LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – Annika Saunus made program history at the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) National Championships Wednedsay afternoon, becoming just the second Castleton women's nordic skier to win an individual national title and the first to win the Classic Sprint in the program's seven years.
 
Megan Greene is the only other Spartan to have won an individual title, placing first in the 7.5km freestyle during the 2019-20 season in which the Spartans earned their first national team title.
 
Saunus began the day by earning the top time among all quarterfinal rounds, finishing her first run with a time of 3:32.3. The freshman led the way once again in the semifinal, shaving nearly three seconds off her quarterfinal time to finish in 3:29.6 and earn her the top spot heading into the final.
 
Saunus saved her best for last in Wednesday's Group A Final, crossing the line with a time of 3:24.6 — five seconds faster than her semifinal run — to win her first individual national title and the program's first in the event.
 
Castleton returns to action Friday, March 11 with the 15km Classic on Day 3 of the USCSA National Championships.