A small contingency of boys and girls are out for Nordic skiing this season, but that doesn’t deter their determination to do well, said Assistant Coach Chris Hegg.
Leading the boys is junior Sean MacDonell. He is now out west at Yellowstone training with the Duluth East cross country skiers, said Hegg.
Only two other boys are skiing this year. They are Jared Spry and Kestrel Pollock. Both are young but hard working and will see improvements in their performances as the season progresses, said Hegg.
So far seventh-grader Robin Henrikson leads the girls’ team. Her sister Linnea joins her along with Lucy Callender and another set of sisters, Brenna and Marin Hay.
Nordic skiing is made up of two disciplines, classic and skate style cross country skiing. Hegg said some kids might only compete in one or the other style at some races while they work on improving technique in their weak discipline in practice until they are race ready.
Hegg joins Nordic Head Coach Tim Dennison and Assistant Coaches Kerrie and Corey Berg and Peter Henrickson. The assistants take two days each per week to work with the young athletes.
Dennison, a first-year coach, qualified for the state meet in Nordic skiing and has much to offer the kids, said Hegg.
Until more snow falls the kids are doing “dry land” training, which includes running, stretching, core work and strength exercises.
The first meet of the season will be held on Saturday, December 13 at Ely. Four other away meets will be held until the kids get to compete at home on Pincushion Mountain trails on Friday, January 30.
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