What a whirlwind week at Junior Nationals. Things went very well for MNC and Team New England! I have been impressed by MNC skiers all year, and this race week proved no different. That’s not just accounting for on-track performances and race efforts…this is a group that supports and cares for one another in big ways.
The highlights on paper are numerous…and certainly something to celebrate:
- Ava swept all of the races, the first athlete to do so since Jessie Diggins in 2011
- Ava and Hattie shared the podium in the 5km skate race, with 1st and 3rd
- Anders finished 5th in the classic sprint, for another MNC All-American
- MNC alum Julia Oliver was All-American in the classic sprint as well
- Julia Thurston scored a 10th in the classic mass start, making it FOUR individual All-American skiers from MNC!
- Ava and Hattie teamed up with SMS skiers Fin and Jack to WIN the mixed relay for New England
And overall, the team scoring says a lot…MNC was the 3rd best women’s team in the nation, and 6th overall. Following the sweep of all four Eastern Cup weekends, MNC was also the top team from New England in the club rankings.
BUT there is far more than just ski racing to be proud of with this group. JNs is a busy week with a lot of ownership placed on athletes. It is interesting to see what kind of traits this brings out each year, and I came home from this trip so humbled by our collection of skiers and teammates.
Not every race was amazing for every MNC skier, and that’s ok.
Some of our skiers grew about 3 years older in the course of a week, it seemed. From struggling through pre- and post-race anxiety, to handling target events that didn’t go as planned, there seemed to be a friend and teammate waiting in the wings to jump in for support. Coaches and wax techs are present, but the business of this week for all the adults involved lends itself to self-discovery for all the athletes involved. I can’t say enough positive things about how MNC athletes and alums took time to look after one another through the good AND tough moments. Nothing could make me more proud as a coach, even amidst a week full of banner performances and medals.
MNC has come a long way, but we are always striving to reach new heights!
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