The MPHS Nordic team competed at the Steamboat Touring Center on Saturday, Jan. 30 for a classic 5K race. Despite really warm temperatures and very challenging waxing, the kids powered through.

The boys had an incredible day with the team placing 1st among 13 schools. Theo Loo won the boys race with a 1st place finish in a time of 17:13, followed by Ian Carver in 5th in a time of 18:15.1, and Mark Simmons in 6th at 18:15.4. Sawyer Cousineau was 18th, Jake Kacik 21st, Jensen Hill 28th, Liam Fuqua 31st, Alex Law 34th, and Andre Law 41st. All of these boys now qualified to go to state in classic.

Kyle Ciccarelli, Isiah Callerman, Jeremy Peterson, and Wil Cleveland all put in admirable performances as well.

The girls team placed 4th overall with Emily Jensen coming in 7th in a time of 22:15, followed by Rowen Gallagher in 10th in a time of 22:27, and Sierra Smith in 15th at 22:42. Elizabeth Barker was 28th, Sarah McClain 30th, Raelee Granger 34th, Darby Howard 35th, and Katlyn Cimino 40th. All now qualified for the state championship classic race.

Mackenzie Deplata, Alyssa Petersen, Jesse Hoyhta, and Neva Meindl finished it up for the team.

Thanks to Coaches Travis and Sarai! Up next, a pursuit race (3K classic, followed by 3K skate) at Cordillera on Feb. 6.