Nordic teams sweep district titles

The Outlaws Nordic ski teams swept to team titles at the final regular season meet held at the Teacup Ski Area near Mt. Hood on Saturday, February 10, securing Northern League championships for both the boys' and girls' squads.

Saturday's race, a "hot pursuit," required skiers to navigate a four-kilometer classic course, change poles, skis and even boots if necessary and continue on a three-kilometer freestyle race.

Molly Blust led throughout the classic section, with teammates Jena Rickards and Audrey Tehan in close pursuit. Blust made a quick exchange and distanced herself from the field to win in 28:59. Rickards finished strongly as well in 29:26, and Tehan wound up fifth in 30:59.

"It was a lot of fun to be skiing with my teammates in the classic portion of the race," Blust said. "I think if the three of us have good days at state, especially in the relay, we can compete well against Mountain View and Ashland."

Rickards was crowned as the overall point winner for the regular season with 148 total points. Tehan accumulated the second highest point total with 133, and Blust, despite missing one race due to injury, ended up fourth with 125 points.

Erin Kanzig also earned recognition at the awards ceremony, as she finished the season with the ninth highest point total with 97 points.

Blust completed the Northern League season with four consecutive victories and will enter the state meet, along with Rickards, as one of the top contenders.

The Sisters boys dominated with the top seven individual places, lead by Jeremy Evan and Kyle Rickards who staged a close battle with Evan claiming the crown in 24:48, just 10 seconds ahead of Rickards. Stefan Redfield came through next in 25:04, while Jacob Evan (25:21) and Parker Bennett (25:26) bathed for the fourth and fifth positions. Evan credited the full body lycra speed suit he wore, in part, for his victory.

"When you look fast, you ski fast," he said.

Lucas Glick (25:48) and Nick Rice 27:21 finished sixth and seventh respectively, and Tyler Elson (28:48) and Jack Yinger (29:30) placed ninth and tenth.

Jeremy Evan's victory Saturday helped push him to the top of the overall season standings by three points over his twin brother Jacob. Jeremy finished with 73 point to 70 for Jacob. Kyle Rickards secured third place for the season with 58 points, followed by teammates Parker Bennett (54), Kelly Crowther (54), Stefan Redfield (53), Lucas Glick (47), Nick Rice (45), Wes Ford (30) and Tyler Elson (28).

The teams have next week off as they prepare for the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association State Championships scheduled for February 23-24 at Mt. Bachelor.