2004 Minnesota State High School Championships Preview
February 10, 2004
On Friday, February 13th the Minnesota State High School
Cross-Country ski season will culminate with the State Championships
at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, MN. Out of thousands of Minnesota
high school skiers, just over 200 have made it to this final
level -- the Superbowl of high school skiing. The courses
will be packed with cheering fans, and the weather looks to
be nearly perfect.
2003 State Meet |
Here is our armchair quarterback review of the title favorites
on Friday...
Individuals
Boys
Winona's Garrett Heath |
Garrett Heath of Winona appears to be the closest
thing to a sure bet at the State Meet this year. Heath swept
the titles last season, and has been nothing short of dominant
this year. At the NorAm SuperTour at Telemark Resort, Heath
posted the fastest high school skier times and topped a number
of elite collegiate skiers. However, there are a number of
guys who will ensure Heath earns the titles. At the top of
that list is Tyler Kjorstad of Duluth Marshall, a near
instant phenom this season. Armstrong's Joe Sem, ranked
#2 in the state, seems to be getting stronger each race. St.
Louis Park's triple threat of Jesse Lang, Andy Cheeseboro
and Mike Mommsen, all have the potential to pop an
epic race. And don't count out Forest Lake's Lorin Skoglund,
and Duluth East's Chris Lund.
Girls
With the departure of Hopkin's Courtney Dauwalter, the girls
title appears to be open for the taking with no clear cut
favorite. Currently first in line, via the #1 ranking, is
Shannon Bergstedt, Courtney's former teammate. But
she'll be seriously challenged for all of the titles. Ely's
Jenna Klein, ranked #2 in the State, is an overall
favorite and ready to take the crown. In the classical race,
Visitation's Katie Bono, Mesabi East's Ashley Loe,
along with Hopkin's other star, Ashley Pletcher, and
Forest Lake's classic queen, Laura Edlund, will be
among the favorites to win the title and take good margins
into the pursuit format freestyle event. In the freestyle
race, Sarah Wright of Forest Lake, and Grand Rapid's
pair of Kari Lunemann and Brynden Manbeck can
be expected at the top of the results. Bergstedt has been
fairly dominant in the freestyle events this season, so challengers
may need a good cushion heading out onto the freestyle course
if they want to capture the pursuit title.
Teams
Boys
On paper, the battle for the boys title appears to come down
to two teams: St. Louis Park vs. Duluth East.
The reigning boys team returns with three of the four members
intact, yet St. Louis Park is currently ranked #3 in the State.
The St. Louis Park's top trio will need to notch high placings
and hope that one of their freshman crew can pull out a whale
of a race. Duluth East's solid and consistent squad should
put them in a position to capture the title. A possible darkhorse,
Stillwater has quietly climbed the rankings, reaching
#2 while having no individual skiers ranked. With their usual
strong classic performance, they could jump out in front for
the pursuit. Forest Lake and Grand Rapids are
outside chances, but will need some incredible performances
from their third and fourth place skiers to challenge for
the title.
Girls
Shannon Bergstedt leads defending
State Champion Hopkins |
Much like the St. Louis Park boys, the reigning girls champion
from Hopkins don't seem to get much respect, ranked
#3 in the State. Hopkins is anchored by three seniors, indicating
their long dynasty may finally be coming to an end. Ely's
#1 ranked team will be the biggest obstacle in Hopkin's path,
as Ely has all the firepower to capture the title (and repeat
again in 2005). Not to be counted out, Grand Rapids
girls will be right up there to pressure both Hopkins and
Ely. Much like their boys team, Forest Lake has a powerful
lead tandem but will need strong performances from their teammates
to challenge for the top spot. Overall, the race for the girls
team title is pegged to be the most exciting event of the
day, with the eventual winner unknown until the final tallies
are complete.
All these predictions and highlights are fun, but ultimately
it's the skiers themselves that will sort it out. Every year
there are some incredible surprise performances, and nothing
is assured. So toss out the predictions and the rankings and
get up to Biwabik to see who brings their "A game"
and who's standing on the winner's podiums on Friday afternoon!
Friday,
February 13, 2004
Giants Ridge, Biwabik, MN
Schedule
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Boys'
Classical 10:30 a.m. |
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Girls'
Classical 11:30 a.m. |
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Boys'
Freestyle 1:30 p.m. |
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Girls'
Freestyle 2:30 p.m. |
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Awards
to follow |
Related links
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