The Mound Westonka Nordic Ski Team raced against some of the top teams in the Twin Cities at Theodore Wirth Regional Park on Jan. 7. The scene was electric as over 200 area athletes gathered to compete in the 5K classic ski race. The trails were well covered and
groomed with man-made snow, giving the appearance of a white ribbon of snow weaving through the wooded hills at Wirth.

The boys varsity team earned eighth place out of 15 teams, including top placing schools Minneapolis Washburn, St. Paul Central and St. Paul Highland Park. Senior captain Isaac Hays led the White Hawks with a strong 21st-place finish with a time of 14:55. In next were the trio of junior Leif Hagen in 46th place, freshman Robbie Chilson in 60th place and senior captain Tor Erdahl in 62nd place. Completing the team were senior Luke Carlson, sophomore Sawyer Bruch, senior Ted Owens and junior Leon Kravchenko.

The girls varsity team also earned eighth place out of 15 teams, with top honors going to Minneapolis Washburn, St. Paul Central and Minneapolis Southwest. Junior captain Ava Daum led the way for the White Hawk girls in 37th place with a time of 18:37. In next, and showing great promise for the future, were the freshman duo of Elise Hays in 55th place and Stella Johnson in 56th place. Completing the girls team was junior Sophia Kravchenko.

Reflecting after the race, Coach Jim Miner shared, “We had perfect conditions despite the lack of snow this year, and our skiers took full advantage and showed impressive improvements in their racing.”

The team was fresh off a three-day training trip, skiing on challenging trails in northern Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan. In total, 20 students took part in the trip, spending valuable time on the trails and bonding together as a team. Coach Miner was pleased with the experience: “The trip to Ironwood gave our skiers the chance to really focus on skiing, and to get out and enjoy natural snow in the beautiful forests of the UP.”

The White Hawks compete next on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Hyland Lake Park Reserve and on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Highland Park High School.