In any case, Maplelag is up and running for skiing. Yesterday's race was a continuous pursuit for the varsity teams. Skiers start the race with a 4.5K classic ski, return to the start area, change into their skate skis as quickly as possible and skate ski another 4.5K. It's an incredibly challenging race that tests skier's speed, endurance, and mental fortitude. And it tends to be the favorite style of race for the athletes on our team. 

The boys varsity finished in third place overall with Brainerd taking first and Bemidji edging us out in second. It was our first big race where Moorhead was present, and it is a very good sign looking at postseason that we can compete against a team as solid as Moorhead. David Ronnevik (3rd), Tommy Erickson (15th), Jackson Lysne (19th), and Micah Mouser (21st) all scored for the boys team. 

We had some very exciting results for our JV and middle school racers as well. The boys JV placed 3rd overall with Noah Schlosser (4th) and Eric Swanson (5th) both placing in the top ten. The JV girls placed second, just 15 points behind Brainerd with Ali Bredenberg taking 1st overall in that race. Right on her heels was Cassie Wellman just 2 seconds behind. Violet McConn also finished in the top ten (10th). Our Jr. High girls placed third in a very tight race with Havilah McConn (4th), Evie VerSteeg (8th), Maura Rogness (9th), Olivia Budke (14th), and Lydia Uggerud (20th) all placing in the top 20. I'd also like to mention Barrett Larsen who placed 24th in her first year of skiing. Very impressive.

The girls varsity placed fifth overall. Even though they didn't place as high, they are looking strong and making big progress. There's only a 20 point spread between 2nd-5th place, which tells me anything can happen in the next few weeks of regular season skiing. Estee Versteeg (4th), Alexis Wellman (15th), Sarah Grotberg (20th), and Naomi Dummer (29th) all scored for the girls team.