The Mound Westonka Nordic Ski Team hit the fresh ski trails at Elm Creek Park Reserve for the annual Minnesota Ski Opener Dec. 7. While substantial snow has eluded the Twin Cities area, the Three Rivers Park District crew has been working tirelessly to open a 2K course of manufactured snow. The atmosphere at the ski opener was warm and festive, as spectators lined the course to cheer on the athletes soaking in their first race of the season.  

For the White Hawks, the Nordic Opener serves as a celebration of the unofficial start of the ski season. Coach Sue Harrison was pleased with the experience: “The Nordic Opener was a lot of fun with many of our students entering the races.”

The high school athletes started first with a two-loop 4K race, followed by the middle school athletes with a one-loop 2K race. Adding smiles and cheers to the event was the fan-favorite “mascot race,” with students dressed as their team mascots racing through the course. Senior Miles Lund represented the Westonka team, decked out in the “Wally the White Hawk” mascot gear. 

Reflecting on the start of the season, coach Jim Miner shared, “We are excited to have so much artificial snow to ski on while we wait for our Minnesota winter to kick in. The skiers are off to a great start as we build toward a great winter.” Coach Harrison added, “It has been a productive first week on snow. Some of the athletes were able to ski 5-7 days this week! Our new athletes are progressing quickly in learning to ski, and the veterans are looking strong and eager to compete!”

The White Hawks will be led this year by senior captains Isaac Hays, Miles Lund, and Stella Miner. Looking to the season ahead, coach Harrison is eager to see the team develop and grow: “We have a young girls team with very few 11th and 12th graders. On the boys side, we have a strong group of 11th and 12th graders, as well as promising new athletes. It will be exciting to see how they progress through the season. We have a very competitive conference with Nordic powerhouse teams of St. Paul Highland Park and St. Paul Central.” 

The White Hawks will gear up for their first official races of the season on Dec. 10 at Elm Creek Park Reserve and Dec. 18 at Battle Creek Recreation Center.