Junior Nationals Preview

March 2, 2016

Junior Nationals are being held in the Midwest this year, at Telemark, and fire up on Monday! We've got a full preview of the event, including a review of the courses, some of the Midwest favorites (with final team roster), and links for resources including livestreaming by CXC. Go Midwest!

Junior Nationals: Classical Races Coverage

March 7, 2016

Junior Nationals began their week long competition on Monday morning with the classical distance races. Colder than expected temperatures overnight put a glaze on the trails, generating a 30 minute delay. But temperatures quickly rose throughout the morning, making for some tough racing conditions (with plenty of snow still). The Midwest had a strong day with a number of podium appearances: Nick Gardner 1st U20; Xavier Mansfield 3rd U18; Abigail Drach 1st U20, Mattie Watts 2nd U20; Abigail Jarzin 3rd U16. Also scoring top results: Will Bodewes 4th U20, Corey Rouw 8th U20, Jake Ajax 10th U20; Margie Freed 5th U20, Allison Ternes 7th U20, Ingrid Thyr 9th U20, Kristine Keller-Miller 10th U20; Renae Anderson 4th U18, Erin Moening 6th U18; Kelly Koch 6th U16; Anders Sonnesyn 4th U16. Results linked in, along with photos from all the races.

Junior Nationals: Freestyle Races Coverage

March 10, 2016

The Junior National ski course for Thursday's events was in remarkable good shape, with fast conditions, after a herculean effort the last two days by organizers and an army of volunteers. The Midwest hit the podium again in the U20 women as Abigail Drach was 2nd and Mattie Watts 3rd. Other top Midwest results: Nick Gardner 5th U20, Tamer Mische-Richter 6th, Will Bodewes 7th U20; Xavier Mansfield 8th U18; Michaela Keller-Miller 4th U20, Sarah Bezdicek 6th U20, Margie Freed 9th U20; Kelly Koch 4th U16; Anders Sonnesyn 9th U16. Results linked in, along with photosets from all the events.

Junior Nationals: Freestyle Sprints Coverage

March 11, 2016

A long day of changing conditions challenged racers at Friday's Junior Nationals freestyle sprint competition. Midwest racers had their strongest finish in the women's U20 category, gathering the past 3 Minnesota State High School champions in one place, with Sarah Bezdicek skating to 1st and Abigail Drach 3rd. Teammates Mattie Watts and Margie Freed followed in 4th and 5th. Second place podium finishes also went to both Abigail Jarzin for the U16 women and Amanda Kautzer for U18 women. Other top Midwest results: Anders Sonnesyn 9th place MU16, Kelly Koch 7th and Siri Bohacek 8th FU16, Nick Gardner 4th and Tamer Mische-Richter 10th MU20, Michaela Keller-Miller 12th FU20. Results linked in, and nearly 900 photos posted.

Junior Nationals: Hill Climb Coverage

March 12, 2016

Junior Nationals wrapped up Saturday with a new event, a team hill climb up to the top of Mt. Telemark. Skiers were sent off in groups of three, based on their relay team, and then were scored on the total time of the trio. Awards were also given to the top skier (King of the Hill) in each division. Midwest U20 women were strong again, taking 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th! U20 Men also made the podium with a 3rd place, just 8 seconds out of first, and the U16 girls rocked it, taking first. King of the Hill titles were earned by Midwest stars Kelly Koch, U16, and Michaela Keller-Miller, U20. Results linked in, along with photosets.