For the second straight year, Clara White of Orono is the Sassi Memorial 5k Champion. In 2025, 
White was victorious in the freestyle version of this race. White, a senior who plans to attend Bowdoin College next year, won the 2026 classical gold with a time of 15:26.1. Taking the silver was Gould Academy's Mallory Raymond with a time of 16:43.2. Raymond's teammate Grace Scott took the bronze with a time of 17:58.0.
Coming in fourth place was Brynn Newsom of Gould with a time of 17:58.2, missing a podium position by just .2 second. Greely's Evelyn Lacasse took fifth place, crossing the line in 18:38.2. Sixth place went to Bowan Barry of Greely, who finished with a time of 18:47.1.
In the men's race, it was Alden Reardon of Fort Kent taking first place as he crossed the finish line with a time of 14:08.1. 
Taking second place was Leif Hellstedt of Yarmouth, who posted a time of 14:49.5. Xandeer Gordon of Yarmouth came in third with a 15:02.3 time.
In fourth place was Daire Woodruff of Brunswick. He posted a time of 15:12.3. Fort Fairfield's Ben Chartier came in fifth with a time of 15:27.1. Sixth place was captured by Damon Rucci, crossing the line in 15:30.5,
Following these races, results were tabulated and skiers vied for positions on the Maine Eastern High School Nordic team in a 2.5k freestyle pursuit race.
For complete results, click here.
Race Photos will be available at
As of 1/30/2026
SASSI MEMORIAL
CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL
JANUARY 31, 2026
BLACK MOUNTAIN OF MAINE
39 GLOVER ROAD
RUMFORD, MAINE 04276
EVENT: 5km CLASSICAL 15 second interval start
START TIME
10:45 10:00 5K Course Open for inspection
11:20 10:50 Course closed
11:30 11:00 am WOMEN
1:00 pm (approx.) MEN
BIB PICK-UP: Bib pick-up will be in race headquarters upon arrival at Black Mountain. Race headquarters opens at 8:45am. 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 10:00 AM to 10:50 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: Coaches must be wearing a coach’s bib. All 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 at approximately 2:45 pm in the Stadium. Racers must be present to win the bib draws.
ENTRY DEADLINE: January 28, 2026 by 8 PM.