Higgins Lake, MI, Sunday, January 26, 2003 -- The 10th annual Junior "Muffin Race" was held here today under less than ideal conditions. At the start the temperature was 4 degrees above zero with snow and gusty winds. Seventy-four skiers answered the starter's call to go to the line in 4 different age categories for both boys and girls.

In the 14 to 19 year age category, which was 8.8km (4 laps of the 2.2km Rolling Hills trail), and skied as an Interval start race, the fastest time of the day was turned in by Cassidy Edwards, Glen Arbor, in 29 minutes 58 seconds. Second and third place for the Junior Women were Michaela Harris, Traverse City, 0:37.16 and Catarina Gulledge, Roscommon, 0:38.48. For the Junior Men, Chris Scott, Traverse City, won in 0:30.04, with second place going to Ian Smith, Boyne City, 0:30.52, and John Ault, Traverse City, took third place with a time of 0:30.56.

Other winners included: Girls 11-13 yrs, 4km: Rebecca Barton, Homer, 0:19.23

Boys 11-13 yrs, 4km: Joe Webb, Hubbard Lake, 0:18.59

Girls 7-10 yrs, 2km: Samantha Barton, Homer, 0:13.33

Boys 7-10 yrs, 4km: Lyle Anderson, Cuyahoga Falls, 0:19.14

Girls 6 yrs & under, 1km: Jessie Anderson, Cuyahoga Falls, 0:04.52

Boys 6 yrs & under, 1km: Keefer Edwards, Glen Arbor, 0:04.21

After the race, the skiers and family/friends were treated to one of Bob's succulent pig roasts, with plenty of freshly baked Muffins for desert. There was also a drawing for numerous door prizes. And, finally some really decent snow to ski on, which capped off a really super day.