Maplelag Scholarship Winners

This year marked the first annual Maplelag scholarship program for high school graduates that are Nordic skiers, also whom attended a training camp at Maplelag. We asked for individuals to write a poem, short story or essay on what Nordic skiing means to them. We are encouraged, motivated and impressed with the growth of high school Nordic skiing in Minnesota. Maplelag is also very grateful for the support from the many Nordic Ski Teams that visit Maplelag each year for training camps, races or training. We wanted to recognize a male and female by offering a scholarship to a skier that will be attending college this year. Many students are set to start a new year and we thought this would be an appropriate time to publish the winners. Thanks to all who participated, we received many great entries.

Female winner Angela Patel from Rochester Nordic Ski Team:

Nordic Skiing And All Its Glory

“Ew.”

“It’s so dark outside.”

“Too many layers of clothes.”

“But why does it have to last so many months?!”

“It is just too cold.”

Above are just some of the commonly observed reactions to winter in Minnesota. I must admit that I, too, was an avid winter complainer. However, this idolization of the glittering, summery months changed about four years ago. It was the winter of 2010 when I decided to join the Rochester Nordic Ski Team. I signed up because I had recently stopped playing basketball and was looking for a fun way to stay active during the chilly days ahead. What I experienced that season was far more extensive than I had imagined.

It was a not-so-graceful beginning. I came to learn that snowboarding and downhill skiing are not at all comparable workouts to Nordic skiing. During my first lessons, I quickly became acquainted with double poling and V-1, while the V-2 stroke seemed next to unattainable. However, it was a shared struggle. Although our conversations largely consisted of asking if anybody had extra hand warmers or whining because all sensation in our toes was lost, I so enjoyed spending time with my group C companions.

That same winter, I dared my first journey on the Maplelag weekend ski trip with the team. It was worth the lengthily bus ride. The cabins were cozy, the food was plenty, and the trails… the trails were exquisite. I can clearly visualize the way Skater’s Waltz loops through the trees that are decorated with cotton-like tufts snow and draped with dazzling icicles. It was there that I began to look at Nordic skiing as a lifestyle. As fun as sipping hot chocolate, talking with the other girls in my cabin, or exploring the towers of the main building was, I really just wanted to go ski.

It was at Maplelag that I began to appreciate the burning sensation in my muscles resultant from ascending an incline such as suicide hill. The sport took on a new importance in my life. To me, Nordic skiing means beauty, it means power, and it means freedom. The individuality presented is both inspiring and unique. It is under my control to choose how challenge myself or if I want to go at a leisurely pace to glimpse at the heavenly landscape. What follows is a personalized balance between the two. Skiing has therefore become an experience that I draw meaning from.

Currently and relatively, there remain approximately 7 months until the first snow. Accompanying this approximation, there are around 27 weeks until I can strap on my Salomon boots, click into my skis, and hit the Nordic trails! In writing this essay, I have enthusiastically reminded myself to finalize plans for Hayward next February! Nordic season cannot come sooner. My passion for the sport has evolved into a deeper appreciation of the splendor and serenity that the natural world offers to an adventurous spirit.

Male winner David Uvig from Champlain Park Nordic Ski Team:

Why Did It Have To Be Skiing?

Away we go, poles a thudding
The hills fall beneath our feet
And I wonder why am I here?

The season has started for me
And I don’t know what’s going on
I have to wear what for practice?

My brother just signed me up
And then there I was
Why did I have to do a sport?

Snow came, we actually have snow
And that means the skis come on
Is there a reason for the veterans falling?

I suppose once I get going
This skiing thing isn't all that hard
But how do I turn sharp corners downhill?

Wow, falling sure can hurt
But hey, “If you don't fall, you don’t get better”
At least that’s what they tell me

The season flies by as well as
the snow beneath my skis
Maybe this skiing thing isn't that bad

Nope, I take that back, Coach Kevin
With your workouts you are going to kill us
How can my body hurt so much?

But I can keep pace now with varsity
I’m not “riding the barrel” much anymore
Okay, that’s not true, the barrel is my friend

The entire time is meant for technique
Just goes to show that I stick with the power
But maybe I’m getting there, maybe

Captain Izack was given coaching privileges
And that means me and Quentin
Those hills just hurt, intervals man!
Throw your hips into it, over and over again
Imagine you are walking down a runway
So I have to sashay my hips, huh, what?

I still don’t know what I’m doing,
And I’m a captain now......
This isn’t good, but I’ll just hang out with the newbies
That way when I mess up, they can laugh
And when those dear little newbies become
A skier just like me, well then my goal
was completely accomplished

I’m off my friends, and my little kids,
I’m off to college in North Dakota
Don’t worry, I’ll find some snow up there
And see you when I come back for Christmas

But until then, I really did have some fun with you all
All of the now graduated seniors, I understand.
How you felt, when you all left us for bigger things

I feel it now, this wasn’t just a team, but family
brothers and sisters, one who'll steal your food
at each and every meet, and you can
borrow their poles when yours are broken

When we see each other in the halls
There are hugs and high fives
Confused stares and glares

But now as I look over the crowd at people
At this banquet hall, you’re all smiles and cheer
Maybe that is because us seniors are graduating

But even so, I love you all dearly
And when I come back in the winter
I will yell at you again “Sashay those HIPS!!!”
Cause I’m sure you all will understand me then ;)