2009 Collegiate Tally Board

April 25, 2009

May 1st is the traditional signing day for most colleges. With the help of Jen Rolfes, we've been posting a running tally on where the 2008-2009 senior Nordic class is heading off to school (and hopefully continued ski racing).

MSHSNSCA Spring Meeting Minutes

April 23, 2009

Minnesota State High School Nordic Ski Coaches' Association Spring Meeting was held last weekend, April 18th, at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center. The meeting minutes have now been posted.

Minnesota Coaches Association Spring Meeting Agenda

April 14, 2009

The Minnesota Coaches Association Spring Meeting is this Saturday at the Vasaloppet Center in Mora. A number of topics are on the agenda, including a proposal to revamp the State Meet.

Summer Program Postings

March 29, 2009

We've begun loading the training calendar with summer program information.  Online now:
- Sisu Skiers Junior Program:  Price hike coming on April 1st!
- Minneapolis Ski Club Programs:  Also has price hike on April 1st.
- MN Valley Summer Program:  Program filled up by April last season, sign up soon.
- Mpls Rowing Club: Learn to row sessions in April/May.

Junior Nationals: Relays

March 14, 2009

Wrapping up Junior Nationals on Saturday was the three person relays. The Midwest finished on a high note with a number of podium placements. Boys OJ 2nd: Debold/Fagerstrom/Bowler; Boys J2 3rd: Odds/Farr/McGrathwaite; Girls J1 3rd: Hart/Duijndam/Diggins.

Junior Nationals: Classical

March 13, 2009

Friday brought another round of tough races for the Midwest division at Junior Nationals. Top results: Annie Hart 5th J1, Kasey Bacso 6th J1, Summer Ellefson 10th J2, Andrew Dodds 9th J2, Chris Bowler 6th OJ, Erik Fagerstrom 9th OJ.

Junior Nationals: Freestyle Races

March 11, 2009

Wednesday at Junior Nationals featured the freestyle distance races, in 5K, 10K, and 15K varieties. The Midwest had a tough day, finishing no higher than 7th. Top results: Corrine Malcolm 7th OJ, Sharmila Ahmed 9th J2, Libby Ellis 10th J1; Erik Fagerstrom 8th OJ. Jessie Diggins listed as DNF.

Junior Nationals: Sprints

March 9, 2009

Doug Debold and Jessie Diggins claimed Junior National Sprint titles on the Monday. Minnesota State Champion Erik Fagerstorm won his B-final. Also, Corrine Malcolm of Hayward had a second place finish in the OJ Girls.

Junior Nationals: Pre-Race Prep

March 8, 2009

Steve Hoffman provides a short update and some beautiful images from Truckee, California where the Midwest team is preparing for Junior Olympic Championships. The racing action begins Monday with freestyle sprints.

Finland Journal: Dubay Wins Junior Nationals 30K

March 8, 2009

Joe Dubay provides a full recap on his recent victory in the Finnish Junior Nationals 30K freestyle race.

Joe Dubay Wins Finnish Juniors 30K

March 1, 2009

Kevin Brochman reports that Joe Dubay, the 2008 Minnesota High School State Champion, won the 30K Junior National Championship in Finland on Sunday. Full report coming later this week.

MSHSNSCA Award Winners

February 23, 2009

The Minnesota State High School Nordic Coaches Association announced their annual awards at the State Meet Banquet on Feb 12th. Larry Myers of Wayzata, coach of the year; Ben Croft of Mesabi East/ Virginia, assistant coach of the year; Neil Igo of Duluth, volunteer of the skier.

More State Meet Photos

February 16, 2009

We've added another full set of photos from the Minnesota State Meet, plus sets from Ron Kutsi and Dave Johnson.

Michigan State High School Championships Day 2 Results

February 15, 2009

Traverse City Central HS took the Girls State Title and combined with the Boys third place finish to win the Overall State Title in the Michigan High School State Finals in Nordic Skiing. Brendan Baic (Lake Michigan) and Ruth Oppliger (Copper Country) won the sprint titles.

Skinnyski Race Team Uniforms

February 14, 2009

A look into the design process and positive results from Hidden Bay Sports on the new Skinnyski.com Race Team kits.

Michigan State High School Championships Day 1 Results

February 14, 2009

Zach Wagner of the Superiorland Ski Club took home the 2009 Michigan State High School Cross Country ski championship Saturday by 46 seconds. His Superiorland teammate Ellen Wiitala took the girls title in a sprint finish against Kaitlyn Patterson of Cadillac. Traverse City Trojans lead the team competition. The championships wrap up on Sunday with sprints.

Archives - Interview: Matt Liebsch

February 14, 2009

The name of Matt Liebsch is now well known, especially since his third place finish at US Nationals earlier this season and his Mora Vasaloppet victory last weekend. But did you know Liebsch finished in 55th place in his last State Meet skate race? A year later, Liebsch completed his first American Birkebeiner in a stunning 35th place! This is the interview we had with Liebsch shortly after the 2003 Birkie.

Minnesota State Meet Coverage

February 13, 2009

Fantastic weather greeted skiers and spectators for the 2009 Minnesota State Meet at Giants Ridge on Friday morning. Cloudy skies brought it fluffy snowflakes for the girls classic as the temperatures ranged in the low 20s.
Half time report: Using her strong classical form, SPA's Annie Hart strided to the top of the girls leaderboard, taking a 15 second lead over Burnsville's flying Sharmila Ahmed, with Libby Ellis, Mpls SW, and Lynn Duijndam, Roseville, within striking distance. The Burnsville girls take a commanding 22 point lead into the pursuit race, with Mpls SW, Roseville and Duluth East all within a seven point spread. With the snow letting up after 1/2" of new fluff, the boys classical skiers took to the trails. Eden Prairie's Erik Fagerstrom used a disadvantageous 15 second start over top ranked Kasey Bacso, Wayzata, and turned it around hammering out a hard tempo to award himself with a 15 second margin going into the afternoon skate. Kasey Bacso is in second with Raleigh Goessling, CEC, back of Bacso by 17 seconds. The Forest Lake boys scored a 13 point lead over Duluth East with Hopkins another 20 points back in third.
Final: Annie Hart went out first, held the pedal to the floor, and came flying back down the Gold trail to take first place in the girls pursuit. Lynn Duijndam moved up through the pack to take second, with Sharmila Ahmed taking third. Erik Fagerstrom went out first in the boys pursuit and never looked back, rocketing in for the boys victory. Raleigh Goessling had a strong skate race to move himself up to second place, with Forest Lake's Ryan Wright moving passing Kasey Bacso in the finishing stretch for third. Burnsville girls made it no doubt they were the top team in the State. Forest Lake boys held on for yet another team title. Full results, plus over 850 photos, broken into the four events, online now. Videos from Jake Dalberg and Joe Manns added.

Charlie Banks Relays Results

February 12, 2009

David Harrington reports: The Ely boys team topped 26 other teams to capture the 4x3 Charlie Banks Relays held at Giant's Ridge in advance of Friday's State Meet. Eden Prairie was second followed by Mounds View. On the girls side, Jesse Diggins anchored the Stillwater team and grabbed the lead on the final lap. The top three teams were Stillwater, Grand Rapids, and Mounds View.

Minnesota State Meet Start Lists Posted

February 12, 2009

The classical start lists have been posted for the Minnesota State Meet on Friday.

State Meet Qualifiers Slideshow

February 12, 2009

At the State Meet Banquet on Thursday evening, this slideshow was shown to highlight the participants in the 2009 event.

State Meet Predicted Finish

February 11, 2009

Mark Parr has made a statistical analysis of the boys results from the season and computed an exact order of finish including times. Check out how Mark does on Friday.

Minnesota State Meet Preview

February 10, 2009

The big Minnesota State Meet for Nordic Skiing is this Friday, Feb 13th at Giants Ridge. And one thing is guaranteed: Change and lots of it! Read our annual preview and predictions and find a number goodies including course maps and photo tour links.

Interview: Jack Hinkens

February 10, 2009

Jay Richards highlights Hopkins skier Jack Hinkens, who in his first year of Nordic skiing has helped propel his team to the State Meet. To many in the cycling circle, Hinkens is a familiar name.

Racing Outlook

February 10, 2009

The warm weather is throwing a bit of a wrench into the weekend plans, stay tuned for possible changes. Updates on Book Across the Minnesota Finlandia, Bay, Minnesota State Meet, Erik Judeen, Madison Winter Fest, and Stump Farm.

Finland Journal

February 9, 2009

2008 Minnesota State Champion Joe Dubay reports in from Finland where he is attending school, training and racing this season. In this update, he writes about his racing results this season, including a trip back to the Midwest and some top results in Finland.

Wisconsin High School Championships Coverage

February 8, 2009

The Wisconsin High School Championships ran on Saturday at Minocqua Winter Park. The Hayward girls put in an impressive performance placing three girls in the top four to easily take the team title. Spooner's Brooke Adams took the girls pursuit title by just a five second margin. The boys team race proved to be a highly competitive event as Peak Nordic edged out Wausau West by a single point. Ben Hugus, Wausau West, won the boys individual pursuit title. Results and photos linked in.

Minnesota Nordic Skiing State Meet Banquet

February 8, 2009

Details are available on the State Meet Banquet, scheduled for Thursday, Feb 12th at the Chalet at Giants Ridge.

Minnesota High School Pre-State Rankings

February 6, 2009

The final rankings before the State Meet have been posted. The favorites: Kasey Bacso and Lynn Duijndam, and the Wayzata and Minneapolis Southwest teams.

Minnesota State Meet Banquet Slide Show

February 5, 2009

Minnesota coaches: If you want your skiers recognized at the State Meet banquet slide show, you must submit photos by Tuesday evening, Feb 10th.

Section 7 Results

February 5, 2009

Wrapping up the week of sectionals, Section 7 tested out the State Meet venue with racing at Giants Ridge on Thursday. Appropriately, the meet featured some of the best drama of the week. The boys team title came down to an incredible finish that saw the third and fourth scoring Duluth East and Ely boys having to sprint it out to determine the team title, with the edge going to Duluth East by just two points. After posting the top classic time, by far, fifth ranked Alena Tofte of Duluth East collapsed in the final kilometer of the freestyle race and was unable to finish. Teammate Marian Lund reluctantly took the pursuit win. Tofte should be back at the State Meet next Friday, as the girls still had enough reserves to take the team title. Duluth East's Gus Downs won the boys pursuit title using a strong classic leg to hold off some flying skaters.

Section 2 Results

February 5, 2009

Camp Ripley hosted its third straight day of sectional meets, this one significantly warmer than the previous two as Section 2 teams squared off. Wayzata made a clean sweep of every title, both team and individual. The boys team had the closest match up as Orono/Watertown-Mayer pressed them to finish just four points short. The girls team easily topped the field. Number one ranked Kasey Bacso put in a solid performance to win the pursuit title by nearly a minute and a half. Paige Schember was the top skier for the girls. Full results posted.

Last Hour Race Qualifies Ellis for Sections

February 5, 2009

Minneapolis South, after racing in the Section 3 meet on Tuesday, turned out Tuesday night to set up a short-notice conference race with Minneapolis Southwest, allowing Libby Ellis to qualify for her Section 6 meet the following morning.

Section 4 Coverage

February 5, 2009

Traditional State Meet contenders Forest Lake, Stillwater and Roseville squared off Wednesday in the Section 4 finals at Battle Creek. Lynn Duijndam lead the Roseville girls as she swept the individual individuals and with four other teammates placing in the top ten, helped Roseville take the team title as well. Forest Lake's Steve Coozennoy used a superior classic race to power his way to the boys pursuit title. With five other teammates scoring in the top 10, Forest Lake boys easily collected the team title. Results and photos posted.

Minnesota High School Rankings Posted

February 5, 2009

The latest Minnesota high school Nordic skiing rankings, generated on February 1st (before Sections), has been posted. The biggest shake up: Jessie Diggins comes off the top of the list as she'll miss the State Meet due to her participation in the World Juniors.

Section 8 Coverage

February 4, 2009

Wednesday morning brought double-digit below zero temperatures across much of northern Minnesota and forced a short delay for the start of the Section 8 meet. Addie Byrne of Grand Rapids, rushing back from the Biathlon World Juniors in Canada, used a strong skate performance to win the girls pursuit title. The Little Falls, sporting a team almost entirely of seniors, took the girls title placing five in the top ten. Following in the footsteps of big brother Wynn, Conrad Roberts swept the classic and freestyle events to easily take the pursuit win. Grand Rapids boys captured the team title. Results and photos posted.

Section 6 Coverage

February 4, 2009

Some of the State's powerhouse Nordic teams faced off Wednesday in the Section 6 championships at Baker Park. While Erik Fagerstrom dominated the boys field, winning by 1:30, his school, Eden Prairie, lost the team title to Hopkins by just four points. Rosie Frankowski took a three second lead into the freestyle pursuit but was caught by teammate Libby Ellis who held on to win the pursuit title. The Southwest girls appear to be on track for the State Meet title with their victory today. Results and photos posted.

Wisconsin High School Championships Preview

February 4, 2009

The Wisconsin High School Championships are this weekend at Minocqua Winter Park. Ken Schoville provides a preview on the teams and individuals competing for the titles.

Section 1 Coverage

February 3, 2009

Brian Abery reports: The Section 1 Meet on Tuesday at Valleywood was a race of contrasts. On the Girls side, five of the top eight finishers were seniors as Megan Smith of Lakeville North topped Jordyn Ross and Oliva Bagnall of Lakeville South for the title with a victory margin of 53 seconds. In a tight race decided by only 3 points, Lakeville South bested their sister school North by 3 points for the team title. The Boys competition was a much tighter affair with the top three skiers separated by only four seconds and only one senior in the top five. Apple Valley/ISD 196 Sophomore Andy Dodds skied a smart tactical race to catch Lakeville South’s Stu Lombardo and Winona’s Jon-Michael Brandt within a half-kilometer of the finish for the victory. The team title once again went to Lakeville South by a single point over Winona. Full results and photos posted.

Section 5 Coverage

February 3, 2009

Racing on the trails at Camp Ripley under cool single digit temperatures, Section 5 titles were decided on Tuesday. Blake Gust of Andover dominated the boys race, cruising to more than a minute margin of victory. In the girls race, Hayley Gerster, Andover, took a 40 second lead after the classical race and held off hard charging Alice Flanders, Cooper, to win the pursuit title by 16 seconds. Team titles went to the Andover boys and Osseo girls. Photos from Charlie Rietschel and Kyle Rosenberg (who also raced!).

Section 3 Coverage

February 3, 2009

Section 3 raced on the hilly terrain of the Battle Creek Winthrop site, freshly groomed, for the right to move on to the State Meet. Ben Ben Greenwald, SPA, held off Kelin Dunfee, St. Paul Central, in the afternoon freestyle race to take the overall boys pursuit title. SPA's Annie Hart had an easier time in the girls event, taking the victory by 45 seconds. The Burnsville girls earned the team title by placing taking three of the top four places. St. Paul Central edged out Minneapolis South for the boys team victory. Results and photos posted.

Racing Outlook

February 1, 2009

The road to the Minnesota State Meet starts this week with sectional meets -- dates and locations posted.

Lake Conference Freestyle Pursuit Championships

January 30, 2009

Brian Abery writes: Erik Fagerstom of Eden Prairie continued his season-long domination of the Lake Conference skiing to a 2:01 second freestyle victory over Lakeville South’s Stu Lombardo in the Conference Pursuit Championships at Baker Park on Thursday afternoon. Combined with the 3rd place finish of Chris Mueller, this allowed Eden Prairie to take the team title over 2nd place ISD 196 and 3rd place Lakeville South. A close race on the Girls side after the classic leg on Tuesday turned into no contest as Burnsville sophomore Sharmila Ahmed distanced herself from team mate Sarah Daniels for a 57 second win. Bolstered by the performances of Cassie Opitz (4th), Shannon Evans (8th), and Faith Brisbois (9th) Eden Prairie took the girls title over Burnsville.

Minnesota High School Rankings Posted

January 29, 2009

After a week off, the Minnesota High School rankings resume. No big moves, but a number of shuffles in the listings.

Lake Conference Classic Sprint Championships

January 23, 2009

Brian Abery reports: Whether it’s a 1.2km sprint or the traditional 5km distance the pecking order in the Lake Conference appears to be set for this season as Erik Fagerstron from Eden Prairie and Sarah Daniels of Burnsville once again emerged victorious at the Conference Classic Sprint Championships this past Wednesday at Elm Creek. In the Boys race, Fagerstrom out-skied Lakeville South’s Stu Lombardo, and ISD 196's Andy Dodds with the 196 Boys taking the team title. The Girls race was once again dominated by Burnsville with their team taking the top two placings with Daniels and Erica Hett. Prior Lake’s Grace Chandler completed the podium skiing to a 3rd place finish.

Star Tribune: Kasey Bacso Interview

January 20, 2009

The Star Tribune interviewed Wayzata's number one ranked Kasey Bacso.

Little Falls Invite Results

January 20, 2009

Terry Wasland reports: Under bright blue skies, warm temperatures, and on the well-groomed trails of Camp Ripley, 10 schools battled in a 5K Classic and 5K Freestyle Pursuit on Monday, Jan 19. After skiing on sandpaper for 10 days most skiers said their skis were flying. In the Boys event it was St. Cloud Tech standout Sam Anderson who recently clocked the fastest MN time in the Giants Ridge Invite Freestyle race proving he can Classic ski as well as he took top honors followed by up and coming Jake Richards from Detroit Lakes. Grand Rapids showed their strength and depth in easily out-distancing St. Cloud Tech and Little Falls for the Team Championship. In the Girls race it was Little Falls senior Jackie Thelen clocking the fastest time in both Classic and Freestyle to lead her teammates Molly Binger, and Beth Hauer across the line and to the team championship over second place Grand Rapids and 3rd place St. Cloud Cathedral.

Graystone Challenge Results

January 17, 2009

Over 150 students hit the Graystone trails in St. Cloud for the Graystone Challenge on Saturday. The event featured 5K classical and 5K freestyle events, with awards in individual, best of both, and team. The Little Falls girls and St. Cloud Tech boys collected the team titles.

Minnesota High School Rankings Shakeup

January 12, 2009

With the results from last weekend's big Giant Ridge Invite now analyzed, there have been some major shakeups in the weekly rankings. Kasey Bacso, Wayzata, takes over the the top ranking and helps move the team into first as well. Roseville's Lynn Duijnham jumps to the second spot while the Minneapolis Southwest girls go from unranked straight to number 1.

Hodag Nordic Challenge Results

January 11, 2009

John Burke reports: Nine teams and 127 racers competed in Sunday's Hodag Nordic Challenge with Wausau West Boys and Girls both coming out with the team titles. In both cases, they topped the Lakeland Boys and Girls team who took second in each race. Leading the individual results was Paul Choudior from Iola who just edged out Mark Punzenberger of Wausau East for the Boys competition. On the girls side Deedra Irwin of Ashwaubenon put in a solid performance to win the girls race by 15 seconds over Dana Roach of Lakeland. This was the second day of competition for many of the racers who also competed in the Conserve School Race in Land 'O Lakes, WI on Saturday.

Giants Ridge Invite Coverage

January 10, 2009

A crisp early morning gave way to warm sunshine and rising temperatures for the Giants Ridge Invite, formerly known as Mesabi. Joe Dubay, on holiday break, was able to retain his claim to the top spot in the classical race, but Kasey Bacso, Wayzata, made him earn it, finishing less than 6 seconds back. Top ranked Erik Fagerstrom, Eden Prairie, was third. In the girls classic, Molly Burger of Hayward won a narrow 2 second victory over Alena Tofte, Duluth East, and Sarah Daniels, Burnsville. A pair of Michigan skiers, Jay Woodbeck and Zach Wagner, posted the top times in the boys afternoon freestyle races, with Sam Anderson, St. Cloud Tech, taking third. Stillwater's Jesse Diggins defended her skate title, although Roseville's Lynn Duijndam gave her a run for the money finishing just 5 seconds back. Libby Ellis, Mpls Southwest, was third. In the team competition, the Wayzata boys and Mpls Southwest girls scored the most points. Photosets from Jay Richards, Ron Kutsi and Dave Johnson.

Lake Conference Freestyle Race (Group II)

January 8, 2009

Brian Abery reports: The Burnsville Girls and ISD 196 Boys teams both looked strong this Thursday afternoon at the Lake Conference 5km Freestyle race at Valleywood Golf Course skiing to convincing victories while capturing all the podium positions. The Burnsville Girls were led by Maria Tinebra who eeked out a 2 second win over team mate Sarah Daniels. Burnsville's Sharmila Ahmed took 3rd. The ISD 196 Boys team was just as dominant taking six of the top eight positions with Andy Dodds skiing to a 44 second win over team mate Chris Parr with 196's Nick Andresen taking the 3rd podium spot.

Minnesota High School Ranking Process Explained

January 8, 2009

Kevin Brochman gives a breakdown on how they determine the weekly Minnesota High School Nordkic ski team and individual rankings.

Giants Ridge Invite (Mesabi) Start Lists

January 7, 2009

Start lists for the big Giants Ridge Invite (Mesabi) has been posted!

Minnesota High School Rankings Posted

January 5, 2009

The Minnesota high school rankings for the first week in January have been posted.

Rainbow JOQ Freestyle Coverage

January 4, 2009

Cold weather delayed the start of the second day of racing at Rainbow Resort as morning temperatures reached double digits below zero. However, organizers reported near zero temperatures in the afternoon as juniors hit the trails for the 5K and 10K freestyle races. Top times of the day went to Lynn Duijndam and Dylan McGarthwaite in the 5K, and Joe Dubay in the 10K. Photos added from Rainbow Resort.

Marshall Sprints Coverage

January 3, 2009

Nearly 300 skiers hit the trails at Marshall School in Duluth for their annual sprint and junior high races. The varsity boys final featured an exciting match up of CEC's Raleigh Goessling and the UP's Jay Woodbeck as the pair came down to the wire with Goessling winning by 3/10s of a second. Duluth East's Alena Tofte got a good jump on the field in the girls finals, winning by nearly a 10 second margin.

Rainbow JOQ Classic Sprints Coverage

January 3, 2009

Saturday featured classical sprint races on a 1.5K course at Rainbow Resort near Waubun, MN. Top qualifying times of the day went to vacationing Joe Dubay and Minneapolis Southwest's Rosie Frankowski.

Minnesota State Meet Skate Course

December 25, 2008

Mike Hecker has outlined the new skate course for the Minnesota State Meet and encourages coaches and skiers to check it out over the holidays and the Mesabi East Invite.

Lake Conference Kick-Off Classic

December 24, 2008

Brian Abery reports: Proving that even frigid weather can’t slow them down, Burnsville’s Sarah Daniels and Eden Prairie’s Erik Fagerstrom skied to victory in the Lake Conference 5km Classic Race at Hyland Park Reserve on Monday afternoon. Daniels performance reinforced the strength of this year's Burnsville Girls as she bested team mates Sharmila Ahmed by 22 seconds and Marie Tinebra by 28 seconds. Only one other competitor was within one minute of Daniel’s winning time. The top three finishers in the Boys competition were also familiar names with Fagerstrom victorious by 22 seconds over Stu Lombardo from Lakeville South and ISD 196 sophomore Andy Dodds taking the third podium position.

Assistant Coaches, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

December 22, 2008

Dave Johnson, MSHSCA President, writes about the value of assistant coaches and sites the example of 2007-2008 Assistant Nordic Ski Coach of the Year, Fred Kueffer of Roseville, and asks for your opinions on what makes a great assistant coach.

Finland Journal

December 21, 2008

2008 Minnesota State Champion Joe Dubay reports in from Finland where he is attending school, training and racing this season.

Wirth JOQ Sunday Sprints Results

December 21, 2008

Temperatures in the single digits and well below freezing windchills made for a difficult day of sprinting Sunday for the Wirth JOQs. Top qualifying times went to Doug Debold and Libby Ellis.

Holiday Relays Coverage

December 20, 2008

Troll Hollow hosted the big Holiday Relays on Saturday as 30 teams competed in classic and freestyle 4 x 3 km relays. Fresh snow kept the times down some, but there were still some great battles. The Stillwater girls won the classic race by 40 seconds over Roseville, but the Roseville skaters made up that margin in winning the afternoon race. Wayzata boys won the classic race, with Roseville boys cruising way out front to take the freestyle relay. Results plus skate photosets online now.
Update: Corrected results re-posted.

Wirth JOQ Saturday Sprints Results

December 20, 2008

Saturday featured 1500m sprints at Theodore Wirth as part of a double-header weekend of JOQ sprints. Snow fell continuously through the events. Top times on the day went to Hannah Sanborn, J1, and Doug Debold, OJ. Sunday will feature 800m sprints.

NWSC Sprint Championships

December 20, 2008

Susan Waananen reports: Some of the top skiers in the state battled it out for the NWSC Sprint Championships this past Wednesday at Elm Creek Park Reserve. The boys final saw Jeremy Hecker (Andover), pull away from runner-up John Wessling (Maple Grove), while Elk River’s Eric Volk edged out teammate Brian Fergus at the finish line for third place. The Girls final was won decisively by Hannah Sanborn (Maple Grove), while the battle for second place up the final hill had Osseo’s Kelsey Eder holding off Hayley Gerster of Andover.

Lake Conference Results

December 18, 2008

Brian Abery reports: Dominating performances were served up this Thursday afternoon at Hyland Park Reserve in the Lake Conference 5km Freestyle Race as Erik Fagerstrom and the Burnsville Girls Team demonstrated why they are both ranked #1 in the state. Eden Prairie's Fagerstrom bested 2nd place finisher Andy Dodds from ISD 196 by over one minute with Lakeville South's Stu Lombardo completing the podium another 11 seconds back. Not to be outdone, the Burnsville Girls team lead by Sarah Daniels took four of the top five places in the women's race. Daniels bested team mates Sharmila Ahmed by 21 seconds and Maria Tinebra by 27 ticks of the clock. Oliva Bagnall from Lakeville South interrupted a clean sweep by taking 4th with Burnsville's Erica Hett placing 5th.

Mesabi Invite Info

December 16, 2008

The Mesabi Invite organizers have released detailed information on plans and fees, along with forms for the spaghetti feed and t-shirts.

Minnesota HS Rankings Released

December 15, 2008

The second round of high school rankings has been posted. The biggest change is Erick Fagerstrom, Eden Prairie, moving up to the top position.

Grand View Challenge Classical Results

December 14, 2008

The two day Grand View XC Challenge on the Wolverine trails in Ironwood wrapped up Sunday with the 5K and 10K classical races. While the top times of the day went to Santiago Ocariz and Swedish exchange student Marie-Helen Soderman (by just .5 second over Laura Dewitt), perhaps the biggest story of the day was Annie Hart's victory in the womens J1 over Jessie Diggins and Libby Ellis.

Grand View Challenge Freestyle Results

December 14, 2008

Saturday was the freestyle race for the Grand View XC Challenge in Ironwood, MI. Top times of the day were posted by CXC's Matt Liebsch and Laura Dewitt. In their first showdown of the season, Stillwater's Jessie Diggins topped Mpls Southwest's Libby Ellis (ranked 1 and 2 in MN) by 12 seconds in the 5K race.

Lake Conf Carnival Duathlon Results

December 12, 2008

Brian Abery reports: The Lake Conference kicked-off its Nordic season on Thursday with a 5km Duathlon at Cleary Lake Park. In a close Boys race, Sophomore Andy Dodds of ISD 196 edged Senior Stu Lombardo of Lakeville South by four seconds, with 10th grader Chris Parr of ISD196 taking 3rd. In the Girls race, Sharmila Ahmed of Burnsville continued the success of the younger skiers with a 15 second margin of victory over Senior Olivia Bagnall of Lakeville South. Megan Smith of Lakeville North rounded out the podium with a 3rd place finish.

Minnesota High School Rankings Posted

December 12, 2008

The first set of Minnesota High School Nordic skiing rankings have been posted. As expected, Stillwater's Jessie Diggins leads the field for the girls, with Libby Ellis and Addie Byrne second and third. With Joe Dubay gone for the season, Ryan Wright of Forest Lake takes over the top spot in the boys rankings, followed by Kasey Bacso and Erick Fagerstrom. Top ranked teams are the Forest Lake boys and Burnsville Girls.

More High School Results

December 10, 2008

High school results are slowly trickling in... Newly added, Park-Woodbury Invite, Classic Lake Conf, Mounds View Relay, and Peter Westra Sprints.

Three Rivers Park Race Schedule Posted

December 10, 2008

Three Rivers Park District has begun posting race schedules for the parks to help alleviate some of the congestion issues.

High School Updates

December 7, 2008

A number of high school updates... We've posted the first sets of results (St. Cloud Tech and Classic Suburban), plus race info for Jan 17 ABC Relays and Jan 19 Nordic Jamboree under the Key Dates segment.

Hoigaards Relays Coverage

December 6, 2008

It was a nasty start to the racing season with brisk north winds and man-made snow flying in the air for the masters start of the Hoigaards Relays under the lights at Hyland downhill area early Saturday morning. But the races concluded with an optimistic sign as huge natural snowflakes fell near the end of the juniors race. The combo of Brandon Ostroot and Matt Liebsch posted the top time of day. Full results and photosets posted.

Troll Hollow Event Schedule

December 4, 2008

We're going to try to keep a running list of races at Troll Hollow in order to help ease congestion on the trails.

Victor C Dunder Awards Announced

November 29, 2008

The MN State High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association and several generous Minnesota ski shops are proud to announce the award of Nordic ski equipment for 12 promising first year skiers.

Big HS Meets Registration Open

November 27, 2008

Registration now open for...
• Dec 20 Holiday Relays
• Jan 3 Marshall Sprints
• Jan 10 Mesabi East Meet

Minnesota High School Season Underway

November 11, 2008

The Minnesota High School Nordic season kicked off on Monday with opening practice. New MNSNSCA President Mike Hecker has issued an opening week announcement that contains information on State Meet changes. And we've included some clarification over the new rules on uniform logos.

MSHSNCA Fall Meeting Minutes

November 6, 2008

Susan Waananen provides a complete recap on the MSHSNCA Fall Meeting held on October 25th at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center.

Finn Sisu High School Deals

November 4, 2008

Add to the list... Finn Sisu has a number of package deals for high school skiers this season.

Hoigaard's High School Specials

November 3, 2008

Hoigaard's is offering a number of high school special skiing packages including combi and skate/classic packages. And CXC's Johanna Winters will be in shop for a talk on Friday night, Nov 7th.

Gear West Student Packages

November 1, 2008

Gear West is offering a number of special packages for high school this season.

Finland Journal

October 28, 2008

Joe Dubay reports on his first three months living and training in Finland as part of his exchange program experience at Sotkamo school.

LeRoy Martinson Inducted into MN Coaches Hall of Fame

October 26, 2008

The MN High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association members inducted LeRoy Martinson into our coaches Hall Of Fame at the Fall Meeting on Saturday. LeRoy will be presented with a plaque at the Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony at the Spring 2009 Coaches Meeting in Mora, Minnesota.

The Diablo Rouge Snowmobile

September 29, 2008

Coaching legend Pat Lanin shares a memorable story about course preparation with the old 'Red Devil' snowmobile.

Roy Griak Invitational Coverage

September 27, 2008

Cloudy, breezy conditions with slightly warm temperatures in the low 60s greeted the afternoon events at the Roy Griak Invite on Saturday afternoon. False starts delayed both the boys and girls Gold field races. Local favorite Wayzata came in third as Bismarck placed two runners in the top five to take the team title. Bismarck's Joash Osoro took control half way into the boys race and solo'd in for the victory. Sioux Falls Roosevelt won the girls team title with Lakeville North taking fourth as the top local team. Dowling Catholic's Katie Flood held off teammate Ashlie Decker to take first place.

Midwest JOQ Preliminary Schedule

September 2, 2008

CXC has released a preliminary schedule for the upcoming JOQ season. Key stops on the circuit this year will be Wolverine, Rainbow, Mt. Itasca, Telemark, and possibly Theodore Wirth.

Spotlight: Duluth XC Season Wrapup

August 2, 2008

Duluth Juniors XC program wrapped up for the summer training program with a rollerski, rock bonding session and a swim in the big lake. Check out a full photoset and video clip of their rock parade.

Spotlight: Duluth Summer Youth Program

June 27, 2008

Patti Harvieux shares photos from the Thursday evening workout session for the Duluth Summer Youth Training Program. Patti reports: A perfect night! We've got about 30 high school kids enrolled this summer! Most of our local schools are represented with kids from Duluth East, Marshall, Duluth Central, Two Harbors and Proctor. Coaches are Andre Watt, Anders Osthus and Nikolai Anikin, Jr. with help from some gals from the College of St. Scholastica Nordic ski team.

CXC Announces Summer Training Camps

May 26, 2008

CXC has announced their summer schedule of training camps. The big Birkie Camp will be held July 28-31 at Telemark. Skiers at all levels are invited to participate.

Victor C. Dunder Award Deadline Extended

May 1, 2008

The application deadline for the Victor C. Dunder awards have been extended to May 16th. The annual Victor C. Dunder Ski Equipment Awards help support first year high school skiers with equipment awards.

2007-08 Season Highlights

May 1, 2008

Catch highlights plus full results and photos from the 2007-2008 high school racing season.