The CCHS/Silver Bay girls placed third overall in the prestigious Gitchi Gumi ski meet. From L-R: Emma Sexauer, Reilly Wahlers, Elsa Lunde, Sela Backstrom, Kalina Dimitrova, Allie Duclos, and coach Charles Lamb. Photo courtesy of Charles and Jenny Lamb
Despite a high temperature of 1F and wind gusts from 15 mph to 35 mph, Cook County kids performed well at the Gitchi Gummi Invite held at Mont Du Lac Ski Area in Wisconsin on Thursday, Jan. 24.
“It was a huge meet, 11 teams were in attendance from all over the state, with 220 racers skiing two runs of slalom,” said head coach Charles Lamb.
It was the last scheduled meet of the season before sections.
Will Surbaugh blew out in his first run but had a great second run to unofficially finish in 6th place. Ray Dressely finished 27th, Elijah Blank 30thth, Cy Oberholtzer straddled (DSQ). Westin Herron, Ben Obinger, and Andrew Halberg also raced and completed their runs.
The boys’ individual winner was Thomas Heron from CEC (Carlton, Esko, Cloquet) and the boys’ team champion was Minneapolis South West.
Switching to the girls, Reilly Wahlers really stepped up (2nd) in her first run and finished the day on the podium in 3rd place! Sela Backstrom also skied fast, landing 9th place in a very competitive field.
Elsa Lunde had a great first run but she blew out in her second and hiked, and finished at the back of the pack.
Seventh-grader Kalina Dimitrova had a great day with a personal best of 23rd, Emma Sexauer and Allie Duclos rounded out the girls’ team.
Junior Halle Lamb suffered a season-ending back injury during training; she will be missed and we wish her a successful and speedy recovery.
The girls’ individual champion was Elsa Peterson from Minneapolis SW, and the girls’ team winner was Minneapolis South West.
“I was very proud of our seniors with two of them finishing in the top ten,” said Lamb, “and the team took third place!
“The team hadn’t raced at Mont Du Lac in five years, so it was awesome for our last race before sections to return to that hill where our seniors have so many great memories and victories from competing at Junior Team races when they were younger.
“Training resumed Saturday and Monday despite the cold, but since the school and ski hill were closed mid week, we will regroup and train for sections this coming Friday, Saturday and Monday.”
The section 7 championships will be held Feb. 5 at Giants Ridge.
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