Cook County Nordic skiers had a great day at Pine Valley in Cloquet, skiing among red and white pines with 300 skiers from other schools. Above: Audrey Summers was one of the first racers up on January 8. She finished well on the extremely fast course. Above right: Will Seaton was up for the challenge. Right: Levi Axtell had a good race, powering his way to a 24th place finish.
It’s tough to ski when there isn’t much snow. But cross country ski meets are still happening with a little creativity and enthusiasm from the skiers, coaches and shoveling from volunteers. Our Cook County ski team traveled to Pine Valley in Cloquet last week along with almost 300 other skiers from other schools. The course at Pine Valley is aptly named as it winds through a large stand of red and white pines and has its share of ups and downs.
The snow was mostly natural but they brought in a snow maker to cover some thin spots and firm up the start/finish area. The warm temps and transformed snow produced scary fast skating conditions for those with a decent wax job and overall the trail was in great shape. One coach was overheard wondering if he should try to slow his skiers down with a lesser wax. There were a few wide eyes (and some spectacular crashes) at the bottom of one hill in particular.
Audrey Summers and Mara MacDonell had the first race of the day along with the rest of the varsity girls’ field. Both finished well and close to their usual places with respectable times. We could see from the girls’ race that the course was fast and favored the stronger skiers.
The varsity boys were next with Ben Seaton starting his first race of the season after injury and illness kept him sidelined. Ben finished 17th, right where he’d left off last season and just ahead of former Cook County skier Joe Rauzi. Joe was having an off day since he is usually in the top 10. Levi Axtell powered his way to a 24th place finish just ahead of Lino Rauzi. Surely there was a bit of trash talk on the course from these two good friends and former classmates. Will Seaton, Joey Chmelik and Nate Carlson all finished well and had good races too.
Sarah Larsen completed her second junior varsity race ever and was not last. Mission accomplished! It has been inspiring to see her improve and challenge herself with a smile on her face most of the time and educational to hear her curse like a sailor when things don’t go so well.
The junior high boys had a good day too with Sean MacDonell and Pete Summers taking 2nd and 4th places respectively in their race. Rusty Day had a really fine race, finishing in the middle of the pack, and Andy Kern continues to improve his times as he gains race experience.
Saturday the team will be ready to race at Ely – assuming there is enough snow. Start doing your snow dance now. Keep February 1 open for the Cook County Invite Pursuit Race at Pincushion Mountain.
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