Nordic teams compete at Skadi Cup

The Sisters High School Nordic Team's first true high school competition of the new year brought mixed results at the Skadi Cup held Saturday, January 26, at the Teacup Nordic ski area near Mt. Hood Meadows.

Skiers battled sticky snow conditions and constant snowfall on the classic 5-kilometer course, which impacted times adversely. Nonetheless, junior Molly Blust placed third (24:15) to lead the girls team to fifth place among the eight complete teams.

Summit dominated the competition, winning with 13 points. Crescent Valley (21), Redmond (29), Bend (42) all finished ahead of Sisters (49). The Outlaws whipped the teams from TNA (63), Cleveland (80) and Corvallis (93). Jena Rickards finished 14th (26:06) and Erin Kanzig 37th (30:46) among 57 finishers, to score for the Outlaws.

"We expect to close the gap against Bend and Redmond in the upcoming weeks," said Rickards.

Rachel Sims (32:43), Janelle Hjelmstad (33:17), Sydney Randall (33:18) also competed for the Sisters team. Nick Rice edged teammate Lucas Glick (23:06.9 to 23:08.4) in the boys' race, as the pair finished 22nd and 23rd respectively among 61 finishers.

"I'll get him next time," said Glick.

Jack Yinger pushed through the finish next in 31st place (24:05), helping the boys to fourth place with 47 points.

Summit had a perfect score of 6, followed by Redmond (21) and Bend (47). Sisters lost the tie-breaker based on the outcome of the relay. The Outlaws did edge Corvallis (51) and dismantled Crook County (90). Other finishers for the Outlaws included Jake Lasken (24:26), Alex Yinger (24:57), Andy Thomas (26:42) and Nick Anthony (28:52).

The teams return to competition Thursday, February 7, at the Hoodoo night race.