Ironwood, MI and surrounding area
Race Results
Team Paavo Gets Started at John Jarvi Race
Yes those are first place trophies for Ben (10K), Britta and Barney (5K) in their respective age groups. And that's a second place medal for Coach Ken (5K) who conceded first place to fellow TG age-mate Rich Scott. And there's me with no hardware (if only I had made it to all those speed sessions...) but still feeling good about my first foot race of the season. Next stop, Bessemer Hometown Run June 26th.
Jackie
Frozen Fish and Minnow Triathlons 3/6/10
by David Rowe
In what is hoped will develop into an annual event, 8 area youth participated in the Frozen Minnow Triathlon this past weekend. The Tri consisted of a 2k cross country ski at Gogebic Community College, followed by a 1 mile run and a 200 yard swim at the GCC pool. Results:
|
Name |
Ski |
Run |
Swim |
Total |
Place |
|
Tim |
7:21 |
10:04 |
5:35 |
23:00 |
1st overall |
|
Team Super Awesome AKA Vanessa/Ethan |
8:06 |
12:05 |
5:06 |
25:17 |
1st team |
|
Valerie |
7:00 |
13:59 |
4:30 |
25:29 |
1st female |
|
Mandie |
8:14 |
13:43 |
4:41 |
26:38 |
2nd female |
|
Tad |
9:01 |
12:08 |
7:27 |
28:36 |
1st 8 y.o. |
|
Blaze |
9:02 |
15:53 |
8:34 |
33:29 |
1st 7 y.o. |
|
Matthew |
12:15 |
13:20 |
7:55 |
33:30 |
2nd 8 y.o. |
Inaugural Frozen
Minnow Triathlon Takes Off at Mt. Zion!
The kids from left to right are Tim, Tad, Matthew, Valerie,
Mandie, Vanessa, Blaze
Our Frozen Minnows
Celebrate in the Pool After Competing
The kids are Matthew, Tad, Mandie, Tim, Val, Vanessa and Blaze
Michigan High School Nordic Ski Championships
Noquamenon Trail Network, Forestville Trail Head, Marquette, MI
February 19 - 20, 2010
Noquamenon Trail Network, Forestville Trail Head, Marquette, MI
February 19 - 20, 2010
We all know he wanted it.... We all know he worked for it all year.... We all know about the photo finish last year... So we all celebrate Ben's vindication. This Friday the Michigan High School Nordic Ski Championships started with Ben registering the fastest time in the sprint qualifier for the second year in a row. Then it was on to the quarterfinal, then the semifinal, and at last the final 1.5 K sprint race. Three minutes and five seconds of anticipation later and Ben was officially the Michigan state sprint champion.
Saturday began with Ben again victorious in the 5 K skate race with a time of 14:03.9. However, this only earned him bib #1 and a seven second head start in the classical portion of the race that afternoon. Off the racers went, into the woods and out of sight. Almost 19 minutes later and the starting order had reversed: #3, Kai Sharp of the Copper Country Ski Tigers was first across the line; Ben came in third. "He got me on the hills," a tired Ben said later.
At the awards ceremony that night Ben received two medals for his outstanding achievements. Britta also received a medal for finishing the girls sprints in ninth place, and just missed a medal as the 11th girl in the pursuit.
Sam and Steven rounded out our comparatively small team. Sam placed 25th in the sprints and 26th in the pursuit. Steven had the 31st fastest time in the sprints but was disqualified for doing the V-1 up a hill in the classical race (do not try this at home! or ever!), and placed 36th in the pursuit, beating exactly 25% of the field. Not bad for a guy who just learned to ski in December. Together our four skiers finished fifth of the eleven teams competing. Congratulations to the Copper Country Ski Tigers for winning both the boys and girls overall team awards.
For detailed results go to: http://www.superiortiming.com/?p=487
Saturday began with Ben again victorious in the 5 K skate race with a time of 14:03.9. However, this only earned him bib #1 and a seven second head start in the classical portion of the race that afternoon. Off the racers went, into the woods and out of sight. Almost 19 minutes later and the starting order had reversed: #3, Kai Sharp of the Copper Country Ski Tigers was first across the line; Ben came in third. "He got me on the hills," a tired Ben said later.
At the awards ceremony that night Ben received two medals for his outstanding achievements. Britta also received a medal for finishing the girls sprints in ninth place, and just missed a medal as the 11th girl in the pursuit.
Sam and Steven rounded out our comparatively small team. Sam placed 25th in the sprints and 26th in the pursuit. Steven had the 31st fastest time in the sprints but was disqualified for doing the V-1 up a hill in the classical race (do not try this at home! or ever!), and placed 36th in the pursuit, beating exactly 25% of the field. Not bad for a guy who just learned to ski in December. Together our four skiers finished fifth of the eleven teams competing. Congratulations to the Copper Country Ski Tigers for winning both the boys and girls overall team awards.
For detailed results go to: http://www.superiortiming.com/?p=487
2/8/10 - Pies for Everyone at Mt. Ashwabay Summit!
1/18/10 - Keweenaw Nordic Festival
Ken, LeeAnn & I accompanied Ben & Britta to the Keweenaw
Nordic Festival in Houghton last weekend so they could race in the Jr.
Olympic qualifiers. We had a good time eating out great Asian food,
visited with Nicole & Steve and TG alumni Sean Beckman, and of
course, supporting the racers. Both youth did well, learning alot about
racing and facing the hills and the competition. There are a few photos
in Photo Gallery.18 Team members made a great showing at the 4H-CANSKI race Saturday. Results are on skinnyski.com.
1/18/10 - Keweenaw Nordic Festival
Jackie
SISU Ski Fest Jan 9, 2010
Stormy Kromer Pursuit Jan 2 & 3, 2010
1/14/10 Who HAD SISU?
Although mother nature threatened low temps, we found 10 - 15 degree air and sunshine at the start. Great trail conditions, warm HEED, and helpful volunteers made for a great race. So many friendly and familiar faces at the expo, at the "finnish" line, and at the awards party made for a great day. Here are the results from the 19 Team Gogebic members who participated. Photos at www.skinnyski.com and www.sisuskifest.com.
Name Time Overall Place Age Place Name Time Overall Place Age Place
Although mother nature threatened low temps, we found 10 - 15 degree air and sunshine at the start. Great trail conditions, warm HEED, and helpful volunteers made for a great race. So many friendly and familiar faces at the expo, at the "finnish" line, and at the awards party made for a great day. Here are the results from the 19 Team Gogebic members who participated. Photos at www.skinnyski.com and www.sisuskifest.com.
Name Time Overall Place Age Place Name Time Overall Place Age Place
Men's 42K Classic Men's 21K Classic
Andresen, Will 2:45:06 10 4 Wyzlic, Luke 1:26:24 2nd!
Men's 42K Freestyle Bergman, Tom 2:37:06 26 1
Harkness, Dave 2:29:07 28 11 Men's 21K Freestyle
Kearney, Brian 2:38:39 43 13 Thumm, Steve 1:39:13 17 5
Scott, Rich 2:49:39 65 21 Erickson, Scott 1:52:41 22 7
Schroeter, Neal 3:06:04 85 29 Burchell, Bob 1:52:42 23 8
Kolesar, Paul 3:07:51 87 31 Women's 21K Freestyle
Women's 42K Freestyle Andresen, Carolyn 1:29:04 4 1
Powers, Jackie 3:13:48 12 3 Mathieu, Michelle 1:51:39 17 6
Pera, Sandy 3:14:01 13 4 Taste 'n Tour
Brown, Susanne DNF Wieringa, Molly
Wieringa, Lily
Colasacco-Thumm, Nicole
Driessel, Ken
Andresen, Will 2:45:06 10 4 Wyzlic, Luke 1:26:24 2nd!
Men's 42K Freestyle Bergman, Tom 2:37:06 26 1
Harkness, Dave 2:29:07 28 11 Men's 21K Freestyle
Kearney, Brian 2:38:39 43 13 Thumm, Steve 1:39:13 17 5
Scott, Rich 2:49:39 65 21 Erickson, Scott 1:52:41 22 7
Schroeter, Neal 3:06:04 85 29 Burchell, Bob 1:52:42 23 8
Kolesar, Paul 3:07:51 87 31 Women's 21K Freestyle
Women's 42K Freestyle Andresen, Carolyn 1:29:04 4 1
Powers, Jackie 3:13:48 12 3 Mathieu, Michelle 1:51:39 17 6
Pera, Sandy 3:14:01 13 4 Taste 'n Tour
Brown, Susanne DNF Wieringa, Molly
Wieringa, Lily
Colasacco-Thumm, Nicole
Driessel, Ken
Stormy Kromer Pursuit Jan 2 & 3, 2010
Frigid temps just above zero did not curtail the fun at our first race of the New Year. TG suits stood out with 13 of us representing the team. Welcome Brian, Clyde, Scott and Ken D, who were competing in this race for the first time.
Full results at: http://www.itiming.com/html/raceresults.php?year=2010&EventId=592&eventype=0
Name Classic Time Skate Time Total Time Men/Women Place Age Group Place
Noren, Ben 34:49 38:30 1:13:19 6th 2nd
Hazel, Ken 39:44 41:57 1:21:40 27th 4th
Andresen, Will 36:46 45:29 1:22:15 31st 10th
Wyzlic, Luke 39:09 46:09 1:25:17 37th 10th
Harkness, Dave 41:47 43:35 1:25:22 39th 12th
Kolesar, Sam 41:13 44:36 1:25:49 42nd 4th
Kearney, Brian 44:59 48:05 1:33:03 58th 13th
Kolesar, Paul 47:01 49:48 1:36:50 67th 18th
Andresen, Carolyn 48:50 51:54 1:40:44 9th 5th
Powers, Jackie 49:17 55:02 1:44:20 10th 4th
Gasparick, Clyde 53:07 1:04:19 1:57:26 82nd 9th
Erickson, Scott 54:01 1:03:27 1:57:28 83rd 21st
Driessel, Ken 1:13:11 1:26:22 2:39:33 89th 11th
Full results at: http://www.itiming.com/html/raceresults.php?year=2010&EventId=592&eventype=0
Name Classic Time Skate Time Total Time Men/Women Place Age Group Place
Noren, Ben 34:49 38:30 1:13:19 6th 2nd
Hazel, Ken 39:44 41:57 1:21:40 27th 4th
Andresen, Will 36:46 45:29 1:22:15 31st 10th
Wyzlic, Luke 39:09 46:09 1:25:17 37th 10th
Harkness, Dave 41:47 43:35 1:25:22 39th 12th
Kolesar, Sam 41:13 44:36 1:25:49 42nd 4th
Kearney, Brian 44:59 48:05 1:33:03 58th 13th
Kolesar, Paul 47:01 49:48 1:36:50 67th 18th
Andresen, Carolyn 48:50 51:54 1:40:44 9th 5th
Powers, Jackie 49:17 55:02 1:44:20 10th 4th
Gasparick, Clyde 53:07 1:04:19 1:57:26 82nd 9th
Erickson, Scott 54:01 1:03:27 1:57:28 83rd 21st
Driessel, Ken 1:13:11 1:26:22 2:39:33 89th 11th
Cheqtel 5k/10k
By: Lily Irene Wieringa Brown
Mrs. Beals’ 4th grade
Washington Elementary School
Bessemer, Michigan
It was the day of the race and my sister and I were getting ready, my mom was loading three pairs of skate skis and poles into the car. Last year, we had skied the same race. We had skied the 5k part. But this year we were going to ski the 10K: that’s about 7 miles!
I had been training 3 months for this race. One day I skied 6k (the most that I had ever skied in one day so far). My sister, mom and I had been training harder than an ox that’s been pulling a plow!
Finally, we got there after about 2 _ hours of driving. We got our things, got to the warming tent and, got ready. Then we took our boots off and changed into our ski boots. “Go warm up over there”, my mom said. So we did. Finally the race started and we all lined up and I looked. There were about 500 of us at the starting line (I must tell you, reader, that this race is just a family thing). “ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!” yelled the speaker. Immediately I sped off. We skied and skied and skied and skied some more. Then I had to stop—I needed water—so I stuck my ski poles in the snow and reached for my water bottle and gulped, gulped and “AAAHHHH”. I took my poles and skied some more. Finally I reached the 5k mark. I waited for my mom and sis there. Finally, they arrived.
My heart was beating like a wild bull. So we continued. About half of the skiers only did the 5k. About three hours later we reached the 7k mark. Here you had a choice to go back or go on farther. We went on. When we saw a sign, cart and man, we stopped. The man was giving out warm water and energy drinks to the skiers, so I stopped and got a drink. The sign said only 1k to go! So after I had drunk my share I sat down on a bench to wait for my sister and my mom. Soon my sister came, drank her share, and sat down on the bench with me to wait for our mom. After about 5 minutes she came rumbling down the hill, drank her share, and then joined us. Then we started skiing again. After 20 minutes we reached the finish line. YES!! WOOHOOOO!!!! I finished! I skied in and got my pin, and, boy! What a ski!!! My heart was beating faster than a cheetah can run!! After the race was over, my mom bought us 2 cookies. We did some games in the game room, got some lunch and left the lodge for home.
Ben's Back From the JOs!I will try to keep you updated on Ben’s week at the JO’s in case you want to post it on the Team Gogebic website. Here’s the first:
Ben made it to California around noon (Pacific time) on Friday. After having the “jitters” Thursday night (which Ben said was “unusual” for him), we were up at 4 am and to the Appleton airport by 4:45. Ben’s flight left at 6 am and, after a 3 hour layover in Chicago he was on his way to CA.
He made connections with one of the Great Lakes coaches at the Sacramento airport and it was off to the mountains. As soon as he was settled in at the house in Truckee, he skied one of the courses (I think it was the sprint course). Ben said they have to ski it twice and he described it as “the hardest course” he’s ever skied. He said a good part of it went right up the side of the mountain. Some of the other racers said it was pretty typical of a JO course. Ben sounded up to the challenge though, even though sleep was sparse again last night (Friday) and he’s trying to adjust to the time change. (They were on their way to dinner last night at 9:00 Central!)
Ben said to say “Hi” to everyone here at home and he’s looking forward to doing his best for Team Gogebic!
Brad (Ben's dad)
Sunday
Well, the opening ceremonies are over and the races start tomorrow. As of last night (Saturday), Ben said that they had trained for about 2 ½ hrs. He said to tell you “the snow is great, it’s taller than I am—and I don’t mean the snowbanks!” If anyone would like to check out the happenings and see a few pictures, the JO’s have their own website. Its: www.xcjuniorolympics2009.org I will let you know how the first race goes on Monday or Tuesday.
Laura (Ben's mom)
Monday
Well, the sprints are over. After the first heat there was only one qualifier from the Great Lakes Division and it wasn’t Ben. He came in 2nd for GLD, but 46th out of 123. He was 4 seconds away from qualifying. He called after the race feeling a little disappointed, but he’s fired up for the freestyle race on Wednesday. Here’s a picture from the JO website of Ben finishing his sprint. He said he’s had a few altitude issues and that he had some major lactic acid burn at the end of his sprint. You can sure see it in his face here…
Laura
Wed
We talked to Ben Tuesday evening and he said they had a “rest day”. He skied for a short time in the morning and was taking a walk when he called. He was mentally preparing for today’s freestyle race. He said to tell everyone “the race tomorrow is gonna be crazy—we will be skiing up the mountain twice!” This is the course he checked out the first day. The coaches advised they take the first lap very easy because a lot of people can’t make it up the mountain the second time. We will be anxiously waiting to hear from him this afternoon (he races around 1:30 our time). Ben said to thank you all for your support!
Laura
Wed night
Well, the Freestyle race is behind him and Ben placed 89th. “I just hit the first round too hard and died going up the mountain the second time!” (Ben never did understand the words “go easy.”) Well, live and learn. He’s feeling pretty unhappy this evening, but after several “pep talks” from those who love him, he’s doing fine and ready to do better in the Classic race on Friday. We’ll let you know how things go. Thanks again to everyone for all the wonderful support Ben has gotten!
Laura
Sat.
Ben finished the Classic race a little stronger yesterday. He came in somewhere in the 70’s (I misplaced my notes just now, but the exact times and places are on the JO website). He was feeling a little better about it all. I think he realized just how great the competition is—the best in the country—and he’s happy to be there with them! “I think I’m finally getting the hang of it here” he said. “I finally didn’t get the burn in my legs like the last two races.”
I think he may actually be acclimated to the elevation, now that it’s Saturday. Anyway, Ben was excited about the relay race today. He is on the Great Lakes B Team. Check the website for times (I really did have notes here when I sat down!).
Brad, Daniel and I are all VERY anxious to pick Ben up in Appleton tomorrow night at 10pm (hopefully no flight delays). Please pray for a safe, smooth trip home for him!
Ben asked me to say “Thank You” to those of you who have been e-mailing all the encouraging words—and the cell calls too.
I will let you know how things turn out in today’s relay.
Laura
Sun.
We’re on our way to Appleton to pick Ben up. The Great Lakes Division B Team finished 24th in the relays. It was a very close race though with only three minutes between the #1 team and GLD B team. Ben was happy with the race. The team took a ride into Reno afterward to check out the city and do a little shopping. Then they had the closing ceremonies and a dance for all the racers last night. I talked to Ben at 8:30 (our time) this morning and he was already at the Sacramento airport. His flight doesn’t leave until 1:45 (their time), so he has a long wait—there was only one van going to Sacramento today and they had to leave extra early because it was snowing so hard in the mountains they were afraid they might have to close the pass. Ben said to “thank everyone again for all their help and encouragement”. “I couldn’t have done this without all of you!” Thanks from the whole family!
Laura
Wed.
Hi Everyone! I had an awesome time at the JO’s. The California mountains were amazing. It’s good to be home, but I have a lot of school work to catch up on! You were all great to help me be able to go to the JO’s and I really appreciate your support while I was there. I hope to see you all at the pot luck on Sunday.
Ben
ABR Spring Race Fun for Everyone
March 15, 2009
BEN'S GOING TO THE JUNIOR OLYMPICS IN CALIFORNIA!
March 15, 2009
Warm weather and sunny skies cast its own cheer on the ABR Spring Race this year. Not that additional cheer was needed - just look at the smiles on everyone's faces in the photo gallery. Ken and Jackie once again directed the children's races, and with the help of lots of friends, got everyone to the starting line and back to the finish all in one piece. TG served up lunch for all, taking in over $300 for the youth program. Raffle prizes were plentiful, with each child winning something worth more than the price of entering the race. What a great way to end the season!
TG Results:
19 K (place with handicap, time without handicap_
Sandy, 32nd, 1:15:30
Paul K, 36th, 1:09:50
Jason, 67th, 1:32:32
6K Youth Race
Sam, 1st overall, 1st 17-18 boy, 18:49
3K Jr. Race
Lily, 2nd 10 & under girl, 20:12
Katie, 1st 11-12 girl and 1st overall girl, 15:08
Molly, 2nd 11-12 girl, 17:26
Valerie, 3rd 11-12 girl, 23:04
Tim, 3rd 11-12 boy, 23:08
TG Results:
19 K (place with handicap, time without handicap_
Sandy, 32nd, 1:15:30
Paul K, 36th, 1:09:50
Jason, 67th, 1:32:32
6K Youth Race
Sam, 1st overall, 1st 17-18 boy, 18:49
3K Jr. Race
Lily, 2nd 10 & under girl, 20:12
Katie, 1st 11-12 girl and 1st overall girl, 15:08
Molly, 2nd 11-12 girl, 17:26
Valerie, 3rd 11-12 girl, 23:04
Tim, 3rd 11-12 boy, 23:08
BEN'S GOING TO THE JUNIOR OLYMPICS IN CALIFORNIA!
Ben Noren has qualified for the Junior Olympic Cross-Country Ski Team! He will be joining eight other boys to represent the Great Lakes Division of the Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC) at the JOs in Truckee, CA March 6 - 15.
High school boys from the Great Lakes region competed in the Junior Olympic’s J1 division (ages 16-17) in Houghton on Feb. 14 & 15. This was the last qualifying race for the Junior Olympic Team for this season. Prior JO qualifiers in which Ben competed included the Wolverine race in Dec, and the NorAm Supertour in Hayward in Jan. In each race the boys were awarded points based on how competitive the race was and how they placed among that competition. The team was chosen based on their best performances in two JO qualifiers.
Ben is the first Team Gogebic member to qualify for the Junior Olympics. We wish him well on his travels and look forward to an article on his adventures when he returns.
.
"Extreme Team Jr. Division"
wins Frozen Fish Triathlon March 1, 2009
Pictured here are Tim, Valerie, and Molly, 1st place finishers in the "under 12" team division. TG's Rich Scott was the overall winner with a combined time of 1:19:24.
The triathlon consisted of a 10-kilometer cross-country ski at Wolverine Ski Trails followed by a 4 mile run to Gogebic Community College and then a 500-yard freestyle swim in the Lindquist Center Pool.
TEAM GOGEBIC PARTICIPANT RESULTSMen 40-49
David Rowe- 2nd, 1:44:36
Women 40-49
Jackie Powers – 1st, 1:28:11
Sandra Pera – 2nd, 1:45:05
Tracy Rowe – 3rd, 2:01:04
Men 50-59
Rich Scott – 1st, 1:19:24
Mixed Children (all age 12 or under)
1st – Team Extreme Junior Division: Molly Wieringa, Tim Rowe and Valerie Rowe (2:30:59)
Boys (all age 13-18)
1st – Ben Noren, Alan Petersen and Timothy Oliver (1:05:23)
Men (combined age 119 or under)
2nd – Dave Rowe, Gerard Lauzon and Myles Rowe (1:29:19)
Jr. Birkie 2009
Hi Jackie and Ken,There is an old adage "kids cannot be what they cannot see". If you want a child to do something you have to show them how, either by doing it yourself or by taking them where they can see it done. Especially effective in this regard is a child seeing for herself or himself lots and lots of other kids doing something en masse. Beyond the sheer fun of the event, these sights and sounds are hugely motivating for young people. They are thrilled to be a part of a beautiful spectacle of color and sound and sunshine and smiles and they want to engage in a huge way. This same concept is used to motivate kids in many arenas, like music-making. It is one thing to take children who study the violin to hear a symphony in a hall with incredible acoustics. They greatly enjoy it and are moved by it. However, take them to a summer camp or summer institute where they see an orchestra of kids play that same symphony in a high-school gym or auditorium and you will see jaws drop and these kids will sit on the edge of their seats, the whole time wanting to be those kids playing that music right now. It doesn't matter how difficult the musical instrument, they are undaunted by that, they will figure out how to do it if they're given the chance.
This is why the Junior Birkie is so important, and why the kids love it so, and why each year Junior Birkie has gotten bigger and bigger. This is the biggest year of all so far, and the 10-12 yearr old girls group was the biggest of 2009. I was very proud of how Molly and Lily skied in the event. They finished 33rd and 38th respectively out of 74 girls, but the most important work of the day wasn't done by them skiing, it was done by them watching. The event was a huge success: I know because today Molly and Lily proudly wore their Junior Birkie medals around their necks to school.
Thanks for all you and the team have done for them.
Susanne
Fun Times At The Michigan State Meet.
Mt. Ashwabay Summit
Jan 31st, 2009
by Rich S.
Friday afternoon we arrived at the Travel Lodge in Houghton. By we I mean Laura & Ben Noren, Paul & Sam (AKA the biscuit eater) Kolesar, Britta Schoerter and myself. Saturday we woke up a bit groggy, thanks to a group of drunken snowmobilers who kept us up most of the night.
At the trails Paul and I walked into a frenzy of skiers and coaches scurrying about to find just the right wax. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated by the equipment the larger teams came armed with. Here was little TG with only three skiers and one pair of skis per athlete but as they say one is all it takes.
Soon we were rescued by TG alumni Sean Beckman. Skiing for MTU he brought us the inside edge by commandeering one of Tech’s wax tables. We quickly got out all our waxes and went to work. I think we all gained a little more confidence knowing we had a college racer, who skis on these trails everyday, in our corner. The support team finished their preparations, now it was up to the TG racers to show their stuff.
With bibs in place and butterflies flying our TG racers mix into the colorful crowd of other teams for a warm up. As I watch them ski by my excitement starts to grow and it gives me cause to reflect on just how far they have come. A bit of anxiety also creeps in as I wonder if I have done enough to prepare them for these events.
The classic race is on! Racers start one at a time thirty seconds apart pitting them against the clock. The course is 3.2 kilometers the boys will do it twice the girls once. It’s a good spectating course because we get a chance to cheer for our racers several times. Ben, Britta and Sam look like they have all skied well but only the clock knows for sure. Laura drives everyone into town to rest and eat. They will need to be back in just a couple hours for the skate race. I stay behind to wait for the results.
When our racers return I greet them with their bibs and the news. Ben is 3rd, Sam is 20th and Britta 15th. They get on their skate skis and start to warm up. This time the girls will ski 2 laps just like the boys and the results of this race will be added to their earlier race to determine their final placement.
This is a pursuit so they start is the same order they finished in the morning. We’re in real-time now, it’s no longer about the clock, you must compete with the skiers around you. The gun goes off and away they go. Ben is off first and he looks determined to not only hold his 3rd place finish but to improve it. Next is Sam, he knows it’s go-time, if he does not have a good race here he will probably not qualify for the JO National Team. He looks smooth and the most serious I have seen him all year. We are all cheering with excitement.
We take a position to watch them go by on their second loop. Soon we see Ben coming down the trail. It looks like a few boys have passed him. We yell words of encouragement to push him on. I’m shouting for him to stay with these boys and not to let his hard efforts of the morning be lost. He looks tried and I am worried he may lose more places.
Not far behind we see Sam he is tucked in behind two other racers. We are cheering wildly and his dad calls out for him to pass those two boys. He does so with authority. He is working hard and looking good. I believe he is having a great race. The question remains will it be enough.
They are coming into the finish now. It looks like Ben has fallen to 7th but Sam has moved up to 13th. With their first race combined Ben finishes 6th and Sam 16th . I think they did great and I am happy for them. I am anxious to see how they feel but first we must focus on the girl’s team (AKA Britta).
We are watching Britta lining up at the start line. I am hoping she has recovered from this morning, seeing as how I learned only yesterday she has just gotten over a bout with pneumonia. She appears to be feeling well and starts out strong smiling from ear to ear as usual.
Now on her second loop here comes Britta just as cheery as ever. Don’t let that smile fool you. She is working hard, skiing well and better yet, picking up places! She finishes 11th and has not lost that smile. At that moment I realize she is the reflection of what I hope we’ll all feeling, happy to be here, thankful to those who worked hard to put on this event and glad for the opportunity to be a part of it. Her combined time puts her in 12th place. Not bad for a freshman that only skis with us a few times a month.
That evening we go to the banquet. The food and the company where defiantly top notch. After we ate they started the award ceremony. Good news the top 16 skiers get this really cool little wood ski for an award. Ben is 6th, Sam 16th and Britta 12th. Next we learn that even though we have only 2 boys they have tied with the Lake Michigan Team for 4th and Britta the team of one has placed 7th as a total team we are ranked 5th out of 11…way to go team! Then more good news, Ben has made the National Team, sadly though Sam has just missed it by a few points. Back to the hotel for a good night sleep, tomorrow we will get up and do it all over again.
Morning comes quick and we are well rested either the drunks had checked out or we were too tired to hear them. Off to the trails, it’s time for the 1k sprints! The team starts warming up. This should be interesting I think to myself. None of them have ever been in a sprint race and we’ve worked on it only briefly. My instructions are simple “ski fast”. Taking my advice they do just that. The top 16th will move on to the quarterfinals so we wait for the times.
Walking into the warming hut to see how they did and to pick up the bibs, one of the coaches asks me “what did you feed Ben this morning”. I looked puzzled and ask what he means. Then I am informed he has set the fastest time of the day. He will wear the bib of a marked man No.1. I hurry up and open our bag to see if Sam and Britta have made the cut…they did! Now they will all race again.
We look at the race board. “Rats” Ben and Sam are in the same heat. They must now finish one two or one will be eliminated. The good news Sam & Ben in the same race we can cheer for both. The bad news Sam is 3rd and is out. Ben finishes 1st and will move forward. Next is Britta. She skis a hard race but unfortunately she meets the same fate as Sam and is eliminated. However she’s still smiling.
All eyes are on Ben now it is the semifinal and it appears all the big guns are in this heat. The tension builds. I look over at Laura who appears to be every bit as nervous as her son. The gun goes off and they look evenly matched. Around the first turn they are in a tight pack. We run for the finish area…this is going to be a nail-bitter. They’re coming up the last straight away. Ben is in third the first two racers have the jump on him. We now start yelling at the top of lungs “GO BEN GO CATCH THEM”. As they get to the line Ben pulls along side the second place boy as they fall across the finish…who has won? No one knows. It’s a photo finish! We must all wait while they study the video.
The verdict is in Ben is 3rd. I walk over to the judge’s booth to ask about the results. I am informed that the best frame of video shows the other racers boot a couple inches over the line while Ben’s boot is shrouded in snow. I was baffled, have you seen the size of that big orange boot? I would think that you could see that thing in a complete white out. No matter which boy won it was hands down the most exciting race of the whole weekend. So Ben is sent to the B finals where he wins and ends up in 5th place.
The racers and the crowd gather outside for the final award ceremony. Ben is 5th, Sam 9th and Britta 15th they each receive another little wood ski award. All are smiling and a great weekend of racing comes to a close.
While driving home I start to reflect on the weekend and I am pleased. Not just because our racers did a great job but for all the great support we had. To the parents Paul & Laura who brought the kids up, drove them around, attended their needs physically, mentally and financially, waxed skis, stood out in the freezing cold to hold clothes and cheer. To Sean Beckman who gave up a morning of skiing and training to help with our waxing and to cheer everyone on. So you see that’s why we’re "TEAM" Gogebic and not the Spartans or Wolves or any other symbol. We are symbolic of what it really takes to be successful TEAM WORK. As for me…I’m just a ski bum and happy to be a part of it all.
Ken
At the trails Paul and I walked into a frenzy of skiers and coaches scurrying about to find just the right wax. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated by the equipment the larger teams came armed with. Here was little TG with only three skiers and one pair of skis per athlete but as they say one is all it takes.
Soon we were rescued by TG alumni Sean Beckman. Skiing for MTU he brought us the inside edge by commandeering one of Tech’s wax tables. We quickly got out all our waxes and went to work. I think we all gained a little more confidence knowing we had a college racer, who skis on these trails everyday, in our corner. The support team finished their preparations, now it was up to the TG racers to show their stuff.
With bibs in place and butterflies flying our TG racers mix into the colorful crowd of other teams for a warm up. As I watch them ski by my excitement starts to grow and it gives me cause to reflect on just how far they have come. A bit of anxiety also creeps in as I wonder if I have done enough to prepare them for these events.
The classic race is on! Racers start one at a time thirty seconds apart pitting them against the clock. The course is 3.2 kilometers the boys will do it twice the girls once. It’s a good spectating course because we get a chance to cheer for our racers several times. Ben, Britta and Sam look like they have all skied well but only the clock knows for sure. Laura drives everyone into town to rest and eat. They will need to be back in just a couple hours for the skate race. I stay behind to wait for the results.
When our racers return I greet them with their bibs and the news. Ben is 3rd, Sam is 20th and Britta 15th. They get on their skate skis and start to warm up. This time the girls will ski 2 laps just like the boys and the results of this race will be added to their earlier race to determine their final placement.
This is a pursuit so they start is the same order they finished in the morning. We’re in real-time now, it’s no longer about the clock, you must compete with the skiers around you. The gun goes off and away they go. Ben is off first and he looks determined to not only hold his 3rd place finish but to improve it. Next is Sam, he knows it’s go-time, if he does not have a good race here he will probably not qualify for the JO National Team. He looks smooth and the most serious I have seen him all year. We are all cheering with excitement.
We take a position to watch them go by on their second loop. Soon we see Ben coming down the trail. It looks like a few boys have passed him. We yell words of encouragement to push him on. I’m shouting for him to stay with these boys and not to let his hard efforts of the morning be lost. He looks tried and I am worried he may lose more places.
Not far behind we see Sam he is tucked in behind two other racers. We are cheering wildly and his dad calls out for him to pass those two boys. He does so with authority. He is working hard and looking good. I believe he is having a great race. The question remains will it be enough.
They are coming into the finish now. It looks like Ben has fallen to 7th but Sam has moved up to 13th. With their first race combined Ben finishes 6th and Sam 16th . I think they did great and I am happy for them. I am anxious to see how they feel but first we must focus on the girl’s team (AKA Britta).
We are watching Britta lining up at the start line. I am hoping she has recovered from this morning, seeing as how I learned only yesterday she has just gotten over a bout with pneumonia. She appears to be feeling well and starts out strong smiling from ear to ear as usual.
Now on her second loop here comes Britta just as cheery as ever. Don’t let that smile fool you. She is working hard, skiing well and better yet, picking up places! She finishes 11th and has not lost that smile. At that moment I realize she is the reflection of what I hope we’ll all feeling, happy to be here, thankful to those who worked hard to put on this event and glad for the opportunity to be a part of it. Her combined time puts her in 12th place. Not bad for a freshman that only skis with us a few times a month.
That evening we go to the banquet. The food and the company where defiantly top notch. After we ate they started the award ceremony. Good news the top 16 skiers get this really cool little wood ski for an award. Ben is 6th, Sam 16th and Britta 12th. Next we learn that even though we have only 2 boys they have tied with the Lake Michigan Team for 4th and Britta the team of one has placed 7th as a total team we are ranked 5th out of 11…way to go team! Then more good news, Ben has made the National Team, sadly though Sam has just missed it by a few points. Back to the hotel for a good night sleep, tomorrow we will get up and do it all over again.
Morning comes quick and we are well rested either the drunks had checked out or we were too tired to hear them. Off to the trails, it’s time for the 1k sprints! The team starts warming up. This should be interesting I think to myself. None of them have ever been in a sprint race and we’ve worked on it only briefly. My instructions are simple “ski fast”. Taking my advice they do just that. The top 16th will move on to the quarterfinals so we wait for the times.
Walking into the warming hut to see how they did and to pick up the bibs, one of the coaches asks me “what did you feed Ben this morning”. I looked puzzled and ask what he means. Then I am informed he has set the fastest time of the day. He will wear the bib of a marked man No.1. I hurry up and open our bag to see if Sam and Britta have made the cut…they did! Now they will all race again.
We look at the race board. “Rats” Ben and Sam are in the same heat. They must now finish one two or one will be eliminated. The good news Sam & Ben in the same race we can cheer for both. The bad news Sam is 3rd and is out. Ben finishes 1st and will move forward. Next is Britta. She skis a hard race but unfortunately she meets the same fate as Sam and is eliminated. However she’s still smiling.
All eyes are on Ben now it is the semifinal and it appears all the big guns are in this heat. The tension builds. I look over at Laura who appears to be every bit as nervous as her son. The gun goes off and they look evenly matched. Around the first turn they are in a tight pack. We run for the finish area…this is going to be a nail-bitter. They’re coming up the last straight away. Ben is in third the first two racers have the jump on him. We now start yelling at the top of lungs “GO BEN GO CATCH THEM”. As they get to the line Ben pulls along side the second place boy as they fall across the finish…who has won? No one knows. It’s a photo finish! We must all wait while they study the video.
The verdict is in Ben is 3rd. I walk over to the judge’s booth to ask about the results. I am informed that the best frame of video shows the other racers boot a couple inches over the line while Ben’s boot is shrouded in snow. I was baffled, have you seen the size of that big orange boot? I would think that you could see that thing in a complete white out. No matter which boy won it was hands down the most exciting race of the whole weekend. So Ben is sent to the B finals where he wins and ends up in 5th place.
The racers and the crowd gather outside for the final award ceremony. Ben is 5th, Sam 9th and Britta 15th they each receive another little wood ski award. All are smiling and a great weekend of racing comes to a close.
While driving home I start to reflect on the weekend and I am pleased. Not just because our racers did a great job but for all the great support we had. To the parents Paul & Laura who brought the kids up, drove them around, attended their needs physically, mentally and financially, waxed skis, stood out in the freezing cold to hold clothes and cheer. To Sean Beckman who gave up a morning of skiing and training to help with our waxing and to cheer everyone on. So you see that’s why we’re "TEAM" Gogebic and not the Spartans or Wolves or any other symbol. We are symbolic of what it really takes to be successful TEAM WORK. As for me…I’m just a ski bum and happy to be a part of it all.
Ken
Mt. Ashwabay Summit
Jan 31st, 2009
by Rich S.
Last Saturday, under huge pressure to bring home the bakery goods for the TG YooperBowl, 4 TG teammates carpooled west to Washburn for the Mt. Ashwabay Summit 11K race. Rich, Dave H, Kenny DEE and Scott piled into the Subaru and made it to Washburn with only one bathroom stop.
The race course was similar to last year’s, but slightly longer towards the finish. Conditions and grooming were very good, and pretty fast considering our recent cold spell.
Dave and Rich, respectfully, lined up in the second row. Ken and Scott lined up in the back to protect their teammates from any foul pole flailing. On the go, Rich and Dave quickly found themselves in a pack of 8 skiers. The pace was quick, but definitely not full throttle, as the group knew there was a big climb to come. Dave heard Rich chit-chatting at the back of the line and decided if there was talking going on in the pack it was time to ramp it up a notch! Dave took the lead of our pack (there were 4 other skiers already off the front) as Rich cheered him on from the back. We all held our own on the big hill thanks to Coach Hazel’s advice. Then came a very fast downhill and we hit the finish line. Dave in 8th place, Rich in 10th (second place AG), Scott in 30th, and Ken in 31st.
The team went 4 for 4 in the fresh baked, homemade, bakery good prize department: the raffle was kind to us and Rich won a pie for his age group place.
2nd Annual Yooperbowl
Feb 1st, 2009
Feb 1st, 2009
Steelers - Team Captain: Molly - Team: Rich, Clyde, Britta, Susanne, Ken D.
Cardinals - Team Captain: Katie - Team: Geneva, Jackie, Will, Scott, Dave
Referee: Coach Ken
It looked like it was going to be all Cardinals when Will skied the length of the field for a TD on the first play. The Steelers learned quickly how to put an end to that! Late in the first half, Britta intercepted a pass and skied it in for a TD and tied the score.
Early in he second half Katie’s catch and TD was ruled illegal because she fielded a foreword pass – who ever heard of such a silly rule? Both teams then dug in for a hard-fought defensive battle with neither team able to score. In a dramatic attempt to catch a high flying pass, Dave found out skis aren’t made for jumping and landing; his folded in half under the pressure! Yikes!
Penalty loops were handed out by Ref Ken for everything from illegal formation to blocking to unsportsmanlike conduct. Will and Scott escaped penalties with their constant cry of, “Good call ref!” Brownnosers, or good strategists? Then just as the Cardinals were poised to score, the whistle blew and the game was over.
We then convened in the cabin for a post-game celebration as all present feasted on pies won the day before at the Valhalla Summit ski race. A happy day.
Jackie
Noquemanon Ski Marathon
Jan. 24, 2009
Jan. 24, 2009
It was a cold day and so the skate times were not much faster than the classical skiers. Way to go team!
TG RACER RACE TIME AGE GP OVERALL
Will Andresen 51K Classical 3:24:38 5th 47/201
Neal Schroeter 51K Freestyle 3:54:33 34th 201/308
Jason Cihlar 51K Freestyle 4:08:54 12th 236/308
Britta Schroeter 5K Jr. Freestyle 21:43 3rd 7/18
"The Noque was fun – I over-compensated for the cold by applying very little kick wax – paid for it on the ups, but loved the downs!"
Will
Will Andresen 51K Classical 3:24:38 5th 47/201
Neal Schroeter 51K Freestyle 3:54:33 34th 201/308
Jason Cihlar 51K Freestyle 4:08:54 12th 236/308
Britta Schroeter 5K Jr. Freestyle 21:43 3rd 7/18
"The Noque was fun – I over-compensated for the cold by applying very little kick wax – paid for it on the ups, but loved the downs!"
Will
Copper Island Classic Cross Country Ski Race
Jan 18, 2009
Jan 18, 2009
Ken D. and Clyde traveled to the Keweenaw for this event. Both participated in the 10K race, winning 2nd and 3rd in their age group. Both report having good races in part because they took the time to warm up and get their wax right. "The finish line was disappointing," Clyde reports, "because we didn't have the team cheering for us like we did at Wolverine." Good job guys!
History in the Making
Iron Nordic Loon Invite Jan 6, 2009
Iron Nordic Loon Invite Jan 6, 2009
Team Gogebic made history today at the Iron Nordic Loon Invite by being the first coed Nordic ski team to represent the Gogebic Range towns in a school competition. At least the first Nordic team to compete in recent history. Does anyone know?? Last year we had a complete high school boys team, and this year we added a high school girls team and a middle school girls team. Ten area youth in total toed the line with some 55 other youth to put their developing athletic abilities to the test. Bravo!
The #1 high school boy across the line was wearing a black suit with white snow flakes. Bravo to Ben for achieving the goal he set a year ago, to replace his 2nd place ribbon with one that says 1st. It took dry land training all summer and lots of hard work on snow. Bravo for following the plan and for the guts to not give up in the end, winning by less than a second.
As a team, the high school boys dropped from first to third this year. Oh, well, a whole new team of 16 showed up this year, creating tougher competition. Bravo to Sam, Paul, and Stephen for stepping up to the line in order that TG had a team at all. In the days leading up to the race, they each considered staying home but decided to not let their team mates (or their dads?) down.
Bravo to Breanna for moving up from her rightful category as a middle school competitor to the high school level so that we could have a complete team of three high school girls. She finished towards the end, but without her our high school girls could not have finished second, because we would not have had a team at all. Bravo to Erin for giving it her all in this, her very first ski race, and bravo to Britta for her 3rd place finish.
And bravo to our little girls who proved the old adage: "Half the work of winning involves showing up to the starting line." Although none of our girls received ribbons for their individual performances, Katie's, Lily's and Molly's combined points placed us in first place as a team! So two years in a row, Team Gogebic comes home with a trophy! Bravo again!
Finally, bravo to Brad, Brian, Scott, and Susanne for taking the time out of their busy days to accompany their children to this event. To encourage, drive, cheer, take pictures, pat on the back, and console.
There are many lessons to be learned from each competition. As with life, every day is practice for the one that comes next. Every tear the result of emotion felt. Every joy shared, a gift.
Jackie
Middle School Girls: 1st Team Gogebic, 2nd Iron Nordic
High School Boys: 1st Lakeland, 2nd CANSKI, 3rd Team Gogebic, 4th Iron Nordic
High School Girls: 1st Lakeland, 2nd Team Gogebic, 3rd CANSKI, 4th Iron Nordic
Complete results available by request. Photos in Photo Gallery.
The #1 high school boy across the line was wearing a black suit with white snow flakes. Bravo to Ben for achieving the goal he set a year ago, to replace his 2nd place ribbon with one that says 1st. It took dry land training all summer and lots of hard work on snow. Bravo for following the plan and for the guts to not give up in the end, winning by less than a second.
As a team, the high school boys dropped from first to third this year. Oh, well, a whole new team of 16 showed up this year, creating tougher competition. Bravo to Sam, Paul, and Stephen for stepping up to the line in order that TG had a team at all. In the days leading up to the race, they each considered staying home but decided to not let their team mates (or their dads?) down.
Bravo to Breanna for moving up from her rightful category as a middle school competitor to the high school level so that we could have a complete team of three high school girls. She finished towards the end, but without her our high school girls could not have finished second, because we would not have had a team at all. Bravo to Erin for giving it her all in this, her very first ski race, and bravo to Britta for her 3rd place finish.
And bravo to our little girls who proved the old adage: "Half the work of winning involves showing up to the starting line." Although none of our girls received ribbons for their individual performances, Katie's, Lily's and Molly's combined points placed us in first place as a team! So two years in a row, Team Gogebic comes home with a trophy! Bravo again!
Finally, bravo to Brad, Brian, Scott, and Susanne for taking the time out of their busy days to accompany their children to this event. To encourage, drive, cheer, take pictures, pat on the back, and console.
There are many lessons to be learned from each competition. As with life, every day is practice for the one that comes next. Every tear the result of emotion felt. Every joy shared, a gift.
Jackie
Middle School Girls: 1st Team Gogebic, 2nd Iron Nordic
High School Boys: 1st Lakeland, 2nd CANSKI, 3rd Team Gogebic, 4th Iron Nordic
High School Girls: 1st Lakeland, 2nd Team Gogebic, 3rd CANSKI, 4th Iron Nordic
Complete results available by request. Photos in Photo Gallery.
Stormy Kromer Pursuit Jan 3 & 4, 2009
"Fun" was the most common word I heard people use to describe their experience striding on Saturday at the Montreal Trails. From Scott and Luke who were competing in their first ski race, to Sam, who improved his time by 12 minutes from last year (beating both his dad and Jason), to Neal, who finally got to participate in the Kromer, to Britta smiling across the finish line as the first girl under 15, to Lee Anne and Grace Dog, our #1 spectators who came to the rescue at the last minute with a new pair of boots after Britta's bindings turned out to be broken, it was just a fun day of skiing. Beautiful weather, great tracks, and good attitudes.
Day two, skating at the MECCA trails in Mercer proved just as fun. New snow overnight dictated deep soft snow conditions and slower times. Oh well, no one was spared the handicap. More smiles as Ben maintained his incredible position at #4 overall, behind the college boys, and 1st of the high school boys. Sam gave it his all, and then some, and with the aid of the paramedics was recovering nicely from hypothermia at the post-race festivities. Ken's "momentum theory" came in handy for Scott, who thought of it while skiing almost the entire race with a broken pole. Team mates took home two first place medals and two third place pins, plus a few door prizes. Here are the results:
Racer Stride Skate Total Overall Age Group
Ben Noren 27:31 43:47 1:11:18 4 1st
Ken Hazel 31:03 45:10 1:16:13 18 3rd
Will Andresen 31:16 49:24 1:20:40 26
Samuel Kolesar 34:45 49:18 1:24:03 33
David Harkness 37:28 49:25 1:26:53 43
Jason Cihlar 35:20 58:04 1:33:24 61
Paul Kolesar 39:07 54:43 1:33:50 63
Luke Wyzlic 35:18 1:02:16 1:37:34 68
Jackie Powers 41:45 58:15 1:40:00 76 3rd
Carolyn Andresen 42:32 1:00:59 1:43:31 82
Britta Schroeter 43:48 1:05:20 1:49:08 94 1st
Scott Erickson 48:43 1:22:07 2:10:50 111
Neal Schroeter 40:43
Complete results and hundreds of photos at www.skinnyski.com/
Day two, skating at the MECCA trails in Mercer proved just as fun. New snow overnight dictated deep soft snow conditions and slower times. Oh well, no one was spared the handicap. More smiles as Ben maintained his incredible position at #4 overall, behind the college boys, and 1st of the high school boys. Sam gave it his all, and then some, and with the aid of the paramedics was recovering nicely from hypothermia at the post-race festivities. Ken's "momentum theory" came in handy for Scott, who thought of it while skiing almost the entire race with a broken pole. Team mates took home two first place medals and two third place pins, plus a few door prizes. Here are the results:
Racer Stride Skate Total Overall Age Group
Ben Noren 27:31 43:47 1:11:18 4 1st
Ken Hazel 31:03 45:10 1:16:13 18 3rd
Will Andresen 31:16 49:24 1:20:40 26
Samuel Kolesar 34:45 49:18 1:24:03 33
David Harkness 37:28 49:25 1:26:53 43
Jason Cihlar 35:20 58:04 1:33:24 61
Paul Kolesar 39:07 54:43 1:33:50 63
Luke Wyzlic 35:18 1:02:16 1:37:34 68
Jackie Powers 41:45 58:15 1:40:00 76 3rd
Carolyn Andresen 42:32 1:00:59 1:43:31 82
Britta Schroeter 43:48 1:05:20 1:49:08 94 1st
Scott Erickson 48:43 1:22:07 2:10:50 111
Neal Schroeter 40:43
Complete results and hundreds of photos at www.skinnyski.com/
First Race of '09 Season
Dec. 13 & 14, 2008
Dec. 13 & 14, 2008
Although the Grand View Classic is billed as a Jr. Olympic qualifier, Team Gogebic showed it's not just the high school and college kids who have what it takes. We're an all-ages team, and all our ages were represented at the Wolverine Ski Trails this weekend.
The story of the day goes to Clyde, for completing the first ski races of his life this weekend. Not only did Clyde choose to do back-to-back 10Ks, he chose to compete alongside the best high school and college kids in the Midwest! And, he waited until what most consider retirement age for his debut as a ski racer.
Not to be outdone, another of our "elder" team mates chose to battle the elements this weekend. Ken D. joined Clyde in the 10K open class both days. Watch for these two at future races where they can perhaps achieve some recognition via smaller age-group categories.
On the other end of the age spectrum, Lily distinguished herself as the fastest skier in the 9 and under 1K freestyle. Also skiing this weekend were Ben, Sam, Britta, Neal, and Jason, with Suzanne, Lee Ann, Laura & Ken supporting. Nicole, Steve, Paul K., Erin and I volunteered for the event. More photos in the Gallery.
Jackie
The story of the day goes to Clyde, for completing the first ski races of his life this weekend. Not only did Clyde choose to do back-to-back 10Ks, he chose to compete alongside the best high school and college kids in the Midwest! And, he waited until what most consider retirement age for his debut as a ski racer.
Not to be outdone, another of our "elder" team mates chose to battle the elements this weekend. Ken D. joined Clyde in the 10K open class both days. Watch for these two at future races where they can perhaps achieve some recognition via smaller age-group categories.
On the other end of the age spectrum, Lily distinguished herself as the fastest skier in the 9 and under 1K freestyle. Also skiing this weekend were Ben, Sam, Britta, Neal, and Jason, with Suzanne, Lee Ann, Laura & Ken supporting. Nicole, Steve, Paul K., Erin and I volunteered for the event. More photos in the Gallery.
Jackie
TG Coach Pulls Togther One More Race:
The April 13th Hard Core 8.52K
by Jackie Powers
The April 13th Hard Core 8.52K
by Jackie Powers
Ken and I were skiing in 40 degree sunshine when he conceived the idea of a ski race to celebrate 150 days of continuous skiable snow for the '07/'08 season. We put the word out on the internet just as the National Weather Service was issuing a Winter Strom Warning for the area! This, combined with one groomer break down after another, almost led to the cancellation of the event. A battle ensued between Old Man Winter, Mother Nature, and Hard Core TG Ski Coach Ken Hazel. In the end, the three co-created the Hard Core 8.52K.
Seventeen Hard Cores, plus volunteers, spectators and day skiers filled up the parking lot at Wolverine, all to enjoy one more day of great skiing here in the U.P. Ken and Ben led the TG results in 4th and 5th places, while Geneva and I took the 8th and 9th slots across the finish line. This was the first ski race for Amy Hollenbeck, who attended one TG session this year. Hopefully she'll be back. Bob Burchell, a hard core downhill skier, and father of TG member Robert, showed up just for grins and stated “this is the farthest I’ve skied in my whole life.” Finally a big TG welcome to Scott Erickson on skate skis for the third time and having run a half marathon the day before! Scott is looking forward to more involvement with the Team next year.
As for the awards well, that went to everyone. We were all awarded with one more fun effort, one more great day of skiing, and one more chance to ski, laugh and hang out with our fellow hard cores.
For photos and an article by Paulette, go to www.skinnyski.com.
1 Paulette Neimi 27:50
2 Paul Haltvick 29:30
3 Borg Isaksen 29:32
4 Ken Hazel 30:50
5 Ben Noren 33:04
6 Molly Burger 34:00
7 Roger Burger 34:01
8 Jackie Powers 35:38
9 Geneva Smiles 36:28
10 Connie Meek 40:47
11 Phil Mahoney 43:08
12 Don Slanzi 43:10
13 Amy Hollenbeck 44:23
14 Bob Burchell 52:50
15 Chris Vizanico 57:29
16 Scott Erickson 1:04:00
17 Dennis Spaete DNF
Big Day of Fun for TG at ABR Spring Race March 16th, 2008
It seems like we were all represented in one way or another at the ABR Spring Race. With the equalizer format, it was Paul Kolesar, 43rd, Geneva Smiles , 45th, and Jason Cihlar, 47th, in terms of the TG competition in the 19K event.
In the 6K Youth Race, Sam Kolesar took 1st place among the 15-16 year old boys, Paul Maxinowski was 2nd among the 17-18 year old boys. Breanna, Lily, and Moly were in the highly competitive 3K Jr. Race. Condolences for Stephen, who had to drop out due to a crash on Blueberry, resulting in a major snow rash to his face. Now he looks more like a prize fighter than a ski racer.
Our coach was front and center as director of the Youth and Jr. Races and organizer of the Gorilla Chase. 15 kids, including Molly and Lily braved the challenge of chasing the Gorilla (played by our own Rich Scott) or were they being chased? In the end, all managed to beat him across the line and win their medal.
My job as race director was made pleasurable by the many volunteers who performed their duties to the utmost, and the smiling faces on race day. See Photo Gallery for a sample.
Pat yourselves on the back for the success of our TG lunch concession fund raiser, which netted $217 for the Youth Program.
It was a fun day for all, and a nice way to finish off our race season. Here's to next year.
Jackie
p.s. For full results and times go to www.skinnyski.com
In the 6K Youth Race, Sam Kolesar took 1st place among the 15-16 year old boys, Paul Maxinowski was 2nd among the 17-18 year old boys. Breanna, Lily, and Moly were in the highly competitive 3K Jr. Race. Condolences for Stephen, who had to drop out due to a crash on Blueberry, resulting in a major snow rash to his face. Now he looks more like a prize fighter than a ski racer.
Our coach was front and center as director of the Youth and Jr. Races and organizer of the Gorilla Chase. 15 kids, including Molly and Lily braved the challenge of chasing the Gorilla (played by our own Rich Scott) or were they being chased? In the end, all managed to beat him across the line and win their medal.
My job as race director was made pleasurable by the many volunteers who performed their duties to the utmost, and the smiling faces on race day. See Photo Gallery for a sample.
Pat yourselves on the back for the success of our TG lunch concession fund raiser, which netted $217 for the Youth Program.
It was a fun day for all, and a nice way to finish off our race season. Here's to next year.
Jackie
p.s. For full results and times go to www.skinnyski.com
Our Boys at the River View Loppet March 1st, 2008
While many of us were side-lined by coughs and colds, our boys sustained the energy to race last weekend. We chose the River View Loppet in Brule, WI. A low-cost, family-friendly, and competitive event with just under 50 kids alongside our racers, it was a good choice. Ben managed to pull second in his age group despite great effort to be first overall. On the bright side, photos (see Gallery) show technique improvements for all! Keep it up guys. As for me, I enjoyed spectating, getting to know Ben's mom, Laura a bit more, visiting with Brian, whom I haven't seen much this year, and of course the free lunch afterwards.
Jackie
While many of us were side-lined by coughs and colds, our boys sustained the energy to race last weekend. We chose the River View Loppet in Brule, WI. A low-cost, family-friendly, and competitive event with just under 50 kids alongside our racers, it was a good choice. Ben managed to pull second in his age group despite great effort to be first overall. On the bright side, photos (see Gallery) show technique improvements for all! Keep it up guys. As for me, I enjoyed spectating, getting to know Ben's mom, Laura a bit more, visiting with Brian, whom I haven't seen much this year, and of course the free lunch afterwards.
Jackie
Frozen Fish Triathlon '08 Primo Event
After three years of anticipation, my schedule finally allowed me to participate in the Frozen Fish Triathlon Feb. 24th, a unique event among our race choices. The mood was upbeat and cheerful at the start as around 25 of us started up the big hill at Wolverine for the first leg, a 10 K ski. Lee Ann was there cheering us on at the transition where we changed into our running shoes and started on the run down Sunset Rd. Eventually I gave in to the rivers of melting water and just ran through puddles in an effort to achieve the shortest distance between two points by the end of the four mile run to the pool. Then presto chango for a 500 yard swim. At last, seeing all the happy finishers and sharing stories. Then the best part, a free pasta dinner and official results! Ben 2nd overall; Sam, Becca & Anna 1st team; and me fastest woman! Britta finished just 30 seconds behind her father. Rachel, Lara and Paul M also raced, while Stephen took pictures and Breanna, Bess and Brian marshaled and cheered us on. A "must do" on next year's race calendar.
Jackie
Jackie
2008 TG Birkie Finishers: 2008 Kortelopet Finishers:
John Nuutinen 3:16:51 Rachel Borth 1:41:19
Jason Cihlar 3:17:40 Lara Schroeter 1:45:56
John Nuutinen 3:16:51 Rachel Borth 1:41:19
Jason Cihlar 3:17:40 Lara Schroeter 1:45:56
Rich Scott 3:26:18
Neal Schroeter 3:30:30
Danny O'Sullivan 3:36:46
Laurie O'Sullivan 4:17:07
For more detailed results go to www.birkie.comNeal Schroeter 3:30:30
Danny O'Sullivan 3:36:46
Laurie O'Sullivan 4:17:07
Congrats to all. Looks like there will be some wave advancements here. More later…
Ken
News from the Junior Birkie 2008
Hello Ken & Jackie,
Our team did really well at the race today! Some even randomly commented on how good our suits look! The highlight was Ben who got third place - might have gotten second if he hadn't fallen. Look over the pictures - the one of Ben might be good for the newspaper.
Neal
Hi Jackie and Ken,
I've sent some photos from our day at the Birkie events. We took part in the Junior Birkie and the Cheqtel Family Ski.
Molly was pummeled in her event, but that mattered nothing to her happiness. I have some pictures of her in her TG suit. One has her being interviewed about how great it is to be a skier from Big Snow Country in the UP where the snow is always incredible. The kids in Molly's event were all clearly pretty accomplished skiers. Molly looks forward to showing 'em down next year.
We skied around leisurely later after having some soup and some picnic lunch and then Molly, Lily and I all skied the Cheqtel family ski and we had just a gas! Boy was that event fun!- grandmas, grandpas, accomplished skiers, some people looking like elite skiers, babies!, toddler skiers, parents with kids in front of them, middle-aged novices, etc and everybody helping out those that had trouble getting up slopes and/or skiers down in the trail. We promised ourselves to participate in this event every year, even when the kids are big and grown-away from "family" events.
From the beginning with our arrival at Telemark to the culmination of our participation in the day's events and through the rest of the day and night you couldn't have wiped the smiles off these kids' faces for all the gold in the world. What a special day that they will always remember. Thanks for all you've given to them. I think these kids are hooked.
Susanne
Our team did really well at the race today! Some even randomly commented on how good our suits look! The highlight was Ben who got third place - might have gotten second if he hadn't fallen. Look over the pictures - the one of Ben might be good for the newspaper.
Neal
Hi Jackie and Ken,
I've sent some photos from our day at the Birkie events. We took part in the Junior Birkie and the Cheqtel Family Ski.
Molly was pummeled in her event, but that mattered nothing to her happiness. I have some pictures of her in her TG suit. One has her being interviewed about how great it is to be a skier from Big Snow Country in the UP where the snow is always incredible. The kids in Molly's event were all clearly pretty accomplished skiers. Molly looks forward to showing 'em down next year.
We skied around leisurely later after having some soup and some picnic lunch and then Molly, Lily and I all skied the Cheqtel family ski and we had just a gas! Boy was that event fun!- grandmas, grandpas, accomplished skiers, some people looking like elite skiers, babies!, toddler skiers, parents with kids in front of them, middle-aged novices, etc and everybody helping out those that had trouble getting up slopes and/or skiers down in the trail. We promised ourselves to participate in this event every year, even when the kids are big and grown-away from "family" events.
From the beginning with our arrival at Telemark to the culmination of our participation in the day's events and through the rest of the day and night you couldn't have wiped the smiles off these kids' faces for all the gold in the world. What a special day that they will always remember. Thanks for all you've given to them. I think these kids are hooked.
Susanne
Some TG Milestones Set at the Pre-Birkie 2008
Here are the results for Neal, Lara, and I at the 26K Pre-Birkie:
Jason 1:35:42
Neal 1:50:17
Lara 2:17:56
Three important items of note: This was Lara's longest race to date, Neal didn't break anything, and I didn't fall!
Jason
Jason 1:35:42
Neal 1:50:17
Lara 2:17:56
Three important items of note: This was Lara's longest race to date, Neal didn't break anything, and I didn't fall!
Jason
Record 23 TG Members Attend Book Across the Bay 2008!
What a great feeling milling around the tent in Washburn after completing the 10K Book Across the Bay on Feb. 16th. Great because the temps were a balmy 20 something. Great because the luminaries and bon fires made me forget we were on ice. Great because my skis felt like velvet on glass, smooooth and fast. And great because I could easily spot my fellow team mates, and they were to be seen in any direction. 23 of us participated in this festive event, plus more friends and family members. Our signature hats and jackets stood out above the crowd. Someone called our suits "premium" and a stranger took our picture because she just thought we were so darn "cute." Everyone seemed to have had a great race, a fun ski, a memorable night. From Ben, our fastest skier at 27th place overall and 3rd in his age group (15-16 year olds), and Eric right behind Ben at 28th overall in his first ski race ever (!), to Sam who achieved his goal of being in the top 100 males (he was 59th!), to Geneva and Becca who skied their first ski race, to Bess who skied with the team for the first time all year...I saw nothing but smiles and felt nothing but good will. For more results go to skinnyski.com. Some Team photos are in the photo gallery.
Here's to our wonderful sport, and many more memorable events like this one,
Jackie
Here's to our wonderful sport, and many more memorable events like this one,
Jackie
"Sweet" Victory
Six TG members came home with edible awards after racing in the ValHalla Summit Race at Mt. Ashwabay near Bayfield, WI on Feb. 2nd, 2008. The 11K adult course started downhill but wound around, and eventually UP the back side of the downhill area, then DOWN a windy icy portion to the finish. Coach Ken led the team with a 3rd place overall, 2nd place in his age group finish, for a pumpkin pie. Rich was behind Ken for 3rd in their age group and a giant cookie. Jackie and Jason won 1st in their age groups, winning a pie for each. Paul & Sam Kolesar, our sole youth representative in the 3.5K, also came away with giant cookies won in the raffle. All in all it was a great race and fun for all. Go to www.skinnyski.com for results and photos.
Afterwards, Ken, Jackie, Rich and Jason attended a fund raiser for the Big Top Chataqua on Madeline Island. We had to take an air boat over the ice to get there, and walked back across the bay, around and over the open water (yikes!), to return to our cars. You know what they say, each day is a new adventure. True true true.
Jackie
Afterwards, Ken, Jackie, Rich and Jason attended a fund raiser for the Big Top Chataqua on Madeline Island. We had to take an air boat over the ice to get there, and walked back across the bay, around and over the open water (yikes!), to return to our cars. You know what they say, each day is a new adventure. True true true.
Jackie
Team Gogebic Wins Loon Invite 2008
Tues Jan 8th (2008) driving through thick fog Ben and his father, Sam, Paul and I arrived in Mercer to represent the team in the Iron Nordic Loon Invite. With warm temps and soft snow the fog lifted enough to reveal suprisingly fast conditions. Everyone looked a little nervous including the coach but it was to be expected considering this was the first team race for all of us. Adrenalin soon replaced the butterflies as the gun went off and the race was on. I skied out to watch. In not too long the leader came by and as he passed I looked down trail to see a black & gray suit in hot pursuit. I quickly realized it was Ben…in 2nd place! Right behind him another TG suit…Paul in 3rd! To say I was excited would be an understatement but that feeling was quickly trumped as the next boy came by and I could see Sam in 5th. With two skiers on Sam's heels I knew if he could hold his position we would win. I quickly skied back to find they had finished in the order I saw them. Ben 2nd with a time of 16:16, Paul 3rd 16:52 and Sam 5th in 17:39. The team went for a cool down ski and exchanged race stories. Then on to a chili dinner, provided by Team Iron, and the award presentation. Ben took home a 2nd place ribbon, Paul a 3rd and Team Gogebic the team trophy by 1point! How sweet it is. Big congratulations to the guys of TG for putting in a big effort and giving the team it's 1st victory.
Ken
Team Gogebic Makes a Splash at Stormy Kromer Pursuit Jan. 5th & 6th (2008)
Team Gogebic enjoyed a visible presence at this weekend's race. It was so great to see ten of our crew out in race attire, doing our best to cope with the warm conditions. What was more fun, was racing neck and neck with each other and hearing the stories afterward. Less than 6 seconds separated three pairs of TG racers alone! While we had some fun competition amongst ourselves, we also gave some others a run for their money, taking home four awards. Go to www.skinnyski.com for results.
Jackie
