Nordic skiers perform at Hoodoo night race

The Outlaws’ Nordic ski team helped host the “Hoodoo Night Sprints” race on Monday, January 16, which employed a new spin on racing format.

Each individual competitor took part in three rounds of skiing on a set course of about 800 meters against a mix of competition. Points were awarded in each round based on place, according to Coach Jeff Husmann.

“During the course of the race we discovered a flaw in the plan in that some kids, including two of our own, Spencer Tisdel and Corbin Fredland, ended up being in the last heat of one round and the first heat of the next round, so they missed the start, which kept them from scoring in that round,” said Husmann.

“Despite the mix-up it was still a fun event that favors a different type of skier and really challenges newcomers who are just figuring out skate skiing, not to mention a wave start,” he said.

Fredland placed third in the two rounds in which he competed as the top skier for the boys’ team and finished with 20 points. Eli Palanuk (10 points), Jack Turpen (9 points), Spencer Tisdel (9 points), John Berg (9 points), and Kellen Petke (4 points) also competed.

Summit won the team title with 3 points, followed by Mt. View (17), Bend (22), Ridgeview/Redmond (38), RPA (59), Sisters (72), and Corvallis (77).

For the girls, Ella Eby placed fourth in round one, fifth in round two, and third in round three to lead the Outlaws and scored 24 points. Ella Bartlett (16 points) and Nevaeh McAfee (14 points) also competed in the field of 51 finishers.

Summit took top team honors with 6 points, followed by Bend (14), Corvallis (24), Mt. View (38), Ridgeview/Redmond (56), and Sisters (62).

“We definitely want to thank Hoodoo and the Ski Patrol for staying late and creating a festive atmosphere,” said Coach Tiffany Tisdel. “They groomed the race path once lifts closed, kept the mountain lit with their night lights, and opened the lodge for spectators and athletes after hours.”

The Outlaws are scheduled to race again on Saturday, January 27 at Mt. Bachelor.