The Wake

A mode of transportation like nothing else is skiing across country. All you need for the sport are some skies, poles, snow and some open trails. The University of Minnesota Nordic Ski Club team consists of a great mix of people who have experience with the sport and also some who are just interested in learning.

Cross country skiing is a physically exhausting sport. If you want to be able to compete, you must have great endurance, so the team spends much of its time getting in shape. During the winter months, the team practices daily at local parks, a nice blend of flat land and hills.

There are numerous members of the club who only attend the practices because of their talent level. But, frequently, those who work hard at practice soon get the hang of the sport and begin to try their hand at races. In the fall, to remain in shape, they meet a couple times a week for dry land practices, which usually include in-line skating, running or some ultimate Frisbee. The races the club participates in are usually between 35-55 kilometers. Most races are 50 kilometers, but some local ones are shorter than the bigger events.

At the beginning of each season, during the last week of winter break, the team goes on a trip together. Many of the members of the club go on the trip to Valhalla, near Hayward, Wis. They spend a week in the Valhalla Town homes cross-country skiing, bowling and just hanging out, having a good time.

“The team is really a fun group to be around,” team president Travis Hinck said. “We have a lot of fun together. We like to use our motto, Carpe Skiem!”

The Nordic ski team is gaining momentum as it heads into the biggest race of the year: The Birkebeiner in Hayward, Wis. The race is extremely popular and consists of about 1,500 Birkie skiers and 20,000 spectators. The Birkie race consists of 51 kilometers that each contestant must complete before arriving at the finish stripe. There are usually about 10 people from the Nordic club team who attend the race each year.

The top male competitors on the team are Travis Hinck, Matt Leibsch, Bjorn Batdorf and Ron Johnson and the top females in the club are Meleah Murphy and Allison Carland. These individuals have put in a great deal of time and effort to become as talented as they are in their sport.

The sport of Nordic skiing is gaining lots of popularity. Many high schools that have the means by which to practice have a team for kids to join and develop their skills. Besides, what better way to make your way around Minnesota in the dreaded winter than on a pair of skis?