Minnesota State Meet Preview

Another season of Minnesota high school Nordic skiing culminates with the Minnesota High School Nordic Skiing Championships (aka. State Meet) this Thursday at Giants Ridge in Biwabik. Every season seems to have its own twists, and this year was no exception. Winter came early, at least on the snowmaking courses, as cold November allowed most of the venues to open. But it was the Northland that kept accumulating natural snow will most of the Twin Cities was stuck on their snowy treadmills. Dangerously cold weather played havoc with the normal conference championships, and finally snow rolled in (and in and in) for the many of the section meets.

The 2019 edition of the State Meet should look very similar to previous seasons. Same courses -- Silver trail for the morning skate races, and Cedar/Gold for the afternoon classic pursuit events. And Giants Ridge is in a snow surplus, so no issues with the course. Well except the possibility of more snow on Thursday -- and a soft/snowy course could play a real factor. The weather looks ideal, with temps in the mid to upper teens. Boys will kick things off at 10 am.

Individuals

Mara McCollor, Wayzata, looks to be the first repeating State champion since the days of Jessie Diggins. McCollor has rarely faltered, and only excels when the going gets tough. The most probable skier to break up that picture is Robbinsdale-Armstrong’s Luci Anderson. The two went head to head at sections, with Anderson posting the faster skate time but McCollor reeling that in and moving forward in the classic. A repeat of that scenario is entirely possible at the State Meet. Contenders for breaking up that party at the top are Stillwater’s Libby Tuttle and St. Paul Highland Park’s Molly Moening. Moening probably needs one more off-season of training before her ascension, and the 9th grader has time on her side. While not expected in the top three, watch for a couple of rising stars to show their potential in Wayzata’s Lauren McCollor (10th grade) and Mound Park Academy’s Margo Nightingale (8th grade).
Girls Prediction: McCollor, Anderson, Tuttle.

On the boys side, expect a great showdown between Garrett Beckrich, Grand Rapids, the reigning boys champion, and St. Cloud Cathedral-Sartell’s Alex Nemeth. Beckrich appears to do it all -- top junior biathlete, international competitor, and crushing it in the JNQs as well. Nemeth has a whole household to keep him on track and has moved to another level this season, putting himself at the top in most races. On this course though, Beckrich holds the advantage. It’s home field for Section 7, and Beckrich showed last season his lightly used classic skills were more than adequate for staving off any challengers. But while those two appear to be the top of the field, don’t count out Peter Moore, St. Paul Academy, or even a challenge from Mora’s Cooper Lennox and Wayzata’s James Schneider. It could be quite an exciting battle in the afternoon. Given past history, the leader after the freestyle race will be heavily favored to win. In the boys field, the rocket fast Jasper Johnston, Ely, is one to watch for the future.
Boys Prediction: Beckrich, Nemeth, Moore.

Team

This might be one of the most wide open team competitions in recent years. The best horse in the field, at least on the girls side, is the Robbinsdale-Armstrong team. Luci Anderson continues to anchor this squad, but Mae Barnes improvements this season, coupled with a strong Leah Rudd and reliable Rainey Baker, have them the best starting four in the field. The St. Paul Highland Park girls would win if purely based on team spirit, and this scrappy crew will definitely want to show they belong on that medal podium. Forest Lake, Wayzata, Stillwater and Duluth East, all names we recognize as perennial powers, could have single digit points separating them -- a real toss up among them.
Girls Prediction: Robbinsdale-Armstrong, Forest Lake, St. Paul Highland Park.

It’s hard to deny the attraction of the St. Cloud Cathedral-Sartell boys combo. Three Nemeth brothers, all skiing strong, and elevating their teammates as well. No other boys team brings quite that firepower. However, we have consistently underestimated the strength of the northern schools, and perhaps the Ely boys, who have only gotten stronger as the season has progressed, might be the “surprise” to break into the top three. Forest Lake always bring some of the toughest blokes and seems to will their way to phenomenal state performances. Wayzata has been picking up some speed as well. Minneapolis Southwest could make a run for the top if all the skiers are on full power.
Boys Prediction: St. Cloud Cathedral-Sartell, Ely, Minneapolis Southwest.

Final Thoughts

Teamwork is a beautiful thing. While the New England Patriots are reviled by many for their consistent presence in the playoffs, year in and year out, they seem to figure out the soul of their team -- they come together and find a way to out play everyone else, especially when it really counts. And while they have an off-the-chart hall of fame quarterback, it takes the entire team to win. This was no more dramatically evident than this past Super Bowl. At the State Meet, we tend to focus on the top four team skiers because they score the points - - they are the offense. But look at those other teammates as the defense. Those skiers have the ability to take away points from other teams with every skier they pass, helping to ensure their team’s score is the best. Their role is can be just as crucial to the team’s success as the top four. So when you’re watching the pursuit races on Thursday, cheer on every last one of those teammates -- even the defenders.

Finally, as we point every year -- don’t bet your house on any of these prediction. Part of the thrill of the State Meet is anyone can shine, and every year there are some incredible performances. If you felt under appreciated all season, well now is your time to show the world. And most importantly, have fun -- you’ll get no professional contract offers based on your performance, but the memories will stay with you forever; there is no other Nordic championship like the Minnesota State Meet!