Alpine girls take third at Gitchi Gami Invite

 The Cook County/Silver Bay Alpine ski team had its last regular conference meet on Thursday, January 24 at Mont du Lac Ski Hill in Wisconsin. According to Alpine Coach Charles Lamb, it was a huge meet with 11 regional teams and 220 racers.

Despite frigid temperatures, the North Shore Alpine team had a great day at Mont du Lac in what was called the Gitchi Gumi Invite, where many of the racers began their skiing adventure.

The boys’ team finished in sixth place in that competitive field. Will Surbaugh had a blow-out on his first run, but skied great on his second. It wasn’t enough to earn a spot on the podium, but the second race was stellar, said Coach Lamb.

Ray Dressley finished 27th and Elijah Blanck, 30th. Also having great races were Westin Heeren and Andrew Hallberg. Cy Oberholtzer was having a fantastic day, but straddled a gate and was disqualified.

The girls’ team took home the third place plaque. Reilly Wahlers was in first place at the end of her first run, but the second run was not quite as fast. She finished in an impressive third place, just behind Elsa Peterson of Minneapolis SW in first and Kendra Winberg of Hermantown in second.

Sela Backstrom had two great runs, continuing her consistent skiing season by finishing once again in the top ten.

Elsa Lunde also had a great first race but had a miscue in her second.

Rounding out the girls’ team were Emma Sexauer, Kalina Dimitrova , and Allie Duclos.

Overall, Coach Lamb said it was a great day at Mont du Lac.

Next up is the Section meet at Giant’s Ridge on February 5, so the team will spend the next week training.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence talked to Coach Lamb to learn more about how things went at Mont du Lac.

Photos courtesy of the Alpine team