In a display of athletic prowess and team synergy, New Paltz High School's cross country skiing program has once again ascended to the pinnacle of Section 9 competition. Both the boys' and girls' teams clinched championship titles at the highly anticipated 2026 Section 9 event, held amidst the scenic winter landscape of Minnewaska State Park. This remarkable achievement underscores the dedication and skill cultivated within the New Paltz skiing community, as they now set their sights on the upcoming state championships.
New Paltz Skiers Shine at Section 9 Championships
On a crisp winter morning at Minnewaska State Park, the New Paltz cross country ski teams delivered a commanding performance at the Section 9 championships. Senior Matei Jirka spearheaded the boys' team victory, navigating the challenging 7.5-kilometer course with an impressive time of 26 minutes and 37 seconds. His triumph was part of a dominant sweep for New Paltz, with teammates Nathaniel Johnson (28:46) and Elon Rosenthal (31:04) securing second and third place, respectively. The boys' team amassed a formidable 24 points, outperforming Wallkill (15) and Monticello (2).
Not to be outdone, the New Paltz girls' team also celebrated a resounding victory, led by senior Dylan Friedman. Friedman showcased her exceptional talent by completing the course in 28 minutes and 3 seconds, significantly ahead of her competitors. Monticello's Baya Titus finished second at 34:13, followed closely by New Paltz's Gala Dixey at 34:30. The girls' squad accumulated 20 points, surpassing Wallkill (14) and Monticello (8).
The individual successes of Jirka and Friedman mark their second consecutive championship titles, solidifying their status as top athletes in the region. The state championships are scheduled to take place on February 23-24 at Bristol Mountain. The Section 9 boys' contingent heading to states will include New Paltz's top three finishers, Matei Jirka, Nathaniel Johnson, and Elon Rosenthal, along with teammate Sawyer Ivchenko, and Wallkill's trio of Ryder Kilpatrick, Graham Driskill, and Gavin Griffin. The girls' state team will feature New Paltz's Dylan Friedman and Gala Dixey, joined by teammate Ella Brown, Monticello's Baya Titus, and Wallkill's Taylor Zavodsky, Tamara Brand, and Isabela Brand. These athletes represent the best of Section 9 and are poised to compete for state honors.
This impressive showing by New Paltz serves as a testament to the power of consistent training, strategic coaching, and a strong team spirit. The repeated individual victories and team championships highlight the deep talent pool within the school's skiing program. As these dedicated athletes prepare for the state championships, their journey offers an inspiring example of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence in sports. Their success not only brings pride to their school and community but also motivates aspiring young skiers to strive for their own personal best.