Alpine skiers face fast course at Hibbing Invite

The Cook County/Silver Bay Alpine ski team traveled to Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik on Thursday, January 3 for the Hibbing Invite.

The team competed in a field of over 200 skiers, including top athletes from two Minneapolis schools and Brainerd. The Cook County/Silver Bay kids skied hard on a course made fast by some early morning freezing rain.

There were some miscues for the girls’ team. Reilly Wahlers was in third place after her first run, but crashed on her second which put her out of the running for a podium spot.

Sela Backstrom put together two good runs and ended the day in the top ten, in 9th places. Elsa Lunde had a good day, finishing in 18th.

Halle Lamb, recovering from injury, wasn’t able to finish racing.

The team is still working on establishing its varsity boys’  team. One of the usual top finishers, Will Surbaugh, was unable to race due to illness.

Coach Charles Lamb commended the junior high boys who stepped up to race varsity, earning 5th place in the Invite.

Cy Oberholtzer finished in 21st place, followed by Ray Dressly in 24th; Ben Obinger in 27th and Elijah Blanck in 34th.

Next up for the Cook County/Silver Bay Alpine skiers is a home meet, the Lutsen KooKoo Invite on Thursday, January 10. Racing starts at 10 a.m. and all are welcome to cheer on the team.

 WTIP's Rhonda Silence talked with Coach Lamb to hear more about the day. 

Photos courtesy of the team