Nordic skiers take on XC Oregon challenge

The second race of the 2016 Nordic ski season brought noticeable improvement among the members of the Outlaw team at the XC Oregon Invitational at Mt. Bachelor on Saturday, January 23.

The race featured more than 100 racers in each division, and the Outlaws approached the meet very relaxed and in good spirits, according to Coach Kelly Crowther.

"The boys took an extended warm-up before the race to take advantage of the excellent classic snow conditions and it appeared to be advantageous as they did perform quite respectfully," said Crowther.

T.J. Hooks put his outstanding aerobic fitness to good use again to lead the team, while Jordan Pollard kept close.

Hooks covered the course in 20:37, good enough for 46th place, while Pollard placed 52nd in 21:08.

The winner, Erik Ingham, cruised through the course in 14:23.

"These two have improved dramatically since last year, and with continued time on the snow they will continue to move up in the field," he said.

Serena Salisbury, Anna Bartlett, and Engracia Diez showed increased strength as all three were able to double pole significantly more than ever before, which is the key technique to faster skiing, according to Crowther.

Salisbury placed 34th (25:13), followed by Bartlett in 52nd (27:08), and Diez in 57th (27:42).

Liv Downing of Summit won the race, among 105 finishers, in 18:07.

Crowther reported that the five-kilometer course conditions were quite challenging since a collegiate-level race took place prior to the high school event, but his athletes handled it in stride.

The next race, a pursuit contest, is scheduled at Mt. Hood Meadows. In pursuit, racers ski in the classic style for the first half of the race and then switch to skate equipment to finish. At 7 kilometers, it is likely to be the longest race of the season.