Adam Figgins, Nederland. Being so close to a ski resort, it is only natural that Nederland’s Ski team has some of the most advanced and talented skiers in the state of Colorado. This year, the Nederland Panthers will travel to Durango to compete with skiers from all over the state.

Panther racers will face tough competition, however, their hardworking attitude and wide base of support will help drive them through a week of racing, the coaches said. The event began at 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 20, with registration at the Durango High School Library, followed by a 5 p.m. Coaches’ Meeting and 7 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, Torch Light Parade and Fireworks at Chapman Hill.

Registration and meetings took place in the high school library at 2390 Main Ave in Durango. On Thursday February 21, the Alpine team will race at Purgatory in the morning, and the Nordic team will race in the afternoon at the Nordic Center.

At 6 p.m. team members will have the opportunity to ride the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on Main Street with hot chocolate and cookies at the Train Station Grange Museum at 7:30 p.m.

The Team had a total of 300 seats available on Thursday night on a first-come first-serve basis via RSVP, but the tickets were picked up at registration on Wednesday night. The train depot, 479 Main Ave., will invite student athletes and coaches in to load the train, according to the Team schedule.

The ride will be roughly 1.5 hours total and return back to the depot. The depot also has a cool museum and an area called The Grange. The Grange will be set up after the train returns with cookies and hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy. From this location, Team members will be on within walking distance to all of the great restaurants on Main Street.

On Friday, February 22, the Alpine team will race at Purgatory in the morning, and the Nordic team will race in the afternoon at the Nordic Center. Dinner and the awards banquet will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Fort Lewis College Ballroom.

The ballroom is located within the Student Union Building. Parking is easiest to the east and north of the Student Union Building, with wide open spaces for buses closer to the football stadium. The awards banquet is free to attend, but seating is limited.

Alpine Skiing

Led by Seth Waldman, the Nederland Alpine Ski Team will have 32 athletes representing the team. So far, the Nederland Alpine Team has consistently had athletes placing in the top ten places and occasionally winning some races.

The team has also placed at least third for every race with the boys and girls. Most of these athletes have qualified in both Slalom and Giant Slalom. Last year’s state champion in Slalom will be racing again as a Sophomore.

Savannah Jordan, Michaela Thompson, Titus Reece, Kale Lantz, and Max Lynch are also expected to place very well in Slalom. Emily Creek, Kate Skilbread, Bella Lynch, Carson McCue, Reece Titus, and Max Lynch have a good chance at making the podium for Giant Slalom.

As for the competition that the team faces, Coach Waldman said, “It’s anybody’s game, half of which is mental, then it’s a matter of being focused and putting all our practices and experiences competing to our team’s ultimate test.” Overall it should be noted that Nederland Alpine skiing is a strong and dedicated team, and that the town of Nederland, and all the hardworking parents, are supporting these amazing athletes during their races in Durango.

Full Alpine Team List Below

Nordic/Skimeister

Nederland’s Nordic Team will be represented by seven athletes, three of which will also be competing in the downhill races as well. Over the long season Nederland’s Nordic Team had been fighting hard in the races despite having much fewer racers than the Alpine Team. Coach Keegan says “This season has been fantastic! Everybody’s really pushed themselves to improve, and we’ve also had plenty of time for some epic ski adventures! I’m so proud of this team for representing Nederland so well with great attitudes, sportsmanship, and teamwork!”

While Nederland Nordic may have less skiers, it does not lack spirit, team morale is high and its athletes support and cheer each other on constantly. While not all Skimeisters will be racing in both the downhill and Nordic races, their hard work should be noted. As for expected outcomes of the races, Coach Keegan says “I expect to see Scout Edmondson really push it in both races, but especially Skate, which is his forté. On the girls’ side, I expect to see a really close Skate race between Helen and Bella. They’ve been neck and neck the last two Skate races.”

Scout Edmondson placed fourth for the Skimeister competition and will be racing in Classic and Skate skiing this week. As for the other Skimeisters Adler Muller placed 7th, Townes Bakke placed 10th and Hatcher Edmondson placed 16th for the boys. For girls skimeisters, Bella Lynch placed 5th and Arianna McCue placed 10th. The hard work of Nederland’s Skimeisters should not be overlooked and the strength of the Nordic team in general is a great accomplishment for all its members, the coaches said.

Nordic List Below

(Originally published in the February 21, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)