Minnesota State Meet Preview
February 10, 2025After an alternate course version in 2024, the Minnesota High School Nordic Skiing Championships (aka. State Meet) will return to it's normal courses this year as recent snowfalls have greatly improved conditions at Giants Ridge. But once again, cold weather is playing a factor and as of Monday afternoon, the schedule has been revised to allow for the warmer temperatures at race time.
Schedule
Wednesday
- Qualifying team sprints start at 12 pm
- Team Sprint finals start at 3:15 pm
Thursday
- Freestyle races start at 12 pm
- Classic pursuit races beginning at 3 pm
Individuals
The Coaches Association rankings have been unaltering all season - returning champions Logan Drevlow, Hopkins, and Linnea Ousdigian, Mounds View, are the favorites again this year. Perhaps the biggest factor in their repeating is both skiers were selected for the prestigious U18 Nations Trip, sending the top US juniors under the age of 18 to compete this year in Norway. That competition begins next week, and with some travel and training before, it's possible they could make a late decision to sit out the State Meet.
On the girls side, the top competition for Ousdigian will be Hannah Koch, St. Paul Highland Park, Della Bettendorf, Proctor/Hermantown, along with Lila Golomb, Wayzata. For the boys, Drevlow may have to contend with Eddie Snider, MPA, Eric Anderson, Lake City, and AJ Westanmo, Bloomington Jefferson.
Teams
St. Paul Highland Park girls and Brainerd boys are the favorites according the Coaches Association, but expect some strong competition. Minneapolis Washburn girls, Proctor/Hermantown, Elk River/Zimmerman are just some of the contenders for the girls. Wayzata, Ely, and MPA all have a chance at the top of the boys podium.
Once again, we'll plan to have same day coverage.