Section 7 Nordic Skiing: Duluth East wins three events, Ely’s Devine claims girl’s pursuit

Nordic skiers had the spotlight in the Section 7 finals at Giants Ridge in Biwabik on Wednesday, as they competed in boy’s and girl’s team sprint finals first, followed by 5k freestyle pursuit races.

Duluth East took first place for both girls and boys in the team sprint finals.

With the girls, it was Liesl Cope-Schaeffer and Greta Hendrickson finishing with a time of 16:05, as they now eye back-to-back state titles after winning last season.

“Last year I won with Ryan and so hopefully we can have fun and do it again [in this years state tournament],” said Junior Liesl Cope-Schaeffer.

For the Greyhound boys it was James Kyes and Colin Willemsen who finished with a time of 14:03. This is Willemsen first time making a trip to the state tournament.

“Staying focused on the things we can control like ourselves not the conditions that were obviously warm today. So making sure you’re ready mentally for next week,” said Junior Willemsen.

In the girls pursuit, senior Zoe Devine out of Ely finished on top with a combined time of 32:39 after finishing third in the event just a year ago.

“We always say last one fast one on my team. So it’s going to be my last Minnesota state meet, so I plan to do my best and now I’m super excited,” claimed senior Devine.

In the boys pursuit Duluth East’s Oliver Miatke defended his title with another section win, finishing with a combined time of 28:33.

“Pressure is definitely on knowing that I won last year and I have a good team this year. So it definitely wasn’t a given, but I’m really glad to have two wins,” said Miatke.

The fun continues for qualifying teams and individuals when they return for the 2023 state meet, which will be held two days at Giants Ridge.

Wednesday, February 15th will be the Sprint races at 11 a.m. and Thursday, February 16th will be the pursuit races at 10 a.m.

For full weekend results CLICK HERE.