Camp Ripley was host to the Section 8 Nordic Ski Championships. Jake was set to defend his title from last year in which he won in a close race with Matt Lee who is now skiing at St Scholastica in Duluth. A great day for ski racing with sunshine and crisp temps. Wind in the afternoon keeping things real.
Jake was the 8th skier out and caught all the skiers in front of him en route to the top classic result over Ricky Devine from Little Falls.
In the skate pursuit, Jake held off all skiers and built his lead to a 54 second gap. Congratulations Jake. Nicely done. Jens and Reagan cheering from the sidelines. A nice spot on course to see the skiers four times.
I was very impressed with the Mora team for stepping it up this year. They moved some skiers to the top and did well as a team. Encouragement from the coach on the side.
Tanta Molly with the home made flag by Reagain. Waving nicely with the recycled hockey stick shaft. Another great cheering cloud with the Grandma and Grandpas and girlfriend in attendance.
Jens skied with me on course for the morning race, skiing up the long hill and doing a nice job keeping pace. Always good to touch base with one of the MN Nordic legends Pat Lanin who was at his usual marshal post.
They groomers did some adjustments taking out the bolts that hold the tiller flap/comb together to eliminate the ridges listening to the complaints from the day previous about the uneven skate deck.
Another awesome winter day!
3 comments:
Wow, it's great to see Pat Lanin is still involved.
He was a teacher and cross country coach at Hopkins back in the 70s when I was in school there. He was respected as an athlete and coach back then. I believe he ran in the Boston Marathon.
Years later, in the 90s, I started to see him at mountain bike races that he was racing in and had a few chats with him. I believe he has some grandkids that were or, are involved in mountain biking.
The guy has been involved in all aspects of endurance sports for many decades.
Also congrats to Jake, shaping up to being a great year for him.
Hey Mike. Thanks for the comments. Always nice to hear from you. Good stuff on Pat Lanin. He cut some mtb trails on his property I have heard are pretty sweet but have never been there to check out.
Keep em pointed between the trees!
Way to go Jake! Two time State champion? I think so.
skj
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