Several runners from the Upper Valley have qualified for the 2025 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships in Shelbyville, Ind., but they need help getting there.
In November, 27 members of the Granite State Flash, a youth running club founded in 2001 for athletes ages 7 to 18, qualified for the national meet scheduled for Dec. 13.
Teams overseen by Rick Currier, Tiffany Currier and Anne Sosin are based in the Upper Valley and organized by birth year rather than an athlete’s age on race day.
Athletes earned their spots at nationals by finishing in the top 30 individually in their age group or in the top five as a team at the USATF New England Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships in Attleboro, Mass., on Nov. 16.
Runners then had to place again at Sunday’s USATF Region 1 Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships, also in Attleboro.
Of the 27 Flash athletes who qualified, 12 are from the Upper Valley:
9-10 Girls: Bella Mullen (Enfield Village School), Rosie Cappetta, Nola Thibeault (Indian River School)
9-10 Boys: Gaelen McNaughton (Weathersfield)
15-18 Girls: Izzy Currier (Mascoma), Natalie Ranney (Windsor)
15-18 Boys: Carl Russell (Mascoma), Ollie Emery (Thetford), Scott McSherry, Leo Snyder Hamalainen (Hartford), Bryce Palmer (Newport), Jake Danis (Oxbow)
Athletic success comes with a price, however. Currier, who also coaches cross country at Mascoma High School, said a trip to nationals could cost a family between $1,500 and $2,000.
“I know for some of these athletes, without some help, they’re not going to be able to go,” Currier said. “And these kids have definitely worked incredibly hard.”
Those interested in donating may email Currier at Dcmemorial@aol.com to request a donation form.
Using the donation form and sending contributions directly to Flash — rather than to individual athletes — preserves athletes’ amateur status, Currier said.
“We send all the funds back to the athlete. There are no processing fees — none of that — we send 100% of it back out to the athletes,” he said.
Donations made through the form are also tax-deductible because the club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Flash is accepting donations and will also hold a bake sale to raise funds at Enfield House of Pizza from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2.
In addition, a portion of proceeds from large pizza purchases between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. that day will go to Flash. A flyer, available by emailing Currier, must be presented for the proceeds to be counted.
As the national championships approach, Currier credited the athletes for their dedication.
“Especially as it’s getting colder outside — so many kids are just sitting at home on Xbox or whatever — and these kids are out in 30-degree temperatures, and it’s getting dark, and they’re practicing and being productive,” he said. “There’s really nothing that we throw at these guys they’re not willing to do.”
Currier said Russell, a junior at Mascoma High School, has a shot at All-American status — a top-25 finish — in the 15-16 division. He also said the 15-18 boys and girls teams have a chance to place in the top 10.
For more information about the Granite State Flash, visit granitestateflash.club.
