As Nationals 2016 has come to a close and we have all went
out separate ways for spring break, all I can think about is how amazing this
past week was. We traveled to New York with expectations for a solid week of
racing, but we knew that we had to work really hard to get there. The snow was
non-existent, but there was no fear as a 2.5k loop filled with man-made snow
was in the works. We competed at the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid New
York, home of the 1932 and 1980 winter Olympics. To say it was inspiring to be
there would be an understatement. The whole atmosphere of the town was
exciting. Everyone there loved winter sports, and so we knew our team was in
the right place. Training days were long and all the athletes were antsy to see
if their peak was working; the first race couldn’t come fast enough. Waking up
on Tuesday, everyone was stoked. It was a 15k classic, 6 laps around a pretty
tough, hilly, course. But, to be honest, this was a course designed for our
team. It played to everyone’s individual strengths and you could tell when the
results were posted. Both men and women won they day all thanks to the
dedication from the race volunteers, the spirit and determination from the
team, and the fast skis from coaches. (you rock Christi, Rachel, Sindre, Kyle,
Sierra, and Ava).
Staying in
a house downtown was perfect. The coffee shop was frequented, the streets were
walked, and happiness was so apparent in that tiny little town. Fireworks lit
up the sky and Boss Hogg awarded us with his wit and some shiny plates (to add
to our collection). Next race was the 7.5 skate. Again, looping around the same
course. Lap courses are tough, but at the same time really great. You always
know where you are, and you can see everyone when racing. So, we used that as a
drive and skated around that course as fast and efficient as we could. Again, the women and men had a stellar day as
we both came away with that first place trophy.
Rest day.
Finally. Racing this much in a week is hard on your body, but most of all
Thursday wasn’t for sleeping, it was for the copious amounts of homework that
needed be done…now. But, why do homework when Clarkson hosts a pie making
party? And when Ava takes a group to the maple syrup factory? Homework can wait.
Sprint day.
I don’t think thanking the volunteers a million times would even be enough.
They LITERALLY moved mountains up the hill so we would have a course to ski on.
And they did a dang good job. Even if it was 56 degrees at 9am with the course
turning to mashed potatoes, we did it. The women had an amazing day.
(especially you, Britta!) And we came away with a win by one point. Repeat: one
point. The men won again, of course, because they are amazing and fast, and
overall amazing. ALL DAY.
Last day!
Relay. The women had to beat Clarkson University to become overall champions,
and we knew it would be really hard, but one thing our team thrives at is how
we believe in each other. Yes, there are moments of doubt and nervousness, but
we truly do believe in eachother so much. Even though the day didn’t end as we
wanted, coming away with a 3rd place, to finish 2nd
overall, I couldn’t be more impressed by Elise, Yara, and Britta. They gave it
their all, and technically… overall is just a word. We are champions in our
heart, on the course and everywhere else- that will never go away. The men won,
and handing Will that flag in the finishing stretch and seeing that huge smile
on his face to bring his boys in for a win was one of my happiest moments.
Next, fun relay. Here come the flannel flyers and the wax techs. I am going to
replay that entire race in my head for the rest of my life. Smiling during
races is practically never a thing that I do, but wow, when Mason is running up
the hill with you, waving the flag, mullet flying in the wind and screaming
Taylor Swift, you really can’t stop smiling. Traditions truly never go away, so
the East and the West broke into the annual snowball fight and the happiness
was radiating. Then, something happened that will definitely stick with me.
Everyone came together, all the teams, for a group picture. Teams intermixed, fists
pumping, and skis scattered, we created a memory that we won’t forget.
Yet, I think the most amazing part
about the whole week was how all the teams cheered each other on. Clarkson
cheering for Wyoming, St. Olaf screaming for Cornell and Whitman, Oregon
running with the Mesa skiers, Airforce supporting Western and Michigan- it
doesn’t matter who you ski for at USCSA Nationals, because at the end of the
day we are all just friends who love to ski.
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