Interview: Jack Hinkens

In my opinion, the greatest single day sporting event is set to happen this week: the MSHSL Nordic Ski Racing Meet. One of the things that makes this event so special, I feel, is the fact the state meet is still single class. The chance for skiers such as Conrad Roberts. of the small town of Battle Lake to face off against skiers Kasey Bacso and Erik Fagerstrom from traditional big city school powers Eden Prairie and Wayzata, really sets the event apart from other High School sports in Minnesota. There have been a lot of great performances from skiers across the state and congratulations to all the teams and individuals who qualified for the state meet.

One skier that has caught my attention this year is 17 year old Jack Hinkens who is a junior at Hopkins High. I first became aware of Jack this summer, when he was racing the mountain bike circuit and came on strong the end of the series as well as recording a top six finish in the Chequemegon Short and Fat. Hinkens continued his cycling through the fall season competing in cyclocross and becoming known among the cross circles and even competed in US Nationals in Kansas City in mid December, just when the Nordic season was cranking up!

What is really amazing is that this is the first year Hinkens has competed in Nordic skiing! Hinkens placed 7th last week in the very strong Section 6, recording the 2nd fastest skate time, and helping his team qualify for state by just four points.

I recently dropped Hinkens a note, asking him a few questions about the sport.

1. I understand this is your first year of Nordic skiing after playing hockey growing up. What led to your decision to join Nordic skiing this year? Did you do any recreational type skiing before joining the team this year?
   Yes, I played hockey for 12 years. But going into my second year as a high school hockey player, I felt like the program had changed. I wanted to try a different sport; basketball was not an option and Nordic seemed to be a logical shift. The whole sport of skiing was new to me this year.
2. How has the transition been from playing hockey to skiing? Has skating been easier since the movements are somewhat similar? Your classic results have been solid so you must have adapted to this technique nicely. Have you been surprised with your results?
   Playing hockey has definitely helped with skiing. The balance aspect learned from hockey is an especially important part of that. The movements in both sports are very similar, however my skiing technique needs work. My coaches and team-mates have been helpful and patient with my learning. I have been very happy with my classic results and my skate times seem to be improving.
   
3. Do you still play any shinny or ice skate at all?
   With my main focus being on skiing this winter, I have not played as much pond hockey as usual however I have still skated around with some hockey friends. My friends and I are now too big to play shinny. We take up the entire nets.
4. Did you do any ski specific training in the Fall or other sports besides mountain biking?
   When our ski season started in November, we bounded up lots of hills which I didn't understand at first; now I do. I also raced cyclocross and went to nationals in December which was a really exciting event.
5. You have done some mountain bike events this winter in between ski racing, the Elk River race and Ice Loppet. How did these events go?
   The Elk River races are awesome, but also a bit hard. We raced in some fresh powder and it turned into a bike running race. I was outrun by Dave Meyer in the last few feet. The next one is on the Feb 15th! At the Penn Ice-Cycle race the studs gripped amazing and it was cool to have so many people there. I ended up flatting which is not uncommon for homemade tires but I still finished.
6. Do you plan on ski racing after the state meet before the mountain bike season?
   After the state meet, I am planning on doing the short Birkie and maybe the Pole Pedal Pant Race at Elm Creek.
   Go Hopkins!!