman and Cyrus Pott received the prestigious Peggy and Sigi Engl Award, recognizing athletes who demonstrate excellence in skiing, sportsmanship, and academics throughout the season.

Bailey Kurtz earned the Torin Norton Tucker Scholarship Award, a $1,000 tuition scholarship presented annually to one SVSEF XC athlete who embodies the qualities Torin represented: hard work, sportsmanship, love of cross country skiing, strong teamwork, and a passion for outdoor adventure. The award recognizes an athlete who reflects the values and spirit of the SVSEF XC community.

Sydney Nelson and Thijs Lloyd were named Rookies of the Year. Outstanding Skier honors went to Nick Gardiner and Stella St. George, and Sidney Brown and Caleo Morrison were recognized as Most Improved Skiers.

The Inspirational Skier award, voted on by teammates, was presented to Anna Gilman and Tait Boschen, while Charlie St. George received the Coaches Award.

The annual banquet marked not only the culmination of the winter season, but also the enduring culture of teamwork, perseverance, and community that continues to define SVSEF Cross Country.