University of Vermont Athletics

Sari Argillander Galanes 1989 - Cross Country, Track and Field, Skiing

The 1989 winner of the Wasson Athletic Prize for excellence in athletics and academics, Sari Argillander Galanes won two individual national championships in skiing and was also a top cross-country and track and field performer for two years. Inducted into the UVM Hall of Fame in 1999, Argillander's tremendous performance at the 1989 NCAA Ski Championships in Jackson Hole, Wyoming helped boost the Catamounts to their first national title in nine years. Argillander won both women's cross-country races, finishing the 15-k freestyle race in 49:47.4 and winning the classical race in 19:39.9.

She was named first-team All-American in 1989 after her performances. In cross-country running, Argillander was also outstanding. She was named Most Valuable Runner in 1988 after being Vermont's top runner in every meet. She won the Vermont State meet, running the three-mile course in 18:13, and also finished ninth in the New England Championships at 5,000-meters (18:15.7). at the Eastern Championships, Argillander finished 24th, running the 5-k course in 17:47.

In 1989, Argillander was Vermont's top female runner again, leading all Catamounts in eight of 10 races that year. She again won the Vermont State meet, was fourth in the New England Championships (5,000-meters in 18:08) and finished 19th at the Eastern Championships.

Not only was Argillander an outstanding three-sport athlete, she was also a top student. She was named winner of the coveted Wasson Athletic Prize in 1989 for maintaining the highest level of achievement, both athletically and academically.

And, that same year she was named to the CoSIDA District I Academic All-America Team as a honorable mention. In track and field, Argillander won the 5,000 meters in 1989 at the North Atlantic Conference Championships. She was named All-Conference that year, and the Cats won the conference title.

Now a doctor, she is married to UVM Hall of Fame Joe Galanes '90.