This weekend our team competed at the MCSA race at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, MN. A special thanks to the Ryan family for housing our team once again this year. The food was delicious, the beds very comfortable, the pingpong matches intense, and the hosts were amazing! We can't thank them enough.
The game: This weekend marked the first annual Intersquad Match. Teams were created by master-architect Jeff Stamp and much was put at stake. In this weekend's competition, each racer was matched with a racer of their same gender for a match. For example, Laurie Taschler raced Genette Sekse. If Taschler won, she got a point for her team, and vise versa. As there are an odd number of guy and girl racers, Kathleen Stefely and Gordon Finnegan were scored based on their place. The teams looked like the following... (the 1's from each team competed, 2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3, etc.)
Team A
1. Max Lund
2. Nate Hansen
3. Connor Johnson
4. Laurie Taschler
5. Kayla Johnson
6. Kathleen Stefely
Team B
1. Nick Stang
2. Jeff Stamp
3. Joe Masciopinto
4. Genette Sekse
5. Alex Anderson
6. Gordon Finnegan
The stakes: the LOSING team will cook dinner for everyone the first night in Colorado (our entire team is traveling to Summit County next week for interim break to train and race). The winning team is entitled to any kind of ridicule, teasing, and downright child-like behavior while the losing team cooks.
The race: Saturday's GS competition was stiff. At the end of the day, Team A and Team B were tied. It was an exciting day for Olaf, as two freshmen won the race; Nate Hansen on the men's side, and Alex Anderson for the women. We all knew that Sunday's slalom competition was very important for the outcome of this intersquad match.
We all raced fiercely as each team fought for the victory. It was a close competition with 4 of 5 girls in the top 5, and 2 of 5 boys. Not only was it a good performance within this intersquad competition, but it was an outstanding performance for Olaf amongst the other college teams.
I know you are probably sitting at the edge of your chair, shaking with anticipation, wondering, waiting to hear which team won the first ever Intersquad Mens and Womens Combined Competition. But the truth is...after both days...the two teams were tied. Jeff Stamp's impeccable team making ability caused the teams to be so evenly matched that we went home unsettled with no real victor. We've decided that the fairest way of deciphering the winner is to flip a coin. I volunteered to flip a coin in the privacy of my home, but knew that the losing team would probably pull some rabel-rousing move and try to sabatoge me...slashing my skis or scratching my goggles. The winner of this weekend's intersquad competition will be posted this afternoon after practice. Stay tuned...
As for the MCSA Governor's Cup Title, Olaf took home the gold on both the men's and women's side. The overall results were as follows:
Men's GS:
1 Nate Hansen
5 Max Lund
7 Nick Stang
22 Jeff Stamp
27 Joe Masciopinto
50 Gordon Finnegan
81 Connor Johnson
Women's GS:
1 Alex Anderson
2 Genette Sekse
6 Laurie Taschler
7 Kayla Johnson
21 Kathleen Stefely
Men's Slalom:
2 Jeff Stamp
3 Nate Hansen
6 Max Lund
10 Joe Masciopinto
18 Gordon Finnegan
Women's Slalom:
1 Genette Sekse
2 Kayla Johnson
3 Laurie Taschler
5 Kathleen Stefely
More results at www.live-timing.com.
Thanks again to all of the parents who came up and watched us this weekend. We all appreciate your support!
Thanks also for continuing to send the blog link to friends, teammates, coaches, fans, strangers!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Marquette, MI; Big Sky, MO
This weekend the majority of the team competed at the Marquette, Michigan FIS race at Marquette Mountain. Part of the team began the eight hour trek on Thursday afternoon to participate in Friday's national point GS competition. The highlight of Friday's competition was Connor Johnson's ability to nail down two solid runs and take home a much needed result.
The rest of the team arrived late Friday night to an unnamed luxury hotel (only the finest for the Olaf skiers) ready to compete in Saturday and Sunday's slalom competition. Despite the fact that we've all been ski racing for many years now, our team learned one very important lesson: basher bands are a good idea! Nick Stang spent 3 hours in the hospital after Saturday's competition getting 9 stitches, Connor Johnson went home with a fat lip, and Nate Hansen will sport a gaping wound across the bridge of his nose for the rest of the season.
But despite his bleeding wound, Nick Stang took home the gold medal and Mid-Am title in Saturday's slalom competition, making him the first male St. Olaf skier to win a Mid-Am since coach Kevin Cook (according to Kevin himself). Not only was this a great win for Nick, but it was also an honor as this race is a memorial for Shelley Glover, a US ski team bound racer who lost her life in a skiing accident. In case you are unaware, the team has written a song that must be sung to Nick Stang after each award he is given: to the tune of "Celebrate Good Times," we sing "CELEBRATE NICK STANG, COME ON!" Feel free to join in at the next event award ceremony.
(While Stang went home with the gold, it must also be noted that Joe Masciopinto went home with a hat and Laurie Taschler with new pole guards, each won in the event raffle.)
Both the boys and girls team took 3 of the top 15 places in Saturday's competition as well: Nick Stang, Jeff Stamp, and Nate Hansen for the men and Genette Sekse, Kayla Johnson, and Laurie Taschler for the women.
More of Saturday and Sunday's results can be found at: FIS results
Max Lund spent the weekend competing at the FIS-U in Big Sky, Montana. Despite some hip-checks and faults, Lund represented the team well at this high-stake, highly competitive competition. He raced against many Division 1 teams, US ski team bound racers, and national competitors. Congratulations to Max for his participation out West! Check out the results here: FIS-U Results
The rest of the team arrived late Friday night to an unnamed luxury hotel (only the finest for the Olaf skiers) ready to compete in Saturday and Sunday's slalom competition. Despite the fact that we've all been ski racing for many years now, our team learned one very important lesson: basher bands are a good idea! Nick Stang spent 3 hours in the hospital after Saturday's competition getting 9 stitches, Connor Johnson went home with a fat lip, and Nate Hansen will sport a gaping wound across the bridge of his nose for the rest of the season.
But despite his bleeding wound, Nick Stang took home the gold medal and Mid-Am title in Saturday's slalom competition, making him the first male St. Olaf skier to win a Mid-Am since coach Kevin Cook (according to Kevin himself). Not only was this a great win for Nick, but it was also an honor as this race is a memorial for Shelley Glover, a US ski team bound racer who lost her life in a skiing accident. In case you are unaware, the team has written a song that must be sung to Nick Stang after each award he is given: to the tune of "Celebrate Good Times," we sing "CELEBRATE NICK STANG, COME ON!" Feel free to join in at the next event award ceremony.
(While Stang went home with the gold, it must also be noted that Joe Masciopinto went home with a hat and Laurie Taschler with new pole guards, each won in the event raffle.)
Both the boys and girls team took 3 of the top 15 places in Saturday's competition as well: Nick Stang, Jeff Stamp, and Nate Hansen for the men and Genette Sekse, Kayla Johnson, and Laurie Taschler for the women.
More of Saturday and Sunday's results can be found at: FIS results
Max Lund spent the weekend competing at the FIS-U in Big Sky, Montana. Despite some hip-checks and faults, Lund represented the team well at this high-stake, highly competitive competition. He raced against many Division 1 teams, US ski team bound racers, and national competitors. Congratulations to Max for his participation out West! Check out the results here: FIS-U Results
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
LaCrosse USSA Race
This weekend our tour stopped at the LaCrosse USSA Race. Racing down Damnation proved to be a true test of skill and heart. Competition was stiff and only got stiffer when bets were placed and hair-dos were put at stake. Here's a recap of the weekend...
Saturday, Slalom
**Sophomore Max Lund stole the 2010 USSA LaCrosse Slalom title, winning by close to 2 seconds. Freshman Nate Hansen went home with a bronze in the J1 age class. The whole team was present at the awards ceremony, cheering loudly for these two extraordinary racers.
**On the girls ends, Kathleen Stefely must be recognized. Facing Damnation head on for the first time in her racing career, she successfully put down two solid runs! Atta girl!
Sunday, GS: THE MAIN EVENT
After a team meeting discussing a need for more intense competition and a desire to put more on the line, bets were placed and lots was put at stake on both the men's and women's team.
Bet #1: Max Lund vs. Nick Stang
Contract read: The loser of tomorrow's Giant Slalom race, January 10, 2010, must shave their head hair into a mohawk with the shaved part shaved to a "1." The loser must also grow a mustache and/or handle bars and mustache. This contact goes into effect Monday, January 4, 2010 at 6:00pm, and ends February 20, 2010 at 6:00pm.
OUTCOME: This bet alone added so much anticipation to our team, that it even spread to fans and parents of other racers and teams. Lund came down Damnation his first run beating Stang by over half a second. We knew Stang would have a lot of time to make up second run, but we also knew that anything can happen in a ski race.
Max in second and Nick and fifth, we waited and watched for the two to battle it out down Damnation second run. As Stang roared down the course and finished with a solid second run, the announcer announced his time adding, "hold onto your head Nick. We're still waiting for Max Lund to see if this racer goes home with a Mohawk." Lund came down with a killer second run, beating Stang overall by close to a second and a half...the crowd roared and the race announcer bared the unfortunate result of the competition to Stang. It was more excitement than most of us were used to... Look for a picture below!
Bet #2: Genette Sekse vs. Laurie Taschler vs. Kayla Johnson
Contract read: The winner of January 10, 2010 Giant Slalom race at Mt. LaCrosse will be awarded the following: their own bed for each night slept at the Marquette FIS race, and one unit of candy from each of the losers. The losing participants thereof must do 10 star jumps in the finish arena immediately following the men's competition.
OUTCOME: After the first run, competition was close. The team became worried when Taschler stepped out of her binding and went tumbling ALL of the way down Damnation. One unnamed coach got on his walky talky to tell the race starters, "We're going to need to hold the course. There are skis and poles...and even boots all over the hill." Sekse was ahead after the first run by five tenths. Though Johnson, only 2 places behind and more confident than ever, told Sekse, "I DARE YOU TO BEAT ME!"
The crowd gathered at the bottom of the hill with butterflies in their stomachs for the second run. Sekse and Johnson put up a tough fight, taking the third and fourth best times for the second run. But Sekse kept her spot, taking home the bed and candy...and most of all pride.
The competition was topped off with 10 star jumps by Laurie and Kayla, in the finish arena, in front of the crowd.
It was a great weekend. The team continues to get closer and skiing continues to improve. Thanks for all of your support!
Saturday, Slalom
**Sophomore Max Lund stole the 2010 USSA LaCrosse Slalom title, winning by close to 2 seconds. Freshman Nate Hansen went home with a bronze in the J1 age class. The whole team was present at the awards ceremony, cheering loudly for these two extraordinary racers.
**On the girls ends, Kathleen Stefely must be recognized. Facing Damnation head on for the first time in her racing career, she successfully put down two solid runs! Atta girl!
Sunday, GS: THE MAIN EVENT
After a team meeting discussing a need for more intense competition and a desire to put more on the line, bets were placed and lots was put at stake on both the men's and women's team.
Bet #1: Max Lund vs. Nick Stang
Contract read: The loser of tomorrow's Giant Slalom race, January 10, 2010, must shave their head hair into a mohawk with the shaved part shaved to a "1." The loser must also grow a mustache and/or handle bars and mustache. This contact goes into effect Monday, January 4, 2010 at 6:00pm, and ends February 20, 2010 at 6:00pm.
OUTCOME: This bet alone added so much anticipation to our team, that it even spread to fans and parents of other racers and teams. Lund came down Damnation his first run beating Stang by over half a second. We knew Stang would have a lot of time to make up second run, but we also knew that anything can happen in a ski race.
Max in second and Nick and fifth, we waited and watched for the two to battle it out down Damnation second run. As Stang roared down the course and finished with a solid second run, the announcer announced his time adding, "hold onto your head Nick. We're still waiting for Max Lund to see if this racer goes home with a Mohawk." Lund came down with a killer second run, beating Stang overall by close to a second and a half...the crowd roared and the race announcer bared the unfortunate result of the competition to Stang. It was more excitement than most of us were used to... Look for a picture below!
Bet #2: Genette Sekse vs. Laurie Taschler vs. Kayla Johnson
Contract read: The winner of January 10, 2010 Giant Slalom race at Mt. LaCrosse will be awarded the following: their own bed for each night slept at the Marquette FIS race, and one unit of candy from each of the losers. The losing participants thereof must do 10 star jumps in the finish arena immediately following the men's competition.
OUTCOME: After the first run, competition was close. The team became worried when Taschler stepped out of her binding and went tumbling ALL of the way down Damnation. One unnamed coach got on his walky talky to tell the race starters, "We're going to need to hold the course. There are skis and poles...and even boots all over the hill." Sekse was ahead after the first run by five tenths. Though Johnson, only 2 places behind and more confident than ever, told Sekse, "I DARE YOU TO BEAT ME!"
The crowd gathered at the bottom of the hill with butterflies in their stomachs for the second run. Sekse and Johnson put up a tough fight, taking the third and fourth best times for the second run. But Sekse kept her spot, taking home the bed and candy...and most of all pride.
The competition was topped off with 10 star jumps by Laurie and Kayla, in the finish arena, in front of the crowd.
It was a great weekend. The team continues to get closer and skiing continues to improve. Thanks for all of your support!
Monday, January 4, 2010
First College Race!
This Saturday and Sunday marked the beginning of the St. Olaf Alpine Ski season. We raced at Afton Alps in Afton, MN. Despite the dangerously cold weather, your Oles took home the Gold!
It was great to be back on the hill. Everyone realized the rust they need work out, and got excited for the season to get underway. Dryland has definitely paid off.
EXCITING NEWS: results from our races will now be posted on live-timing.com during every race. So if you are the lazy type and can't make it out to the hill to cheer on your alma mater...check out that site. You can "watch" the race from your couch.
Check out the full results from this weekend at http://www.live-timing.com/races.php?pc=4&m=January&y=10 (It's the USCSA race at Afton.)
Highlights:
**Men and Women won the overall titles!
**Women's Slalom (Saturday): The girls team swept the podium, taking home first, second, third, and fourth.
**MVS: Jeff Stamp (junior co-captain)...after returning from a semester in Budapest, he took fifth for the team in slalom and GS...CONSISTENT!
**BBQ sandwiches and chili that the parents brought us for "halftime" on Saturday and Sunday. THANKS!
Thanks to those parents and friends who came out and cheered us on!!
Weekend weather: -20 degrees in the morning, -7 by the time we left the hill.
It was great to be back on the hill. Everyone realized the rust they need work out, and got excited for the season to get underway. Dryland has definitely paid off.
EXCITING NEWS: results from our races will now be posted on live-timing.com during every race. So if you are the lazy type and can't make it out to the hill to cheer on your alma mater...check out that site. You can "watch" the race from your couch.
Check out the full results from this weekend at http://www.live-timing.com/races.php?pc=4&m=January&y=10 (It's the USCSA race at Afton.)
Highlights:
**Men and Women won the overall titles!
**Women's Slalom (Saturday): The girls team swept the podium, taking home first, second, third, and fourth.
**MVS: Jeff Stamp (junior co-captain)...after returning from a semester in Budapest, he took fifth for the team in slalom and GS...CONSISTENT!
**BBQ sandwiches and chili that the parents brought us for "halftime" on Saturday and Sunday. THANKS!
Thanks to those parents and friends who came out and cheered us on!!
Weekend weather: -20 degrees in the morning, -7 by the time we left the hill.
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