This past weekend was the 2nd Eastern Cup event of the season. Athletes raced in sprint races on Saturday, and classic distance on Sunday. The Eastern Cup series are the most competitive races in the region, and some of the more competitive races in the country. Junior racers (under age 20) use this series to qualify for Junior National Championships at the end of the season.
MNC had approx 8-10 athletes racing each day. While our numbers are small compared to some teams/clubs, we are growing and we are strong. One really neat thing is that many of the MNC athletes are juggling their high-school race schedule in addition to the Eastern Cups — which is a challenge to say the least! Thanks to the athletes for being a pleasure to work with, and thanks to all the parents that contributed to the weekend: waxing, running errands and carrying gear, giving splits, taking pictures, and keeping me energized with coffee and brownies!
Congrats to all the athletes and good luck to our BKL crew with the MNC Duathlon Race this coming weekend in Jericho!!
Following are some great photos that were contributed by Gary Solow (father of J3 Will Solow), and a few comments:
Ben Hegman (to the left) skiing in the J1 boys sprint heats. Ben was 2nd J1 in the classic race the following day!
Bill Harmeyer finished a strong 3rd both days in the J2s
Cally Bruan (j1) working the flats
Emmett Peterson in the 10km classic. Watch for Emmett’s name in the college ranks in another couple years!
J2 Forrest Hamilton eeked out a win in the J2 Boys sprint heats…at the lower-right side of this pic you can see the ski tips of the 2nd place racer
Henry Harmeyer en route to his win in the 5km classic.
Nathanael Kuzio is one of the best J2’s in the region! He finished 6th in this classic race.
Parker Francis showing his strong double-pole
Sam Longenbach fighting through a tough-day
J2-1st year Tatum Braun racing in her first-ever Eastern Cup
J3 Will Solow had an opportunity to see just how fast these athletes are!!