Endurance United: Junior Training Info Meeting May 4th
April 17, 2023Endurance United has scheduled an information zoom call on their Junior Programs for Thursday evening, May 4th. If you are interested in learning more or planning to join one of our many EU junior programs (summer, fall, D-team, JNQ support) for the upcoming season please mark your calendars and plan to listen in. Contact coach Liz Peterson for zoom call details.
Applications for 2023 Moose Valuable Skier Award Due April 23rd
April 4, 2023Four core values—Sportsmanship, Humility, Empowerment, and Integrity—define Moose Nordic and are the inspiration for the Moose Valuable Skier Award, an award dedicated to high school skiers who have an outsized impact on their team. If you know of someone who exemplifies these values, consider nominating them for this year's MVS Award. Nominations are being accepted through April 23rd, with the award being given to one high school male athlete and one high school female athlete.
Minnesota State High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association Award Winners
April 1, 2023The Minnesota State High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association has announced the Coach of the Year, Assistant Coaches of the Year and Section Volunteers of the Year for the 2022-2023 season. Recipients will be honored for their accomplishments at the MSHSNSCA meeting in Mora on Saturday, April 22nd.
Junior Nationals: Freestyle Mass Start
March 16, 2023Junior Nationals competition wrapped up Thursday at Birch Hill in Fairbanks, AK, with some incredible freestyle mass start races. Greta Hansen won the women's U20 division, crowned National Champion; Sydney Drevlow collected another podium with a third place finish in the U18 division. Other top performances - MU16: Logan Drevlow 6th; FU16: Anna Gilmer 24th; MU18: Oliver Miatke 6th, Daniel McCollor 9th, Davis Isom 13th, Tommy Simmonds 14th; FU18: Hanna Koch 4th, Lydia Kraker 5th, Fran Peterson 8th, Natasha Sortland 10th, Nina Fedje 15th; MU20: Ben Dohlby 7th, Ben Lewis 8th, Jonathan Saldin 9th, Victor Sparks 12th, Jonathan Clarke 13th, Aiden Van Straten 15th.
Junior Nationals: Freestyle Sprint Results
March 14, 2023Junior Nationals in Fairbanks, Alaska, continued Tuesday a full day of freestyle sprint competition. Midwest's Sydney Drevlow earned another podium, taking third in the FU18 division. Other top results included FU16: Anna Gilmer 17th; MU16: Logan Drevlow 17th; FU18: Nina Fedje 7th, Lydia Kraker 10th, Hanna Wilsey 15th; MU18: Miles Miner 11th, Davis Isom 12th; FU20: Greta Hansen 4th, Hailee Zimpel 15th; MU20: Benon Brattedo 8th, Jonathan Saldin 9th, Ben Lewis 11th. The final day of racing is Thursday with classic mass start races on tap.
Junior Nationals: Classic Results
March 13, 2023Junior Nationals competition got underway on Monday in Fairbanks, Alaska, with 7.5K classic interval start races. The Midwest came roaring out the door with a number of podiums: Sydney Drevlow won the FU18 title! Greta Hanson 2nd FU20, Logan Drevlow 2nd MU16, and Tommy Simmonds 2nd MU18. Other top performances: MU16: Quinn Holan 5th; MU18: Davis Isom 7th, Oliver Miatke 10th, Daniel McCollor 14th; MU20: Benon Brattebo 6th, Ben Lewis 9th, Jasper Johnston 10th, Andrew DeFor 11th, Ben Dohlby 15th; FU16: Helen Townley 10th; FU18: Lydia Kraker 5th, Hanna Koch 6th, Natasha Sortland 11th; FU20: Hailee Zimpel 6th, Lily Brown 8th, Jordan Parent 10th. Racing continues on Tuesday with freestyle sprints.
Junior Nationals Opens in Fairbanks
March 10, 2023Junior Nationals fires up Saturday in Fairbanks, Alaska, with opening ceremonies. The racing action is scheduled to begin on Monday with classic interval start distance events. Tuesday is freestyle sprints and then competition wraps up on Thursday with freestyle mass start races (no relays this season). Livestreaming is planned for all three races.
Junior National Teams Announced
March 6, 2023The full teams for the Midwest and Great Lakes Junior Nationals competition, March 11-16 in Fairbanks, AK, have been announced. Also posted are the teams for the Canadian Nationals.
Kortelopet Coverage
February 24, 2023Bright sunshine, rising temperatures and a beautifully groomed Birkie Trail made for another awesome Kortelopet event Friday in Hayward. As tradition, junior skiers reigned on the day! Peak Nordic's Ben Dohlby, hot off his distance championship victory at the Wisconsin State Meet, broke away after Mosquito Brook to solo in for the men's title with Lakeland's Casey Van Hefty second and Jace Haerter third. On the womens side, Anne Straka completed the Peak Nordic sweep of the freestyle titles, with Fran Peterson, Chippewa Valley, second and Della Bettendorf third. In the classic division, Mpls Ski Club's Benjamin Martin striding to first, ANST's Noah Jahnke second, and Eliott Swanson, Mpls Ski Club, third. The Duluth North XC duo of Greta Hendrickson and Lydia Kraker skied to a friendly photo finish with Hendrickson awarded first. Rochester's Natasha Sortland was third. In the Prince Haakon, Devon Byers and Anna Peikert had the fastest times. Results linked in, along with big photosets and video recaps from the Kortelopet.
Mayors Challenge Classic Coverage
February 19, 2023Another full day of racing at Theodore Wirth with an exciting array of mass start classic events for the Mayors Challenge on Sunday. Midwest World Cup stars shined brightly in the big 20K races as Zak Ketterson pulled away from the men's field and Alayna Sonnesyn topped the women's group. In the 10K races, State champion Benon Brattebo (U20) continued his winning form and St. Scholastica's Sophia Corkran (U20) cruised to victory. Top U18 times went to Daniel McCollor (3rd) and Natasha Sortland (2nd). In the U16 5K races, Logan Drevlow dominated the boys event and Helen Townley collected the girls title. Full results linked in, plus some big photosets.
Mayors Challenge Freestyle Sprints Results
February 18, 2023Racing on some fast conditions Saturday at Theodore Wirth, skiers competed in freestyle sprints as part of the CXC Cup and SuperTour. In the men's open, the final featured a battle of NMU past and present as NMU alumni and World Cup skier Zak Ketterson faced off against NMU and US Nationals sprint winner Kristoffer Alm Karsrud. Coming over the bridge and into the final stretch together, Karsrud pulled ahead of Ketterson for the victory. Logan Diekmann was third. The women's final was equally dramatic, with World Junior Championships sensation Sammy Smith leading through the major climb, but it was SMS T2's Loren Jortberg coming over the bridge first with Team Birkie's Renae Anderson taking second, and the UP's own Sarah Goble third. In the U18 heats (minus those that raced in the open divisions), Daniel McCollor and Tayah Anderson won the sprint finals. U16 titles went to Jack Dahlby and Helen Townley. Sunday will be mass start classical races.
Minnesota State Meet Day 2 Coverage
February 16, 2023A crisp morning with single digit temperatures felt much warmer as bright sunshine and light winds made for great spectating. In the opening classic, Ely's Zoe Devine took the classic leg just two seconds ahead of Hailee Zimpel, Elk River/Zimmerman, with Greta Hansen, MSA, another five seconds back. Prior Lake/New Prague's Tommy Simmonds surprised the field with the top time followed by Benon Brattebo, Eden Prairie, 14 seconds trailing, and Blaine's Ben Lewis and Edina's Andrew DeFor just another five seconds back. The afternoon freestyle pursuit races were truly nail-biters as both the girls and boys came down to photo finishes for the victory. Zoe Devine was crowned State champion by a sliver over Duluth East's Lydia Kraker with Greta Hansen coming in third just two second back. Benon Brattebo outstretched Ben Lewis for the boys victory with Andrew DeFor third. After finishing second last year, Duluth East left no doubt, sweeping the titles by a wide margin. Stillwater girls and Wayzata boys were second, St. Paul Highland Park swept for third. Results linked in, photos from the classic and freestyle races are posted.
Minnesota State Meet Day 1 Coverage
February 15, 2023A weather rollercoaster to kickoff the State Meet in Biwabik, with rain coming down the Tuesday night but fortunately cooling and even snowing a bit for the team sprint events on Wednesday. Duluth East kicked off their quest for the team titles, both girls and boys, by dominating the sprints, posting the best qualifier times and then taking the finals by a clear margin. In the girls race, the race for second went to St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) with Stillwater third. On the boys side, Wayzata appeared to be giving Duluth East competition until the last leg when Duluth East pulled away and the rest of the field tightened up in a battle for second, Bemidji taking the photo finish in front of Minneapolis Southwest. Results linked in, video recaps posted.
Minnesota State Meet Preview
February 13, 2023The Minnesota High School season wraps up this week with the Nordic Championships at Giants Ridge on Wednesday and Thursday. We've got news and notes on the big event, along with our favorites and predictions, plus a guest article on ski life after high school.
Wisconsin State Championships Classic Pursuit Coverage
February 12, 2023The multi-day (and weekend) Wisconsin State Championships wrapped up on Sunday in Cable with classic pursuit distance races. The girls started the action with Chippewa Valley Nordic's star Fran Peterson taking the pursuit victory ahead of Anne Straka, Peak Nordic, and Greta Dickman, IWSC, in third. Ben Dohlby, Peak Nordic, went off first for the boys and stretched his lead in winning the pursuit title, with Joseph Stumpf, ANST, second and Casey Van Hefty, Lakeland, third. Combining points from the previous weekend's sprint to determine an overall champion, Fran Peterson earned the maximum 90 points for the gals, while Joseph Stumpf was crowned for guys. Team titles went to ANST boys and Lakeland girls, with Peak Nordic posting the best combined team score. Results linked in, and big photosets are up!
Minnesota Section 4 Championships Coverage
February 9, 2023An exciting Thursday of racing to wrap up the week as Minnesota High School Section 4 Championship was held at Battle Creek. Stillwater's duo of Lily Ward and Bailey Holmes overtook Forest Lake's Jordan Parent in the freestyle pursuit, finishing nearly tied as first and second, with Parent just a bit back in third. On the boys side, MPA's Eddie Snider had a strong skate leg to take the boys title, Carson Peterson, Stillwater, second, with Jacob Kensy, Forest Lake, third. Forest Lake girls and Moundsview Boys won the team sprints. Stillwater swept the team titles over rival Forest Lake, with only a single point separating the boys teams. Results linked in, plus photos from the classic races.
Wisconsin High School Nordic Championship Prediction
February 8, 2023Ken Schoville provides his annual breakdown on the Wisconsin high school Nordic skiing Championship contenders! With last weekend's sprints now factoring into the overall titles, things get crazy. The distance championships are this Saturday and Sunday at the Birkie Trailhead in Cable.
Minnesota Section 7 Championship Results
February 8, 2023Duluth East was an overwhelming force at the Minnesota High School Section 7 Championship Wednesday. Racing on the trails at Giants Ridge, Duluth East won the team sprints, took the top four boys pursuit places, four of the top five girls pursuit places, and of course, sweep the team titles! Zoe Devine, Ely, provided the only chink, taking the girls pursuit title with Rowan Bixler and Lydia Kraker second and third. The boys pursuit trio was Oliver Miatke, Aiden Van Straten, and Carl Morse. Mora boys and Ely girls also advance to State as the second place teams. Results linked in.
Minnesota Section 5 Championship Coverage
February 8, 2023Minnesota High School Section competition continued on Wednesday with Section 5 Championship at Theodore Wirth. One of the leading candidates for State, Hailee Zimpel, Elk River/Zimmerman, easily punched her ticket, winning the pursuit title by over two minutes. Teammate Claire Swanson was second, Maple Grove's Savannah Krull third. Blaine's Ben Lewis also had a strong performance in taking the boys pursuit victory by over a minute. Eliott Swanson, Elk River/Zimmerman was second, followed by Tyler Kyes, Champlin Park. Coon Rapids swept the team sprints. Teams advancing to State: Elk River/Zimmerman and Irondale girls, Blaine and Champlin Park boys. Results linked in, photos from the morning classic races posted.
Minnesota Section 3 Championship Coverage
February 7, 2023Sunny, warm weather accented the beautiful racing conditions at Battle Creek Regional Park for the first of the two Minnesota High School Section Championships being held on the new snowmaking trails. Section 3 was the feature on Tuesday and competitions didn't disappoint as many of the races were close. In the individual races, Greta Hansen, Math & Science Academy, laid down the fastest classic and freestyle times to cruise to a victory in the girls pursuit, while the Koch sisters, Hanna and Chloe of St. Paul Highland Park, collected the second and third positions on the podium, with Chloe coming from behind in the freestyle leg to clinch third place by just one second. Meanwhile, the boys race was a tight contest for all of the podium positions as Ben Martin of St. Paul Highland Park along with teammate Gavin Roberts and Cody West, Minneapolis South/Minneapolis Roosevelt, were each separated by just two seconds a piece in their respective first, second, and third place finishes. St. Paul Academy girls and Central boys took the team sprints. For the team titles, the boys and girls contests were close, but ultimately both podiums were made up of a group of four teams: first was collected by both the St. Paul Highland Park boys and girls, second went to the St. Paul Academy girls and Minneapolis South/Minneapolis Roosevelt boys, and in third was another doubleheader with the St. Paul Central boys and girls. Results posted, along with photosets from the classic races.
Minnesota Section 1 Championship Coverage
February 7, 2023Section 1 held their Minnesota High School Championships on Tuesday at Hyland Lake. The section features teams primarily from the south metro, with Winona/Cotter joining them from southeastern Minnesota. And a trip well worth it for Winona, as the girls team captured the section crown by just three points over Eastview/Rosemont, with Prior Lake/New Prague third. ISD 196 boys used for a strong team sprint victory to secure the boys title over Prior Lake/New Prague, with Winona/Cotter third. Eastview/Rosemount girls won the team sprint final. Winona's Anna Gilmer had the dominating performance of the meet, putting down the top classic and skate times in winning the pursuit title by over a minute. Emily Percival, Eastview/Rosemount, was second after overtaking Ava Pike, Winona/Cotter, who finished third. Evan O'Connor, Prior Lake/New Prague, had best times in both classic and freestyle to win the boys pursuit title, teammate Tommy Simmonds was second, followed by Samuel Folland, Northfield, in third. Results linked in, photos posted from the classic races.
Minnesota Section 2 Championship Coverage
February 7, 2023Fast conditions Tuesday as Section 2 competed for the right to advance to the State Meet in the Minnesota High School Section Championship at Theodore Wirth. The team sprints provided some exciting finishes with Minneapolis Southwest taking victories in both the girls and boys finals. The section showcased two of the top junior boys, Andrew DeFor, Edina, and Benon Brattebo, Eden Prairie. DeFor held a narrow three second lead after the morning classic, setting up a friendly pursuit stroll capped by a burst of power in the final 400 meters, with Brattebo taking the pursuit title. Bloomington Jefferson's Anders Westanmo collected third. The girls side was all Chloe Angerman of Minneapolis Washburn, as she posted the top classic and freestyle times to win just over 30 seconds. Eden Prairie's Courtney Fussy finished second with Nina Fedje, Minnetonka, moving up from sixth to grab third. Washburn girls scored the team victory with Eden Prairie advancing in second, and Minnetonka third. Eden Prairie boys were tops with Minnetonka earning a place at State, Bloomington Jefferson finishing third. Results linked in, photos from the freestyle pursuit posted.
Minnesota Section 6 Championship Coverage
February 6, 2023Minnesota High School Section Championships got underway Monday with Section 6 at Hyland Park. Team competition turned into a nail biter as both the boys and girls scoring leaned into their team sprint scores for the victory. The Wayzata girls held on to win the team title by two points over St. Louis Park, with Hopkins third. Likewise, the Wayzata boys topped the Armstrong boys by three points for the win with Orono third. Audrey Parham, Wayzata, launched a fast skate time to move up from third to win the pursuit title. Hanna Wilsey, St. Louis Park was second, Erica Kazin, Orono, third. On the boys side, Daniel McCollor,Wayzata, posted the top classic and skate times to secure the title, Miles Miner, Orono, second and Logan Drevlow, Hopkins, skated up to third. Results linked in and posts from the classic races posted.
Minnesota High School Sections Preview
February 4, 2023The Minnesota High School Nordic Skiing season ramps up this coming week with sectional championships. We've got the details on the section dates, locations and schedules (take note in the metro area, the snowmaking venues will be busy).
Coleraine JNQ Classic Results
January 22, 2023Some exciting races on Sunday as classic mass start events were the format for the Coleraine JNQ at Mt. Itasca in Coleraine, MN. Sydney Drevlow completed the weekend sweep, taking the women's 7.5K classic race just in from of Greta Hansen and Hailee Zimpel. In the men's race, Andrew DeFor pulled away for the victory with Davis Isom second and Noah Erickson third. Top U16 performances on the day went to Mackenzie Thompson (CAN) and Logan Drevlow.
Coleraine JNQ Freestyle Coverage
January 21, 2023With temps in the mid 20s and a 5K course freshly groomed last night, conditions were top notch Saturday for the Junior Nationals qualifying races at Mt. Itasca. Sydney Drevlow posted the women's top 10K time, a full 30 seconds ahead of the rest of the field. Davis Isom won the men's 10K, with the top nine all finishing within a minute. U16 titles went to Mackenzie Thompson (CAN) and Logan Drevlow. Results linked in, photo albums posted and along with video highlights.
ABC Relays Results
January 14, 2023Eighteen teams lined up Saturday morning for the annual ABC Relay races, held on the Vasaloppet Nordic trails in Mora. Little Falls boys won the boys title in an exciting battle with Blaine by one second margin of victory. The girls side was just as dynamic with the Winona girls besting Minneapolis Washburn by the same one second margin. Little Falls Connor Grant and Greta Hansen, Math and Science Academy, had the fastest classic splits, Ben Lewis, Blaine, and Emma Jamison, Sartell/Cathedral, the best skate times.
Detroit Lakes Invite Coverage
January 12, 2023Jay Richards shares: Maplelag Resort was host to one of the longest running high school Nordic ski races in Minnesota, the 29th annual Detroit Lakes Invitational. The meet featured a mass start 9km continuous pursuit for varsity skiers on separate courses with a fresh dusting of snow. Both Brainerd boys and girls took the team titles, even with top skier Annelise Baird on the sidelines in the girls race. Individual honors went to Zaine Braaten of Moorhead in the boys race and Jaelyn Miller of Alexandria in the girls race.
US Nationals: Freestyle Sprints Coverage
January 7, 2023The 2023 US Cross-Country Ski Championships wrapped up on Sunday with freestyle sprints the final action item. NMU's Kristoffer Alm Karsrud picked up his second win of the Championships in the senior bracket, completing his sweep of the men's sprints. Sharing the freestyle podium with him was Luke Jager in second and Tom Mancini in third. Hailey Swirbul finished her Championships with a shutout, winning all four competitions this week, including today's. She was joined on the women's podium by Novie McCabe and Lauren Jortberg, who finished second and third respectively. Of the athletes native the Midwest, the best were John Schwinghamer and Erin Bianco, with Bianco making it all the way to the final where she finished 5th. Lauren McCollor also had a standout result as the junior title winner out of the senior bracket. For the up-and-comers, Trey Jones and Sammy Legate were the ones to win the men's and women's finals in the junior bracket. Results are linked in, photos and videos will be up later tonight.
Mesabi East Invite Results
January 7, 2023Mesabi East Invite lived up to it's reputation as the biggest high school race in the nation with over 900 skiers competing on Saturday. Trail conditions were some of the best in recent season at Giants Ridge. Classic titles were earned by Della Bettendorf, Proctor/Hermantown, while Tommy Simmonds, Prior Lake won just by 2/10th sec over James Kyes, Duluth East. Ely's Zoe Devine and Duluth East's Oliver Miatke had the top skate times. Duluth East swept the team titles.
US Nationals: Classic Distance Coverage
January 6, 2023The sun finally broke through on Day 3 of the 2023 US Cross-Country Ski Championships, delivering optimal racing conditions for the scheduled mass-start classic races. Securing his second consecutive title these Championships, Luke Jager crossed the line first in the men's 20K, just over a second in front of the runner-up, David Norris, and third place finisher, Zanden McMullen. Aiming for her third consecutive title, Hailey Swirbul had her work cut out for her as the women's 20K came down to a sprint in which she just edged out Sydney Palmer-Leger. Novie McCabe glided in shortly after to lock in the last remaining spot on the podium. Top Midwest results were earned by Reid Goble (7th) and the pair of Hannah Rudd (11th) and Margie Freed (12th). Of the juniors, Ava Thurston and NMU's Adrik Kraftson held the top times in the 10K races. Saturday marks the final competitions of the 2023 US Cross-Country Ski Championships with the program calling for freestyle sprints. Results are linked in, photos and videos are online.
US Nationals: Classic Sprints Coverage
January 4, 2023Day 2 of the 2023 US Cross-Country Ski Championships called for classic sprints, a tall order for wax techs with flurries on the air. Battling back late in the final, NMU's Kristoffer Alm Karsrud was first across the line of the senior men, although Luke Jager would be the one to cross the line as the first American and national champion, finishing third overall. Second overall went to Magnus Boee, while Will Koch and Zanden McMullen rounded out the all-American podium. On the other side, Hailey Swirbul was crowned the national champion and was the overall winner, with Mariel Merlii Pulles and Tilde Baangman standing to either side of her on the overall podium, and the same for Sydney Palmer-Leger and Kendall Kramer on the all-American podium. Top results for athletes with Midwest roots came from Reid Goble and Margie Freed, while top junior results came from Hugo Hinckfuss and Samantha Smith in the senior heats, with NMU's Adrik Kraftson and Emma Charles the winners of the junior heats. The second half of the 2023 US Cross-Country Ski Championships start on Friday with classic mass-start distance racing. Results are linked in, big photosets posted along with videos recaps.
Noquemanon: No Fee for Junior Noque
January 3, 2023A big announcement on Tuesday, as Noquemanon announced the Junior Noque fees are being covered under an annual gift in the memory of Cheri Rundman (Uelmen). Juniors can register for the event for free (and if already registered, have their fee refunded). To further commemorate Rundman's legacy, the Junior Noque will officially be known as the Rundman Jacobson Junior Noquemanon. The Junior Noque is set for Friday, Jan 27th.
US Nationals: Freestyle Distance Coverage
January 2, 2023The sky was overcast and temperatures were hovering around freezing as the 2023 US Cross-Country Ski Championships got underway in Houghton, Michigan on Monday. For the first of four days of racing, the best in the US faced a 10K freestyle course in an interval-start format, with the women up first on the two lap course. A stacked field was whittled down to a standalone group of three for the podium: Sydney Palmer-Leger in 3rd, Novie McCabe in 2nd, and Hailey Swirbul as the national champion. With a similarly competitive field, the podium for the men's race consisted of Skylar Patten in 3rd, David Norris in 2nd, and Johnny Steel Hagenbuch as the national champion; although a Norwegian, Andreas Kirkeng, posted the fastest time. Top junior results went to Nina Schamberger and Philipp Moosmayer, while top results for skiers native to the Midwest came from the Gobles: Sarah (4th) and Reid (11th). The Championships continue on Wednesday with classic sprints. Results are linked in, photos and videos posted.
Houghton JNQ/CCSA Freestyle Sprint Results
December 18, 2022Sunday was a full day of freestyle sprint racing on the Michigan Tech trails for the Houghton JNQ/CCSA event. In the men's open, Kristoffer Karsrud (NMU) collected his second freestyle sprint title of the season followed by Adrik Kraftson (NMU, MU20), and Luke Fricker (NMU). Daniel McCollor was the top U18, finishing 5th the open quarterfinal. Jack Dahlby also repeated as freestyle sprint champ in the boys U16 division. On the women's side, Anabel Needham (MTU) continued the trend of repeat freestyle sprint champs with Katerina Hyncicova (NMU) second and Merle Richter (NMU) third. Catherine Stow had the best U20 result, finishing 5th in the final. Inga Wing was the top U16, making all the way to the women's open semifinals (5th). Lily Ward was best of the U18 girls finishing 4th the in open quarterfinal, All thoughts now turn to US Nationals, back in Houghton, Jan 2nd-7th.
Houghton JNQ/CCSA Freestyle Results
December 17, 2022Skiers descended on Houghton, MI, this weekend for a US Nationals preview with JNQ and CCSA racing. Saturday featured freestyle races and in the mens 10K, Skylar Patten (MTU) took top honors with Adrik Kraftson (NMU, MU20) second and Tryg Solberg (MTU) third. On the women's side, Olivia Laven (MTU) had the only sub-31 minute time, Victoria Dybwad (CSS) came in second, Anabel Needham (MTU) third. Other top performances: Greta Hansen 1st FU20, Audrey Parham 1st FU18, Davis Isom 1st MU18, Lauren Cartlon 1st FU16, Ben Buchmann 1st MU16. Sunday's event will be freestyle sprints.
Duluth JNQ/CCSA Classic Coverage
December 11, 2022Sunday wrapped up the weekend racing at Grand Ave Nordic Center in Duluth with a day of tricky waxing conditions as fresh snowfall intermittently plagued the race course. The women raced first, with the top seeds in the open class going out first. Henriette Semb, MTU, posted the top time with Merle Richter, NMU, second and Anabel Needham, MTU, third. Hailee Zimpel lead the U20 field (fourth overall), with Della Bettendorf best of the U18 and Inga Wing the top U16 skier again today. Skylar Patten, MTU, claimed the victory in the open division with Wes Campbell (U20), MTU, second and Kristoffer Karsrud, NMU third. Davis Isom was the best of U18 field, Ben Buchmann won the U16 division. Results linked in, photos and video clips from the 7.5K classic races posted.
Duluth JNQ/CCSA Freestyle Sprints Results
December 10, 2022Grand Ave in Duluth was the destination this weekend for a pair of JNQ/CCSA events. Saturday featured freestyle sprint races. The men's open division race had NMU's Kristoffer Karsrud taking the win with teammate Luke Fricker second and Michigan Tech's Adam Witkowski third. On the women's side, Michigan Tech's Anabel Needham glided easily into first, NMU's Katerina Hyncicova second, and Scholastica's own Mia Case (U20) third. A number of U20, U18 and U16 athletes competed in the open division with Wes Campbell (U20) finishing 5th in the men's final, Davis Isom (U18) 6th in the men's semifinal, Inga Wing (U16) 6th in the women's semifinal and Hannah Koch was the top FU18, making the open quarterfinals. Jack Dahlby was best of the U16 boys, dominating the U16 boys sprint final. Sunday will be classic technique 7.5K races.
Maplelag Meet Coverage
December 6, 2022Jay Richards reports: Maplelag Resort was host to an early season meet, the "Organic Open", featuring some of the top teams of Section 8 competing on 100% organic natural snow, possible the first in the state. Varsity skiers competed in both skate and classic races and were greeted to 3" of fluffy new snow on top of a firm base and single digit temperatures. However, no wind and sunshine at the end of the meet made for nice racing conditions. Zaine Braaten of Moorhead and Annelise Baird of Brainerd took the varsity pursuit individual titles. Team titles went to Little Falls for the boys and Brainerd for the girls.
Minnesota High School Nordic Skiing Wax Rules
December 3, 2022A notice has been posted reminding all athletes, coaches and supporters that fluorocarbon wax products are banned from all MSHSL events.
TCNSC Meet Results
November 30, 2022Scoring the first meet of the season (and in November!), the Twin Cities Nordic Ski Conference held a 4K freestyle time trial at Elm Creek on Wednesday. St. Paul Highland Park dominated the event with Hanna Koch and Davis Isom topping the fields.
NNF: Drive for 25 Targets Achieved
November 29, 2022The National Nordic Foundation expresses it's gratitude to the entire Nordic community for helping reach their fundraising targets in the Drive for 25 campaign. All totaled, over $300K was generated!
Marshall Holiday Ski Camp, Dec 27-29
November 26, 2022Marshall School's annual Holiday Ski Camp is exactly one month out from today, taking place Dec 27-29. An excellent chance for kids to receive some individualized coaching, the camp is open to children ages 5-12. Registration covers three full afternoons of learning and fun, plus rental equipment, snacks, and more!
US Nationals Waxing Facility Reservations Open
November 4, 2022Teams and groups planning to participate at the 2023 US Cross Country Ski National Championships can now reserve their waxing facilities, with three options available: self-provided wax trailers, rented portable wax trailers, and provided wax rooms. Reservations for the latter two must be made by Dec 28th.
MN Nordic Ski Coaches Association Fall Meeting Recap
November 2, 2022The Minnesota High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association has posted the minutes from their fall meeting, held back in mid-October. A number of rule update proposals were passed as well as a push to shift the Minnesota high school season a week later, finishing with a State Meet in late February (typically Birkie week). David Paulson was elected as the new association president.
NNF: Applications Open for U23/World Juniors Coaches
October 18, 2022US Ski and Snowboard is now accepting applications to coach at this season's World Junior/U23 Ski Championships taking place in Whistler, Canada from Jan 25th-Feb 2nd. The deadline to apply is Oct 31st.
Minnesota High School Coaches Association Fall Meeting this Saturday
October 11, 2022The Minnesota High School Coaches Association Fall Meeting for Nordic skiing will be this Saturday, Oct 15th, at the Vasaloppet Center in Mora. There are some very important topics on the schedule, including a number of proposed changes to the State Meet and season. Plus a new CXC Level 50 certification. Review all the meeting agenda and proposals, and RSVP.
Minnesota High School Coaches Association Fall Meeting, Oct 15th
September 22, 2022The Minnesota High School Coaches Association Fall Meeting for Nordic skiing will be Saturday, Oct 15th, at the Vasaloppet Center in Mora. There are some very important topics on the schedule, including a number of proposed changes to the State Meet and season. Review all the meeting agenda and proposals, and RSVP.
Minnesota Coaches Association August Update
August 7, 2022Paula Anderson, interim President of the Minnesota High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association, has released an August update. One of the biggest topics is a number of proposed changes to the new State Meet format.
US Cross Country Ski Championships Return to Houghton
August 3, 2022Michigan Tech will host the 2023 Toyota U.S. Cross Country Ski National Championships at the Tech Trails from January 2-7, 2023. The championship spans a week and consists of three different national championship race days and concludes with a SuperTour race day. Events include skate 10K interval start distance, classic sprints, and classic 10/20K mass start distance, and skate sprints.
Junior CXC Cup Schedule Published
July 10, 2022CXC has published the preliminary schedule for the Junior National Qualifying CXC Cup this season, with stops in Duluth, Houghton, Coleraine, Traverse City, and Minneapolis.
Minnesota High School Coaches Association Spring Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2022Minutes have been posted for the Spring Meeting of the Minnesota High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association. Plus review amended bylaws, update your contact info, and reasons to join the association.
2022 Collegiate Tally Board
May 2, 2022We've fired up the collegiate tally board, tracking high school Nordic skiing seniors and their future plans. Find out who's skiing in college, and contribute to the board.