The 2025 Wisconsin Nordic Championships Prediction

The 2025 edition of the Wisconsin High School Nordic Distance Championship will conclude the two weekends of competitions, the previous one being sprints, and ultimately crowning team and individual state champions. A Big Deal in a new era of big deals. As prognosticators, we’ve got to get this right, both the big and the small, as sweeping changes with earth-shattering implications come into play. Shall we begin?

Firstly, let’s acknowledge the lack of snow, again, North and South. As an aptly named “canary in the mine” sport we have to say we rely on a material that very few other winter high school sports give a whit about: snow. Being outside in winter for enjoyment is a hazy concept for many Wisconsinites, and except for the now ubiquitous “polar plunge” the idea of physically competing outside in winter is by and large, foreign.

We acknowledge our oddity, strange in the minds of many. And now teams are being forced by Mother Nature to align themselves with “Snow Centers”. That’s been true for a number of years with the southern teams, and we’ll see if it has an impact on the fine tuning of prognostications. Teams are seeing each other at these various collection points and gaining from collaboration. Perhaps some “Super Teams” of the future? We’ll see.

Whatever the hazards, shortcomings, and fickle nature of current weather, and where teams are located, past experiences with coaching through the trials and tribulations of a wonderful sport, and the overall rise and fall of typical high school sports demographics, there are conclusions to be drawn.

Coming out of the sprint weekend, for the boy’s individual, Jack Dahlby, Chippewa Valley Nordic, leads, the favorite going into the final competition. Not too far behind, a freshman, Conor Reckinger, Bay Nordic, and a teammate, Franklin Richard. Also in the top tier, Ben Buchmann, ANST, and James Derenne, Bay. I’d be remiss not to also mention Neel Dum, from the resurgent Hayward, home course team. All strong contenders, coming down to a classic pursuit on Sunday after the Saturday individual freestyle.

The girls are led by Krin Blegen, Peak. She won the sprints and leads the Great Lakes points list, a strong skier getting stronger. I rest my case. However, Stella Meza, Lakeland, may have a different opinion. She’s number two and trying harder. She’ll have her work cut out for her. Elsa Oestreich, Wausau Nordic United, is also in the hunt and could be a podium factor. Lauren Carlton, ANST, may also squeeze out a high spot.

Somewhere out there on the horizon, the rising factor of youth comes into play. Onika Colassacco, Bay Nordic, is one of the first to arrive from a very healthy and well coached middle school team; expect more. Ellie Schouten, NKMN Storm, is also showing promise, while Alessandra Guesva, MadNorSki, has demonstrated good fighting spirit and fitness this season.

Based on last weekend’s Sprint Championships results at Ariens Center we have a great view of the leaders and potential battles going into the final Distance Championship. The team outlook is clear cut in both boys and girls races, tight. In competition, tight is a good thing, excitement all around.

The ANST boys lead the pack with Bay Nordic nipping at their heels. Must be something in the Green and Gold water over there. Not far behind Spooner is back with a vengeance and looking for a return to their historic podium places, while last year’s champions, Iola, is out to retain some pride, having been whacked around a bit by that graduating senior thing.

On the girl’s side Peak has a substantial lead, no surprises there. However, Wausau United is within striking distance and with a little extra “Oomph” might make it interesting. Bay Nordic girls also seem poised for showing up in some podium pictures and youthful exuberance has a lot going for it. The Iola Winter Sports Club girls are just a kick and glide from the top three. Time for experienced coaches to do a little championship voodoo magic.

This year, as in the past two, a final overall team champion will be crowned, blending the best of gender and technique places. Computer algorithms will be hissing steam and clanking wildly right up to the end on Sunday. Lots of questions going into the weekend without any clear answers.

With snow on Saturday along with mid teen temps, then a typical Cable drop overnight well into the minus range, followed by sun and single digits, we’re going to see an old fashioned northern Wisconsin championship. With plenty of drama expected, I bring words of wisdom from the Troubadour Bard from northern Minnesota, Bob Dylan, who predicted our date with destiny many years ago with “The Times They are a-Changin’” and most whimsically, “The Answer My Friend is Blowin’ In The Wind”. And for all of us; win, lose, or draw: “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright”. Best of luck to all.