Cook and Lake county kids came together to form Team Lutsen this winter and the skiers, ranging from age 5 to 17, had a fantastic season. (L-R, front) Ray Dressely, Molly LaVigne, Anna Hay, Ella Sporn, Kalina Dimitrova, Weston Heeren, Tristan Surbaugh, Solstice Nies, Cayden Zimmer, Riley Goettl, Genevieve Silence. (L-R, second row) Riley Tarver, Hanna Borson, Anna Heeren, Masen McKeever, Halle Lamb, Claire LaVigne, Sela Backstrom, Reilly Wahlers, Elsa Lunde, Bianca Zimmer, Isak Terrill, True Nies, Lynden Blomberg. (L-R, third row) Ian Kurschner, Natassja Sheils, Lauren Thompson, Santina McMillan, Alyssa Martinson, Madysen McKeever, Logan Backstrom, Damian Zimmer, Caleb Phillips, Will Lamb, Erik Lawler, Matea Acero, Ezra Lunde, Vaughn Swindlehurst, Will Surbaugh, Ole Sorenson. (L-R, fourth row) Megan O’Neill, Molly Wickwire, Wade Ingram, Rick Backstrom, Charles Lamb, Ava McMillan, Megan Lehto, Luke Fenwick, Kyle Martinson, Melanie Stoddard, Charlie Lawler, Jenny Lamb. (Not pictured: Danica and Dellia Barrett, Alex, Sophie, Peter and Penny Robinson, Ella Sorenson, Jack, Kevin and Kylie Viren.)
The Lutsen Junior Alpine Club recently completed another great season on the slopes. Ninety people attended our yearend party held at Papa Charlie’s and a great time was had by all.
Cook and Lake County kids from age 5 to 17 come together on the mountain and share a love for the outdoors, speed, competition and a desire to become lifetime skiers. At the beginning of the season some kids could not ski at all and by the end of the winter everyone could ski the black diamond runs at Lutsen.
Racers participating in our grassroots ski development program race locally in the Northland Junior Race Series (NJRS). This has enabled Lutsen kids to represent the Cook County- Silver Bay High School Alpine Team. Others have escalated further and compete in the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA).
Team Lutsen was present at the USSA Central Division Championships for ages 9-14, held in Iron River, MI and Marquette, MI. One 10-year-old won the championship and two 13-year-olds qualified and competed at Junior Nationals in Colorado!
The 55 members of the Lutsen Junior Alpine Club and the 26 members of the Cook County-Silver Bay High School Alpine Team would like to thank Lutsen Mountains for sponsoring our teams. It is a big deal that they provide manmade snow, lighted groomed runs four nights a week, lift service, ski patrols, rental shop, ski equipment and heated chalets for the young people of our club. We would also like to thank Swanson and Heeren Law Firm for setting up our nonprofit. Thanks to Sawtooth Outfitters, Lutsen Recreation, and the Ski Hut for assisting everyone with their ski equipment. Also a big thank you to fellow coaches Rick, Molly, Megan, Wade, Mike, Jenny and Jennifer and the parents and race volunteers who make our races and ski club a success.
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