State meets create moments of triumph and heartbreak by nature and this year’s MSHL State Alpine Ski Meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik was no different for the Hastings Raiders.
Two-time state meet competitor and individual qualifier sophomore Abbigail Pelava completed two successful runs and finished 32nd, while first-time individual qualifier and seventh-grader Kate Nowak placed 44th.
The Hastings boys took eighth as a team. The top finisher for the boys was two-time state competitor Cole Caturia who completed two successful runs and finished 26th, just one spot outside of All-State Honorable Mention status.
Despite a valiant effort to finish his first run, two-time state competitor and sophomore Jackson Reents tangled with some gates at the bottom of the hill and was unable to complete his run.
Four-time state competitor, junior Aaron Herber, skied a successful first run, but fell in his second run and despite a quick hike back around the gates was unable to make up enough time to stay competitive.
First-time state competitor, junior Zach Rother, was able to put together two successful runs and finished 50th while two-time state competitor Caleb Kimmes finished his first run with a fantastic time, but fell in his second run on the pitch in a challenging course location.
First-time state competitor Gavin Molitor also struggled, but finished both runs.
State alpine qualifiers Kate Nowak and Abbigail Pelava. Submitted photo
Coach Gergen said of the individual girls’ qualifiers, “Abbi and Kate skied well and gained valuable experience which will serve them well in life’s big moments.”
“It was a tough day for the boys; they gave it all they had and I applaud their effort and attitude,” he added about the Raider boys as a team.
The boys team graduates three seniors this year: captains Charlie Millholin and Caleb Kimmes, as well as Joe Peine.
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