It was a memorable trip to Presque Isle for the 2015 State Class C Nordic Ski Championships. Thank you to the school and parents who have stepped up to support the team. Due to the extreme weather, we ended up spending more time in PI than expected and likely stressed the budget. I know the team is grateful and realize their efforts and successes have a solid foundation.
New this year was a two day format, and a combining of the Class C and B teams in one race. I was interested to see how the team would match up against the class B schools we do not see locally. Despite a distinct class divide, it was one race and made inter class comparisons available.
I was pleased to have the team mostly healthy and ready to race, we had 18 racers ready but were limited by rules to race only 12, the other team members being alternates. I am sure most have had time to look at the results and are pleased to find both boy's and girl's have once again won the Class C Championships. I hope these results are taken as a reflection of the efforts put forth by the whole team. For the boys Dylan, Davis, Eli and Thomas were unable to race due to the start limit, however their roll was key to the boys' team being among the states top teams regardless of class this season. All year the boys have pushed each other in practice - this work by the group paid off when it counted most. It was great that Graham was able to finally get to ski after nursing a back ailment most of the year, and I was lucky to have Graham help at a number of races - waxing ,supporting and doing whatever was needed while being on the sidelines. As captain and one of the teams top scorers coming into the year, it was heartening to see Graham race even though he was not 100%. He has set a high standard on the boys side. Forrest and Tucker were a formidable top two and lead the team all year - both were on the podium at the state final and along with Zach were named ALL WMC. Zach had a great ending to his high school ski career earning his best results at the WMC and States. Lars also ended his high school career on a high note with a fantastic classic race in P.I. Freshmen Eli and Nick were valuable contributors all year as well, with Nick having one of his best results in the State Skate race, scoring valuable race points.
On the Girls side the numbers were not as deep and illness or injury were commonplace through the year. Fortunately what the girls lacked in depth they made up for in grit. Samantha has been among the top skiers all four years in high school. This year Fiona A joined Sam at the front of the pack and together they were among the best pair of female skiers in the state. This was not a total surprise, as I was aware of their training and dedication, still the girls team needed more to compete against a strong field of teams. Lucky the girls team welcomed three new freshman - Olivia, Louise and Calla.
All were dealing with various aliments at the start of the year but were able to find their form during the season. Calla was able to pick up the sport and complete races, no small accomplishment as a freshman. Louise and Olivia had great freshman results and were instrumental in helping the girls to repeat for the fifth time as Class C champions. Sam, Fiona A and Olivia were all named to the WMC All Conference team, giving the team a total of six awards. Fiona CD and Fiona L were dealing with health challenges all year but were both able to race in PI and have strong races. Emma also earned a start in the Classic race and it's great to see her hard work pay off.
We also benefited this year from two other skiers - Ava joined the team after Christmas break and hopefully will get healthy and ready for next winter. Also our German exchange student, Jannis, was a great addition. It was fun seeing him work at improving and getting faster throughout the year. Thanks to the seniors who have been great role models all year.
Remember the race this coming Saturday is a chance to do a last high school race even if you are not looking or planning to race the EHSC or U16/J2 races. Congratulations to the team for the Championships earned and the Sportsmanship Award for the second year running.
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