Captains this year were Monika Higley and Kelli Waligorksi.
March 2007
MVP: Eric Somsel for the boys and Emily Harwell for the girls were the undisputed Most Valuable going by a points system.
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Captains this year were Monika Higley and Kelli Waligorksi. |
Ski
Team Banquet March 2007 |
MVP: Eric Somsel for the boys and Emily Harwell for the girls were the undisputed Most Valuable going by a points system. |
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It would have
been hard not to remember the banquet held tonight with all of the new
snow that fell over night last night. What a surprise, yet a quick
reminder, that this team loves this sort of weather. Coach Mathieu went
over the season with the families as they finished eating their supper.
In the back ground, Diamond's photos of the ski season were being played
on the screen for all to see. A big thank you to Monika with "K" and
Kelli for setting up the banquet. They left very little for Coach
Mathieu to do. Reminiscing about the Colordao trip, Coach Mathieu once again stated how proud he was of the team members behavior. While at the airport on a layover, they were polite, courteous and studious, allowing Coach Mathieu to receive numerous compliments on his "charges". The training went well with each of them improving their individual levels. He would like to see more members attend if possible next year. The team struggled with illness and injury this year, however stepped up to the challenge and excelled as individuals. Kelli Waligorksi was stricken with mono near the start of the season, but was able to obtain a waiver from the State in hopes of starting at Regionals so that the girls team would be able to compete. While she was not allowed, by her Doctor, to full out race at Regionals, she did start. This allowed the other girls to be able to race for regional rankings, of which Emily did qualify for State. Still weakened by her illness, Kelli went onto race at the Mt. Pleasant Invitational, of which Coach Mathieu jokingly said she was looking over the guys in their GS suits even while on the race course. Kelli denies it.*grin* |
He went onto say that the Mt. Pleasant Invitational is named after
a 15 year old boy, who's dream was to have a Ski team at Mt.Pleasant. He
unfortunately died before it happened, however, they named the
Invitational after him that very year of his passing.
Coach
Mathieu gave each member a wax set and handed out a DVD of the season's
photos that Diamond captured.
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Cameron Smith, Manager, is a relatively quiet boy, however he can
hold his own when push comes to shove. The team commented on how he fit
right in the first day. Cameron did an excellent job Forerunning the
events as well as Regionals. He did not get the chance to race in the Ed
Johnson Memorial junior race due to a conflict with Band duties,
however, he still has next year to compete in that. |
Emily Harwell, a Junior from Brethren received her ski pin and All
Region Award. She brought home quite a bit of hardware this season
which included medals from the Benzie invitational, Mt,Pleasant and
Conference meet. Seems Emily is also a champ at eating. The team stopped
at Ponderosa after the race at Snow Snake where she devoured 7 plates of
food! |
Donny Olson, Sophomore, was a second year team member earning his
ski pin this year. Donny greatly improved his racing style and technique
this year. Donny also made the Colorado trip this year. |
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| Eric Somsel, a junior from Brethren, split his time between hockey and ski team. Being in hockey has turned him into a real centered skier. This was Eric's first year racing and he finished the season ranked 16th in the conference. He became so quick, so fast, he had the honor of receiving the gate that he broke . This is a time honored tradition on the ski team. Eric also earned his varsity letter. | Monika Higley a Senior from Bearlake received her ski pin. Monika with a "K" ,Higley with one "G" has been with the team for 6 years, the last 4 being on the varsity squad. She has made the Colorado trip 5 times. Until Kelli showed up on the team, Coach Mathieu said he didn't know Monika had a voice as she spoke rarely and quiet as a mouse when she did. Kelli and Monika quickly became "partners in crime", opening up a new and bubbly Monika. | Kelli Waligorski , Senior, received her ski pin. Kelli's season started out real good, in fact at conference ranking level, then she was stricken with Mono. The team waited with baited breath with news that she could come back to racing. She was able to receive a waiver from the State in hopes that she would be able to start at Regionals. Just days before the event, her Dr. released her. Kelli is known for her Back Street Boy's impressions, singing their songs and doing their moves perfectly. She's the entertainment in the suburban. |
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<-Diamond Kimpel, Freshman, earned her varsity letter. She too, went to Colorado. When they arrived, she looked up at the Course and exclaimed" We're going to do that?!". It didn't take long, and Diamond had gone from snowplowing to carving. When Diamond fell and skidded to the bottom of the course here back at home, she was disappointed that she didn't get help from Jason, a very cute ski patroller. Instead, she received help from "some old guys, at least 65 years old". Though that disappointed her, she did not let her injury keep her from racing. |
Iron Man It's been awhile since the Coach has awarded this award, but this year he felt these individuals truly earned it. Cameron Smith earned Ironman as he never missed a practice or meet. He carried out his duties, never complaining even during blizzard conditions. While others went inside to warm up, Cameron stayed at his post.
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Eric Somsel and Donny Olson tied for most improved for the boys team, while Diamond Kimpel earned Most improved for the girls. |
Ski Team Schedule 2006-2007 |
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