The Westonka Nordic ski team was hard at work over the winter break, beginning with a 5K Classic Race at Battle Creek Regional Park on December 23. Then, launching into the new year, the team embarked on their annual training trip January 1-3 to premier trails in Cable, Wisconsin and Ironwood, Michigan.

The weather and ski conditions were ideal at Battle Creek for the 5K Classic Race on Dec. 23, giving the skiers their first opportunity to race on classic skis this year. The Westonka girls finished in third place overall, behind Highland Park and Central. The Westonka boys did not field a full team, but still had a solid showing from their four varsity skiers. 

The White Hawks girls were led by senior captain Ava Daum with a strong ninth-place finish in 21:00, earning her top-10 honors. Completing the team were freshman Eva Savstrom in 18th place in 24:36, sophomore Elise Hays in 25th place in 25:24, sophomore Stella Johnson in 28th place in 27:26, and freshman Maddy Nelson in 33rd place in 29:29. 

The White Hawks boys were led by senior captain Leif Hagen with a hard-earned 11th place finish in 18:33. The rest of the boys team included: eighth grader Carter Savstrom in 28th place in 22:44, eighth grader Rylan Gusenius in 29th place in 22:56, and freshman Ben Smith in 40th place in 26:47. 

Several JV races were also held on the Battle Creek trails, with the White Hawks boys and girls competing in a 2.5K Skate race. Skiing for the girls were eighth grader Abby Kreger and seventh grader Nora Kahler; skiing for the boys were sophomore Charlie Smith, eighth grader Achilles Kelber, and freshmen Elias Daum and Pablo Jordan. 

As they entered the new year, the Westonka Nordic team moved into advance training mode with 20 students participating in their annual training trip. Speaking to the heart of the experience, senior captain Ava Daum shared, “The training trip really brings out how Nordic skiing is much more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. My favorite parts of the trip were getting to ski on the natural trails and enjoying the scenery with my friends and doing fun team bonding events.”

Over the three days, the team skied on some of the best trails in the Midwest, including the Birkebeiner Trails in northern Wisconsin and the ABR trails near Ironwood, Michigan. Sophomore Stella Johnson shared, “The training trip was so amazing! The trails were incredibly beautiful and in great condition and we were able to get so much skiing in between the Birkie trails and ABR.”

For the team, having the opportunity to ski on new trails, with natural snow and challenging terrain, the experience is priceless. Expressing her enthusiasm, sophomore Elise Hays shared, “I had so much fun going on new trails between ABR and the Birkie trails. The views were gorgeous! I really enjoyed spending time with my teammates and can’t wait for another training trip next year.” 

The White Hawks compete next in ski races at Theodore Wirth Regional Park on January 6 and 10.