By Ryan Dahnert
The Scott West Nordic Ski Team launched their 2024 season with an exciting meet at Elm Creek Park Preserve in Maple Grove on Tuesday, December 10th. With a mix of experienced racers and new skiers, the event highlighted the depth of talent and determination within the team, even as they navigate a rebuilding year after graduating eight seniors.
A Rebuilding Year with Promising New Talent
This season, the team welcomes 19 brand-new skiers and 10 returning for their second year. To introduce the new skiers to competitive racing, seven warmed up alongside the JV team on the 4k course. Of those, four—Owen Dahnert, Carter Bolster, Austin Oldenburg, and Ella Ralston— raced for the first time with impressive results. Owen led the group with a time of 16:44, placing 21st in JV, followed by Carter (18:32, 29th) and Austin (18:33, 30th). Ella, competing in the 2k, placed 2nd out of 11 girls with a time of 14:39—a remarkable achievement for just her third day of skiing.
The second-year skiers in the JV race demonstrated solid technique and resilience on the 4k course. Jaydon Koonst set the pace with a time of 16:09, earning 18th place. Wyatt Fogarty (17:00, 22nd), Cooper Kalal (17:35, 23rd), Alex Schenck(18:09, 26th) and Tyler Frey (18:24, 28th) delivered steady performances, while Braxton Chanthavong (24:51, 40th) and Noah Horneman (23:25, 38th) completed their first full 4k races with determination.
Boys Varsity Earns Fourth Place
The boy's varsity team showcased a strong start, finishing 4th out of 11 teams behind Highland Park, St. Paul Central, and Como Park. Isaac Bemmels led the charge with a swift time of 10:33, placing 8th overall. Caden Riga followed with an aggressive 10:59, earning 15th place. Jackson Nagel (11:54, 23rd) impressed with his hill acceleration, while Ben Pint (12:06, 26th) and Elias Newson (13:04, 36th) demonstrated growth in their technique. Wilson Menden, in just his second year of skiing, completed the race in 13:29, placing 39th.
Girls Varsity Secures Third Place
The girl's varsity team delivered a strong performance, finishing 3rd out of 11 teams. With a focus on aggressive starts and powerful hill climbs, the team aimed to close the gap with Highland Park and St. Paul Central. Tirzah Juarie led the team with a time of 13:38, placing 19th, followed by Addy Giles (14:25, 25th), Izzy Haugen (14:30, 27th), and Anayah Hill (15:09, 39th). Bekah Stiemke rounded out the squad with a time of 17:25, placing 46th.
Weather Challenges and Looking Ahead
Racers faced challenging conditions, including blowing snow and fresh man-made snow that created a slow racing surface. With only two on-snow practices before this meet, the team’s strong start bodes well for the rest of the season.
Coach Lisa Jamison emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, stating, “We’re focused on building our team’s confidence and technique. It’s exciting to see so many new and second-year skiers stepping up.” The team’s next goal is to challenge the top teams in the conference while continuing to develop their depth and skill.
With a promising mix of new talent and seasoned competitors, the Scott West Nordic Ski Team is off to a solid start. Their next meet is Tuesday, December 17th at Hyland Park Reserve.