Wisconsin State Sprint Championships Recap
Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion expertly managed their snow during last week’s warm up making the 2024 Wisconsin State Spring Championships on February 3-4 a reality for 350 junior skiers, the largest number of participants in the event’s history. Course conditions and an 800 meter distance for all made the classic sprint into a double pole for many athletes.
On Sunday in the individual sprint, Ashwaubenon’s Owen Wick pulled out the win as Sprint Champion over Jack Dahlby of Chippewa Valley. Josephine Kwasny of Iola crossed the line less than a ski length ahead of Ashwaubenon’s Lauren Carlton. Iola teammate Greta Dickman was just over a second behind. After a misty morning qualifier, the sun burned bright for the middle school heats. Ashley Derenne upset her Bay Nordic teammate Katelyn Reckinger for the Middle School title with a stretched out ski. Niels Stringer of MadNorSki Ice Age was took the win for the middle school boys.
On Saturday Kwasny and Dickman were Relay Team Champions for the girls on a four lap 1000 meter track. Wick and teammate Ben Buchmann were victors for the boys with Dahlby and teammate Kristian Hudacek as runners up. Peak Nordic won the Mixed Relay with partners Anne Straka and Nathan Burke.
