Cook County Nordic Ski Team nears end of season, Olya Wright heads to State

Despite the lack of snow this winter, the Cook County Nordic Ski Team has enjoyed a fun and rewarding season.

“These kids, this year, have just been so enthusiastic and willing to work with difficult snow conditions,” Jeanne Wright, the Nordic Ski Team head coach, said. “For some of the kids, the very first time they were on snow was at our first race.”

Last week, seven of the Cook County Nordic High School Team raced in the Minnesota High School Section 7 meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Minn.

Olya Wright, a senior and Nordic Ski Team captain, finished the pursuit race in 5th, qualifying for the State Meet, which takes place this Wednesday, Feb 14.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Jeanne Wright, the Nordic Ski Team head coach, to reflect on the season. The audio from the interview is below.

WTIP contributor Ezme Mundell, also a Nordic Ski Team member, spoke with Captains Olya Wright and Martine Redshaw to reflect on the season. The audio from the interview and written report of the season is below.

Hello, my name is Ezme Mundell. I am a 6th grader on the Nordic ski team. Despite the lack of snow, the Nordic ski team has powered right through the season. This year we had 18 people on the team! Throughout the season the team has built a great supportive team environment accompanied by many great races and lots of laughter. We had sections this Wednesday at Giants Ridge. It was wonderful to see the team with so much joy at sections. We had a huge group of people who came to cheer the team on! Our very own Olya Wright is headed to state, wish her luck! For many of the other meets we have had either a classic race or a skate race but recently the varsity has been racing pursuits.  A pursuit where you ski two 5ks – one classic and one skate! At sections, the varsity raced a pursuit. Our captains Olya Wright and Martine Redshaw have brought great joy to us along with lots of glitter! 

Kalli Hawkins February 12, 2024