Above: Skiing strong, Mara MacDonell was half of the Vikings’ two woman show at Giants Ridge. She finished with a time of 48:08. Right: Audrey Summers was the overall top finisher for the Vikings, coming in 30th with a total time of 45:59.
There were no surprises at the Section Seven State qualifying meet held at Giants Ridge on February 7. The top team honors for boys went to Ely, and for girls to Duluth East. Both teams will be heading back to the same course at Giants Ridge for the Minnesota State Championship meet February 14 where it is likely that either or both will go home with the title.
The race was a pursuit that started with a 5.2-kilometer skate race followed by a 5.3 classic race a few hours later. Amy Bianco of Ely topped the girls’ race with a total time of 35:51. Jesse Olson, also of Ely, led the boys with a total time of 32:35.
The weather and trail conditions made for an excellent race. The Cook County Nordic boys’ team had a full roster including Ben Seaton, Levi Axtell, Joey Chmelik, Nate Carlson, Sean MacDonell, and Pete Summers. Ben was the top boy finisher for the day with 36th place and a total time of 38:33 with Levi close behind with a total time of 39:26.
The Cook County Nordic boys’team enjoyed the excellent trails at the Nordic Section Seven meet at Giants Ridge on February 7. The energetic boys’ team is (L-R, front) Will Seaton, Levi Axtell, Ben Seaton, Joey Chmelik. (L-R, back) Sean MacDonell, Nate Carlson.
Audrey Summers and Mara MacDonell (a two woman show) made up the girls’ team. Audrey was the overall top finisher for the Vikings, coming in 30th with a total time of 45:59. Mara followed with a time of 48:08.
The Nordic Vikings will be saying goodbye to five seniors this year…long time team members Ben Seaton and Mara MacDonell, and newcomers Sarah Larsen, Bjorn Johnson, and Cailan Carpenter. We wish them happy trails!
Next up for the Vikings is the Sawtooth International Citizen Ski Race, which will be held at Pincushion Mountain on Saturday, February 16. Please go to www.pincushiontrails.org for more information.
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