Midd Recap

After being personally attacked by Max in the last blog I felt as though I had to take on the responsibility of writing the recap from the Midd carnival. So, Max I am sorry for not saying goodbye, and here is my effort at making up for that.
The crew gathered at Rikert on Friday afternoon (a day later than originally planned due to conditions) and previewed the course. We all stayed at Britta's house, where most of the boys and Britta had spent all of break week. Huge thank you to Tony and Sheri for hosting us! Friday evening we had all the skiers and our families together for dinner at Blueberry Hill Inn. Again, the food was amazing, and the company even better. We mingled as many athletes tried to keep a watchful eye on their parents, trying to reduce the number of embarrassing stories told. But inevitably the stories were shared despite some of our best efforts. Tony (Britta's father) gave a speech about the place of the nordic community in his life, and we all signed a lovely picture of Britta when she was younger. John (Corky's dad), Deb (Gracie's mom), and Hank (my dad) all made similar points about how special this time in our life is, and how the memories we make today will carry us for many years to come. A few team photos, dessert, and some last embarrassing exchanges capped a wonderful night.

Saturday (5k/10k Skate)
The boys started the day off with a 10k individual skate race. Considering the circumstances it was incredible what Rikert was able to put together. Everyone who made these races possible deserve a huge thank you, but with my limited power the best I can do is a shout-out on this blog!! The boys were met with fast conditions, and some icy downhills. The men were led by Corky in 27th, with Nate and Parker scoring for the team. Henry made his EISA debut, and put forward a valiant effort.

After a regrooming of the A climb, the ladies were off for their 5k skate. Sadie set the pace for the day finishing a career best 14th, followed by Snorel in 20th, and Britta (on her home course) in 25th. The course was fast and furious. We laughed the night before when Becky called it a 12 minute 5k... she wasn't wrong.

Sunday( 15k/20k Classic)
Again, the boys started off the day with a 20k classic mass start. The course broke down fast and left many K's to be skied through slush. Again, Corky led the way in 30th, followed by Nate in 36th, and for the first time Wade scored for the team in 51st.

The day only got warmer, and the course more broken down for the women's race. I heard many adjectives describing our race, many of them I cannot write on this blog, so I will just tell you it was brutal. However, Bobcats are tough and Sadie skied to 12th, qualifying herself for THE BIG SHOW (NCAA's)!!!! Gracie to 30th, and well Bobcats do like to travel in packs so Britta, Laurel, myself, and Helen finished 35, 36, 37, 38 respectively.

As I am still recovering from this weekend of racing, writing this has made me tired (Max- this is kind of hard, new found respect for what you did the past two months). Many pictures were taken, and posts written so I am going to let those do the talking. But one (or maybe two) last things: Thank you to all the parents who traveled around New England this winter for their cheering, food prep, and most of all their support. This wouldn't be possible without you.

Congratulations for an incredible four years to our four seniors: Corky, Britta, Gracie, and Helen. Enjoy retirement!

Corks

C.Gray

Colt

Ladies Start

S.James

Britta (is that almost a smile?)

Helen

Gracie

Snorel

H.Lange

The Boyz

As James says "You can take a nap in the snow when you are done." 

I am sure there will be more posts to recap the season, but until then it is on to NCAA's, and Marathon season!