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Glacier Nordic wraps up season at championships

by WHITNEY ENGLAND
Whitefish Pilot | March 30, 2022 1:00 AM

The Glacier Nordic Club had a full season of races including fun local races all the way up to the prestigious Junior National Championships.

The team saw much success over the winter months, highlighted by two racers qualifying for Junior Nationals, according to GNC assistant director and competition coach Jennie Bender. Whitefish senior Jacob Henson and sophomore Maeve Ingelfinger both competed in the high-level competition in mid-March in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Last year's Junior Nationals didn’t happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so both were excited to be able to qualify this year.

It was Henson’s second time qualifying for Junior Nationals. As a senior this year, Bender says he’s been a true leader and motivator on the team. He shows his hard work ethic and leads by example.

“He’s a leader on the team and really exemplifies an overall hard worker both with school and sport he’s really determined,” Bender said.

At Junior Nationals his best finish came in the distance skate race when he placed 22 in the U18 boys division. His main success this season though occurred in qualifying though, as he dealt with bouts of sickness that made him miss multiple Junior Qualifier events.

“I think he did a really good job with staying mentally engaged and persevering through those health (setbacks),” Bender said. “He did ski his heart out and qualify which was his big goal, to make the team. That’s a solid highlight to end his high school ski career.”

He plans to attend Dartmouth next year and is still considering if he wants to continue Nordic skiing competitively. But will likely continue his passion on the snow regardless, says Bender.

At Junior Nationals, an even more surprising finish occurred when Ingelfinger scored two podium finishes in classic-style races.

Bender says Ingelfinger kept an open-mindedness throughout the season and continued to work on her techniques and mindset. It showed at the national championships, and even other coaches took notice.

“She made a name for herself,” Bender said. “People definitely took notice. That’s just really exciting for the future of her athletic career.”

Ingelfinger surprised herself with the finish and hopes she can qualify again next year, continuing to progress in competitive Nordic skiing.

“Being able to be there at the finish during her big breakthrough was definitely a coaching highlight,” Bender recalled.

The coach added that Ingelfinger’s success on the national level puts the entire Glacier Nordic Club at a higher competitive level in the country. Her success helps show other kids what is possible.

“This year the club and the comp team has been a strong presence on the circuit and we’re growing which has been exciting,” Bender said. “Maeve and this result definitely help put Glacier Nordic back on the map.”

Bender added that the entire club had a great season. Kids learned to have fun outdoors while persevering through tough weather and conditions at times.

There were 17 kids on the competitive team and seven consistently traveled to the Junior National Qualifiers.

Bender believes Nordic skiing is a sport for life. The cross-training and full-body exercise of skiing builds endurance, strength, balance, agility and coordination according to the coach.

“Physical activity outside in the winter is going to be benefitting them for their whole life,” she said.

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Glacier Nordic's Jacob Henson competes at Junior Nationals in Minnesota earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of Wayne Petsch)

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Glacier Nordic's Maeve Ingelfinger competes at Junior Nationals in Minnesota earlier this month. (Courtesy photo)