Northland Nordic races at Telemark SuperTour.
Northland’s women’s and men’s Nordic ski team competed at the Telemark SuperTour this past weekend in Cable, WI. Erin Blow once again led the Jill’s with a 49th place finish on Saturday in the 5K classic race in 21:45. Fellow First year Anna Rix finished in 66th with a time of 24:45. First Year Bonnie Johnson, who competed in her first race since being diagnosed with Mononucleosis back in November, finished 67th with a time of 25:05. “The women raced well and continue to show improvement.” Comments head coach Dave Beeksma, “Even though Bonnie is not even close to race shape, it was nice for her to get some experience racing on Saturday. At this point we are focusing on getting her ready for a strong season next year.” On Sunday, Blow stormed through the 10K freestyle race with a time of 28:58, good for 47th place. “Erin skied very well today.” States coach Beeksma, “she really closed the gap between her and the women ahead of her today.” Rix also raced on Sunday and finished in 63rd with a time of 31:38. “Anna has also been struggling with illness and is finally showing signs of getting her strength back. That bodes well for the final two CCSA qualifiers meets in February.” Adds Coach Beeksma.
Laura DeWitt of Northern Michigan University won the women’s 5K classic with a time of 17:35 and Marie Helen Soderman took Sunday’s 10K freestyle race with a time of 24:29.
For the men, it was good weekend for first year Noel Cockney. Cockney was the second Northland finisher in 67th place with a time of 41:01 for Saturday’s 10K Classic race and led the Jack’s in Sunday’s 15K freestyle race placing 63rd with a time of 42:31. “Noel is making big strides with Nordic skiing this year.” Says Coach Beeksma, “He is very driven and works very hard. With improved technique he will really jump up in the CCAS standings.” Junior Christopher Goscinak led the Jacks on Saturday with a 66th place finish in 39:37 and placed 66th with a time of 43:39. Kevin Robertson and Nate Leurquin also competed this weekend. Robertson placed 70th with a time of 45:19 on Saturday and 68th with a time of 45:24 in Sunday’s race. Leurquin placed 71st with a time 52:31 on Saturday and 69th with a time of 49:00 on Sunday.
Northern Michigan’s Phil Violett won Saturday’s race with a time of 30:44 and Northern Michigan’s Martin Banerud took Sunday’s race with a time of 33:23.
Northland’s next date of competition is Feb. 14th and 15th at the 3rd CCSA qualifier meet hold at the Camp Ripley Nordic center near Little Falls, MN.
Classic results
Freestyle results