Mesabi Invite

Here is the roster for this upcoming weekends Mesabi Invite at Giants Ridge as well as the basic info.  We will have a few openings for a few extra skiers to come along and watch and help out as well. We would like to have those decisions made by Wednesday.
Any questions, please let me know,
Thanks
Denny

Mesabi East Invitational

Sat. Jan 5, 2019

The Mesabi East Invitational is upon us again and it is time for our skiers to participate in the largest high school ski meet in the country.  We will be leaving at 12:00pm on Friday, Jan. 4 from in front of the school.   We will be going to Pine Valley Trails in Cloquet to get in some skiing, then heading to Camp Chicagami.

We have for a number of years stayed at Camp Chicagami (218 744-4683 if you need to get a hold of us), south of Eveleth, which is bunk style sleeping.  So, besides the usual overnight items that we all bring, toiletries and clothes, the skiers will need to bring up a sleeping bag, pillow, and towel for showering.  One suggestion that we do make though, is that the amount of food brought with is limited.  We will have dinner and breakfast at Camp Chicagmi and the Booster Club has purchased lunch for Saturday for the skiers.  The cost for the night of stay and two meals is $35 and needs to be paid before we leave. 

Here is the time schedule for Saturday:
11:00 5K Classic Varsity/Boys & Girls 
11:37 5K Classic JV/Boys & Girls 
1:00 5K Freestyle Varsity/Boys & Girls 
1:37 5K Freestyle JV/Boys & Girls

On the trip home, (we hope to leave from Giants Ridge around 4:30pm) we will make a brief stop in Forest Lake to make phone calls to let you know when we will be back. 

How we will do the Mesabi Invite this year, is that the top 10 boys and the top 10 girls will all race in a Varsity or JV race, either Classic style or Freestyle.  The rest of the team will not be racing, but are invited to come along to help out at the meet, to learn about waxing, for cheering, and to get an opportunity to ski on some World Class trails and continue to improve.  But, we are limited to a total number of 40 people, including coaches, bus driver (Snes) and our manager. We will need to know as soon as possible if your child is able to or unable to attend.  This is not a mandatory event for those that are not racing.

Also, once the start lists are posted, I will be sending out the start list so you are able to know when your child will be skiing if they are racing. The first race is at 10:00 and the clock will continue running until the last skier has finished.  The last skier of the day to start is usually around 3:30, just to let you know how spread out the day is.  The start list will also help you better plan your day if you are going to be attending.  

Boys			Girls
Skate			Skate
Jared Heida - V			Olivia Ellenbecker - V
Noah Christiansen - V			Lilah Gilyard - V
Peyton Martinek - V			Amelia Blomberg - V
Aaron Casey - JV			Sarah Eichstadt - JV
Jaxon Lahner - JV			Josie Ingvaldson - JV
Classic			Classic
Ricky Petroff - V			Abby Ellenbecker - V
Josh Thoen - J			Izzy Haberman - V
Myles Gilyard - V			Maddie Keran - V
John Przybilla - JV			Katie Emmans - JV
Caleb Chesser - JV			Rebekah Weimholt - JV

On our way Home

Letting you all know that we are just now leaving the Hayward area and heading for home to end our Winter Camp adventure. We should be back a little after 4:00.
Thanks
Denny

Winter Camp Changes

Found out from the AD that Superintendent will not allow us to travel north tomorrow due to the weather, but we are able to travel to Mpls if we want, so we are going to make some changes for camp. Here is the plan:
We are going to meet at the high school on Friday at 11:45 and head to Theo Wirth to ski for the day. We will be there until dark, (5:00) so please bring lunch food plus classic and skate equipment, as well as your trail passes.
Then, we will leave at 7:00am on Saturday and head up to Hayward to ski Saturday and Sunday. We will want everyone to the school by 6:30 so we can pack the trailer and make sure we are ready to go by 7:00. At this moment, once we get to Hayward, the rest of camp will be the same as planned.
It’s not perfect but we will find the safest way to make sure we still get our work in. Any questions, let me know, but please note that I am about to board an airplane to head that way, so I will not get back to you right away.
Thanks,
Denny

Winter Camp Update

I just got off the phone with our Activities Director and he has been in touch with the Superintendent due to the weather possibilities over the next couple of days and we may get cancelled.  The Superintendent mentioned that he would let us know by about noon tomorrow, Thursday.  There has already been a few sports and teams that have been cancelled from traveling the next few days due to the weather and since the current track of this weather is staying more to the west of us, we are currently still able to go, but this might change within the next 24 hours.  I will let everyone know as soon as I hear and any last minute details as we get ready for the weekend.

Thanks and I'll talk to you soon!

Denny

Mora Invite Results

The meet results for this weekends Mora Invite are posted. Sorry they took so long, but the Saturday JH race results were not a part of them and was waiting to see if they would be, but still nothing yet. So, sorry to those skiers at this moment. Once they get added I will update the link as well as get our individual results out. If there are any other omissions, please let me know.

Congrats to all the skiers for putting solid efforts. Big congrats go to Aaron Casey for winning his first race, Friday's Junior High race; Abby Ellenbecker for winning the Friday night sprints, with Olivia Ellenbecker finishing in 4th; Amelia Blomberg finished in 2nd in the Girls JV also on Friday; Ricky Petroff racing to a 3rd overall finish in the Saturday Pursuit and Jared Heida gaining 7th in the same race! Great job everyone! Thanks to all the parents that were for their support and to Coach Nelson and Coach Jerlie for all they did and support of the skiers! Makes it easy if I miss time knowing that they have it all covered and then some!

Have a great Holiday and we will see everyone on Friday for camp! Make sure to go back a few posts to read through the information again as you get ready.

Thanks,
Denny

NWSC Skate Results

Our individual results are now posted on the right side of the blog.  Once the overall meet results are in I'll get them out as well.

But an overall positive, big step forward for the whole team tonight.  Conditions were upwards to 25 degrees warmer than the last time that we raced at Elm Creek two weeks ago, thus slower conditions, but all showed much improvement and many were actually faster tonight.  The depth and endurance of the team is growing and we are getting to the point of being ready for a good solid camp, if there is enough snow!!

Thanks to all of those that came out and watched and supported tonight.  The one nice thing about the warmer weather is that it is much more comfortable to watch!! Haha!  Next up with Mora on Friday and Saturday.  Please make sure to check the previous post about who is skiing when and the time schedule.

Thanks,
Denny

Race Info for the Week

Here is the information for the two races this week, with the Mora Invite being a two day event, but our skiers will only be on one day or the other. The list of who is skiing what day and in which event is at the bottom.  Any questions, please let me know.

Wednesday, NWSC Skate at Elm Creek
3:30 - Boys 5K
3:55 - Girls 5K
4:25 - Boys 2.5K
4:30 - Girls 2.5K
Our First Year skiers will decide tomorrow which race they will be doing.

Friday & Saturday, Mora Invite at Vasaloppet Center
Here is a link to all of the information: Mora Invite

Mora Invite Line Up		All Races Skate, Except for Pursuit
Josh	Thoen	Boys	Varsity	Sprints	Friday
Myles	Gilyard	Boys	Varsity	Sprints	Friday
Peyton	Martinek	Boys	Varsity	Sprints	Friday
John	Przybilla	Boys	Varsity	Sprints	Friday
Abby	Ellenbecker	Girls	Varsity	Sprints	Friday
Oliva	Ellenbecker	Girls	Varsity	Sprints	Friday
Lilah	Gilyard	Girls	Varsity	Sprints	Friday
Izzy	Haberman	Girls	Varsity	Sprints	Friday
Jennings	Jurmu	Boys	JV	5K	Friday
Jacob	Casey	Boys	JV	5K	Friday
Sarah	Eichstadt	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Amelia	Blomberg	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Katie	Emmans	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Josie	Ingvaldson	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Summer	Nietz	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Addie	Hoseck	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Rebekah	Weimholt	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Bella	Nortrom	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Anna	Samit	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Tara	Treml	Girls	JV	5K	Friday
Aaron	Casey	Boys	JH	? 2.5K	Friday
Eli	Christiansen	Boys	JH	? 2.5K	Friday
Tommy	Samit	Boys	JH	? 2.5K	Friday
Julia	Waite	Girls	JH	? 2.5K	Friday
Akala	Lowe	Girls	JH	? 2.5K	Friday
Kiwi	Le	Girls	JH	? 2.5K	Friday
Tori	Horner	Girls	JH	? 2.5K	Friday
Jerzi	Herberg	Girls	JH	? 2.5K	Friday
Jared	Heida	Boys	Varsity	Pursuit	Saturday
Ricky	Petroff	Boys	Varsity	Pursuit	Saturday
Noah	Christiansen	Boys	Varsity	Pursuit	Saturday
Caleb	Chesser	Boys	Varsity	Pursuit	Saturday
Jaxon	Lahner	Boys	Varsity	Pursuit	Saturday
Joe	Moline	Boys	JV	5K	Saturday
Michael	Smith	Boys	JV	5K	Saturday
Ryan	Powley	Boys	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Justin	Goetz	Boys	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Nico	Cocchiarella	Boys	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Sam	Collin	Girls	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Halle	Lenz	Girls	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Jordyn	Campbell	Girls	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Eliana	Cocchiarella	Girls	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Olivia	Nojd	Girls	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Kathryn	Carda	Girls	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Paola	Arellano	Girls	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Sheryl	Black	Girls	JH	?2.5K	Saturday
Marijke	Buter	Girls	JH	?2.5K	Saturday

Winter Camp

2018 Nordic Skiing Winter Camp

Each year we offer skiers a chance to improve their skiing and get some time in on some great snow trails up north.  It also gives the team a chance to relax, have fun, and get better acquainted.

We will leave for Winter Camp at 7:00am on Friday, December 28 and will return about 6:00pm on Sunday, December 30.  An approximate itinerary is given on the back of this sheet (some of the locations and workouts may change depending on the snow conditions).  We will be spending most of our evening time at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Hayward, WI, where cell range is sometimes limited, so if you need to get a hold of your child, your best option could be to call the Hotel, 715-634-0700. 

Students should bring their own healthy breakfasts and lunches and snacks in a cooler that stays in the equipment trailer on the trip up or bring money to buy stuff at the store or restaurants at the hotel.  Minimal spending money is needed unless they want to buy things.  There is a continental breakfast available by the hotel, but bringing their own is still something to consider.

Students are expected to pack the following items: Plenty of warm clothing (layers are best) and personal items for three days (don’t forget that toothbrush & deodorant, please!!), a warm winter coat, winter boots (to be worn on your feet on the bus), PJ’s, water bottle/sports drink, Skis, Wax, Poles, and Ski Boots, cooler.  Remember that most everything will go into the equipment trailer.  You may want to take homework, a camera, a healthy snack for the bus ride, headphones.  Consider marking the items you want back!  Be sure to bring a positive attitude, and your CRHS pride and manners. (Videos for the evenings should be pre-approved by the coaches.)

On the return trip we will stop at Forest Lake for a quick rest stop and phone calls home to parents.  Please be sure to meet your students at CRHS about 20 minutes after they call!  (We’re all tired and anxious to get home by then.)  It helps if you park in the stalls rather than along the curb while you wait.  All students are expected to stay and help until ALL equipment is unloaded and properly put away.  We’re a team and teammates stick together (Yes, parents can helps!!)

(Over)

Tentative Winter Camp Schedule

Friday, Dec. 28                   6:30am           Get skis from ski room.  Load bus &

Trailer, check for boots

                                            7:00am           Leave for Hayward

                                            10:00am         Arrive at “00” or Birkie Trailhead

                                             10:15pm        Classic: Warm up Drills then Classic

12:30              Lunch            

                                            2:00                Put on Skate Ski’s, Drills, ski until 5:00

                                            6:00pm           Dinner (Provided by Parents: soup,

                                                                        Sandwiches)

                                            10:00pm        Lights Out

Saturday, Dec. 29                7:00am           Wake Up and eat

                                             8:00am           Head out to Birke Trailhead

(Skate Skiing, Varsity, some JV Start at Cable, head to Hayward; First Years, some JV, start at ‘00’ and head to Hayward)

                                              12:00pm        Lunch Break at Fish Hatchery Cabin

                                              1:00pm           First Years/JV Go Classic Skiing
                                              2:00pm           Varsity/JV Go Classic Skiing

                                              4:00pm           Ski’s Off

                                              6:00pm           Dinner (Provided by Booster Club)

                                              10:00pm        Lights Out

Sunday, Dec. 30                   7:00am           Wake up and eat, then pack things up

                                                                        And bring to trailer

                                              8:30am           Head to Timberland Trails

                                                                        Classic Drills then hill repeats

                                              12:30am         Meet for lunch

                                              1:30pm           Meet on trails

                                                                        Skate (Will decide depending on how

                                                                        Everyone feels and has been

                                                                        working!)

                                                                        Then on your own

                                              3:30pm           Ski’s off, get ready for trip home

                                              4:00pm           Head home

                                              5:45pm           Call ahead from Forest Lake for rides

                                              6:00pm           Arrive at CRHS, unload bus & trailer

Week Ahead

Our Individual and the Overall Results from yesterday's Winona Invite are now posted.  It was a good day for us to get out on some challenging trails and even if not everyone had the day they were hoping for.  It was good for the first years to get and ski on some real snow (mostly) and be challenged by the terrain so now when they race at Elm Creek again they will feel much more confident and comfortable.  The Varsity battled it out with two teams that have been able to get on more hills to this point in the season and an opportunity to get two races in one day in and get ready for later in the season. 

A big congratulations to Abby Ellenbecker for taking the win in the Girls Varsity Pursuit.  Olivia Ellenbecker also had a great day as she was edged out to finish in 3rd to help lead the Girls to a 2nd place finish.  Jared Heida had the fastest skate race on the day and came back to finish in 3rd overall, while Ricky Petroff had a solid all-around day to finish in 5th, 4 seconds behind Jared as the Boys took 3rd.  Great job to all skiers and thanks to the parents that did make the long trip down to Winona yesterday!

This upcoming week will be a little different than what we have had in the past few weeks, partly because of the race schedule but also due to the warmer weather and the loss of snow we are dealing with.  We are scheduled to ski at Elm Creek on Monday from 4:30-6:00, so we will be leaving at 4:00 and skating.  We will also do our weight training after school.  Tuesday and Thursday we will be at school, with right now being on foot.  Wednesday we are racing at Elm Creek at 3:30 (more info will be posted when we get it).  On Friday and Saturday is the Mora Invite.  We as coaches discussed how we wanted to approach this race due to the races and work schedule we have had in the past few weeks and have decided to divide the team in two based on who can make one day or when they would like to race.  We are just not wanting to stretch the skiers too far physically, so feeling this will be our best option.  We will notify everyone on Monday what they will be racing, but we will also post it here tomorrow so you are able to know when they are racing.

If there are any questions, let me know,
Thanks,
Denny

Winona Invite

Here is the information for the Winona Race that is tomorrow, Saturday at Saint Mary's University.  They went with a longer race this year since they have had the snow and were able to get their trails set up.  We are also leaving earlier because they wanted to have more races and with us having the Holiday concerts, they wanted to make sure we were done so we had enough time to get those back.

So, the bus is leaving at 6:00am with the first race starting at 9:30.  Here is the schedule:

9:30 AM Boys Classic Race (2 skiers every 15 seconds) followed by

9:45 AM Girls Classic Race (2 skiers every 15 seconds). 

11:00 AM Boys Freestyle Race for those boys that are only skiing freestyle (30 second waves with one skier from each school)  Followed by 

11:15 AM Girls Freestyle Race for those girls that are only skiing freestyle (30 second waves with one skier from each school)

12:30 PM Boys Freestyle Pursuit Race (Skiers go out as they finished in the morning race)

12:45 PM Girls Freestyle Pursuit Race (Skiers go out as they finished in the morning race)

We suggest that the skiers bring a lunch or money to buy food at the University Book Store or restaurant on campus.  The hope is to leave around 2:00-2:30 so we are back by 5:00ish for those that are in the Holiday Concerts that evening.

Here are the start lists for the races tomorrow so you are also able to plan according to when your skier(s) start: Pursuit  Skate Only  The skiers are aware of which race they are in and will see the start lists at practice today.

Directions:  Saint Mary's University - 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN 55987
Take Hwy 10 East to 35W south to 694 east.  Follow 694 east to 35E south and follow into St Paul to Hwy 52 South.  Take Hwy 52 south to Hampton then exit at CR 50, take a left and go east.  CR 50 will turn into Hwy 61 and you will follow to Winona.  As you enter Winona, you will take a right at Hwy 14 and head west.  as you approach the bluffs and Saint Mary's, you will be able to take a left below campus at St. John's road.  Follow this road back to the left to St. Yon's Valley, where the parking lot will be.  This lot is limited, and since buses might be parked there, it might be better to park on campus.  With this option, you will need to drive up the hill and enter at the main entrance to the school.  Here is a map that also has the course on it.  The Orange line is the course, the pink is the trail from the parking lot to the start area.  SMU Map.  For anyone that comes out, I will be able to help you with where to watch.  But, do note, especially for those parking up on campus, this is a hilly area.

If there are any questions, please let me know,
Thanks
Denny

Overall Results

Overall results for last nights meet are now posted on the blog.  Both the Boys and the Girls finished 3rd out of 6 teams with the Girls 5 points out of 2nd and the Boys 2 points out of 2nd and 13 out of 1st. 

As for our individuals, Abby Ellenbecker finished in 2nd place, 7 seconds away from the win, with Oliva Ellenbecker in 4th to lead the Girls.  On the Boys side Josh Thoen took 2nd and Jared Heida was 3rd for the second race in a row.

Great work to all of the skiers!!
Denny

Age Group Classic Results

Our Individual Results are now posted on the right side of the blog.  Once the overall meet results are finished I'll get those out to you as well.

More positives tonight, and they were on a course that we don't ski on much and it was the first time for a lot of our skiers.  Plus, first classic race and in conditions that were not the most conducive to having "bomb proof" kick, but the skiers worked through the line and there were many advances in their progress, especially with our First Years.

Great Job tonight to all of our skiers and thanks to those that were able to come out to watch!
Thanks
Denny

Wednesday Race

Wednesday's race is at Hyland Park in Bloomington, so please give yourself plenty of time to get there.  Directions are below.  Girls will race at 4:00, the Boys will be at 4:30.  This is a classic race, so it will be different than last weeks race.

If there are any questions, please let me know,
Thanks
Denny

 Hyland Lake Park Reserve: Take highway #169 south, just past #494, to Highwood Drive. Turn east (left), then turn south (right) onto East Bush Lake Road. OR take Highway #100 south, just past #494, turn west (right) onto West 84th Street, which becomes East Bush Lake Road. You will pass the downhill ski area and the Richardson Nature Center. Take a left into the Recreation Area (just before the road takes a sharp right curve at the south end of Bush Lake). There is parking at the visitor center or a little further down the road near the start/finish line.

Weekly Basics

Here are the basics for the week ahead.  Also, if there is anyone that still needs to pay for poles or their final payment for Winter Camp, please bring those to me at the beginning of the week.  Checks written out to CRNSBC.

Monday: Weight Training after school, skiing at Elm Creek, Bus leaves at 4:00, should be home around 6:30
Tuesday: Normal practice
Wednesday: Age Group Classic at Hyland Park (Bloomington).  Girls at 4:00, Boys at 4:30
Thursday: Normal practice time, skiing at Theo Wirth, Bus Leaves at 3:15
Friday: Normal practice
Saturday: Winona Race, Bus leaves at 6:00am (more detail to come).  With this race, we know that there are Holiday Concerts for some of our skiers and that we are starting to get Holiday gatherings for families.  The last race will start at 12:45, so should be home before 5:00. If there is anyone that is not able to make this race, please let me know.

Any questions, let me know,
Thanks,
Denny

Overall Meet Results

Overall Meet Results are now posted.  The Boys finished 1st with 5 in the top 10 and the Girls finished 3rd, 2 points out of 1st!
Great start to the season!
Denny

Age Group Skate Results

On the right side of the blog, our individual results from tonight's NWSC Age Group Skate race are now posted.  The overall meet results have not been posted yet, but once I receive them, I'll post them as well.

But, as we got the season going, it was an overall positive first meet with some solid performances for both the Boys and Girls, as well as for the First Years.  We have seen much improvement over the past week and a half now that we have been on snow.  There are still things that we can improve on and we will continue to work on areas to make us stronger.

Thanks to all of the parents and fans that made it out to watch and support! 

Friday's practice is at Elm Creek again, but we will be leaving at 2:35 for we have the 2:45 to 4:15 time slot.  Also, we will not have a scheduled practice for Saturday, but we are going to suggest that everyone goes to Elm Creek on Saturday for the MN Nordic Opener. Click here for more detailed info MN Nordic Opener, but there will be about 50 vendors and the first 2000 that come will get a free buff (which are great for colder weather days).

If there are any questions, please let me know,
Thanks
Denny

Thursday Meet Schedule and Info

Here is the schedule for tomorrow's Age Group Skate race at Elm Creek.  The Boys will be starting at 3:30 and the Girls will be starting at about 3:55.  We will start with our returning skiers one every 20 seconds, seniors first, then juniors on down, and they will all be skiing two laps (5K). Our First Years will be at the back end and they will have the option of doing 1 or 2 laps (2.5k or 5K). 
There will be 6 teams skiing (and there will still be general public skiing as well), so parking will be a little tight, so please plan ahead so you have enough time to find a place to park and then be able to walk to the course. 
We do want you out on the course supporting (even though the bridge is a good place to watch from a higher height), but please make sure you are not walking on the course.  If you do have to cross the course, please make sure you check to make sure no skiers are coming.  The heaviest traffic is near the start/finish area, so please make sure you are aware of your surroundings if you are there.
You can find directions to Elm Creek in the Parent Handbook, but basically you need to go on Hwy 610 to Elm Creek Parkway.

Lastly, thanks for all of the food tonight and for being a part of tonight's gathering!  There were 3 things left behind, a medal spoon, a pretty heavy duty metal baking pan, 8x13, and black Waring oven mitt.  If these are yours, please let me know.

Any questions on anything, let me know
Thanks,
Denny

Week Ahead

Here is the basics for this week, which will be a busy week ahead. Even though the skiers don't have school tomorrow, Monday, I do have to work all day and we were scheduled at Elm Creek again at 6:15pm.
So, for Monday, we are meeting at 5:00 at the high school to do our weight training and then will head to Elm to do a skate workout.
Tuesday we will be at school for normal time of practice.  We will also be handing out uniforms after school on Tuesday.
Wednesday we are scheduled at Elm Creek for 4:30.  With the pot luck on Wednesday as well, we will only be at Elm until 5:30, which is fine with a race on Thursday.
Thursday is our first race, which is at Elm Creek.  First race is at 3:30 (do not know the schedule yet, will let you know when I hear about it!)
Friday we are scheduled at Elm Creek for 2:45-4:15.  We will be going but not sure yet what time we will be leaving.
Saturday is the MN Nordic Opener for Three Rivers Parks.  With still only man made locations having trails open, we are going to have the skiers go out to Elm, or even Wirth, to get a workout in.

Thanks,
Denny

Team Apparel Order Forms

Because there is no school on Monday, we are moving the date of the Team Apparel order forms being due to Wednesday, December 5th.
Thanks
Denny