Six months have passed since the Gustavus nordic ski teammembers were told they would no longer race as a varsity sport. From that point on, the ski team would compete as a club, excluding them from subsequent regional and national tournaments. The decision, made by the Athletics Department in late March, put the Gusties in the big group of MIAC students-athletes who have seen their Nordic programs cut.
“Everyone who was on the team last year is coming back. It just shows that the people here love the sport and won’t be let down easily.”—Marit Sonnesyn
The decision pierced through campus irritating not only athletes, but a major part of the student population. Although a petition was inititated to save the team, recieving nearly 3,000 signatures, the Athletics Department maintained their position.
“Right now we are only looking forward. We just had a great meeting with the team and we’re all excited for what is to come,” Director of Athletics Tom Brown said.
Even though they were disheartened by the news, the returning skiers still used the summer to get fit for the upcoming season. One such returning skier is Junior Marit Sonnesyn, a Plymouth, Minn. native who has also been one of the top runners for the cross country team this fall.
“I try to alternate running and rollerskiing as much as I can. I don’t think our skiing training will change much this year. Everyone who was on the team last year is coming back. It just shows that the people here love the sport and won’t be let down easily,” Sonnesyn, who on wednesday became the Gustavus Athlete of the Month, said.
Former Nordic Skiing Head Coach, Jed Freidrich, is still very involved with the team. He provides workouts for the weight room as well as different interval sessions every week. He appreciates that the cross country team has given a helping hand to the ski team this fall.
“A lot of skiers joined the cross country running team and are doing very well. Mata Agre and Marcus Speca, both juniors, are running for the first time and are both giving the varsity team a boost. Marit Sonnesyn is probably their best runner so far. The other skiers are rollerskiing and running to get ready,” Friedrich said.
For Sonnesyn, the urge to race in a high-level setting kept her going this summer.
“Those returning still want to race at a competitive level. We will participate in varsity races this year, even though it won’t count towards anything in the post season. We will also do three public races up in the cities,” Sonnesyn said.
Although going through a big change, Freidrich is awed by the work the skiers have put in to make the club reach its full potential. He also emphasizes the fact that there could be some positive experiences from adjusting to the new position.
“The team has been taking an active approach to raise funds and get organized. I’m really impressed with their determination and drive to get this new club going. I believe there will be some positive outcomes from this change. Some skiers might feel like a Division I athlete who transfers to a Division III school to compete. Those athletes gain a different perspective on sport,” Freidrich said.
The Nordic Ski Club will begin official training on Oct. 14 and continue for another three months on dry land before the longing for snow is over.
“On good years we have snow in early December, but sometimes it doesn’t fall until finals week,” Fredrich said.
-Philip Evans