Glacier Nordic skiers battle and swing in West Yellowstone

The Glacier Nordic Comp Team competed in West Yellowstone at the second Junior National Qualifier of the season, Feb. 8-9. 

West Yellowstone delivered plenty of light, fluffy snow, freezing temperatures and a memorable weekend. There were two distance races, a skate race followed by a classic race. For fun, the athletes even threw in a swing dancing competition for good measure. 

Saturday’s skate interval start race showed great results. All the girls finished in the top 10 in their respective races. Junior Captain Findley Dezzani earned seventh place, while Kendall Dye, racing older competitors in the U16 field, finished 10th. In the U14 race, Addie Nerdig and Marin Gignoux finished eighth and ninth, separated by just a few seconds. Prep Pro athlete Noelle Svennungsen joined the team for her first-ever qualifier, completing the race with a smile in 27th place.   

On the boys' side, the athletes remained strong, despite battling lingering sickness. Peter Schram showed improvement and finished 39th. Boden Dezzani, recovering from pneumonia and the flu, raced with determination and came in 47th. Junior Captain Liam Browne also raced through a cold 10K skate and finished in 38th.  

Sunday brought more excitement with the mass start races.  

Gignoux raced her way to a seventh-place finish in the U14 mass start. Svennungsen raced a smart race, picking people off as she went, finishing 24th. In the U16 race, Dye fought through a small crash to finish 11th. Fin Dezzani raced her way to another strong seventh-place finish in the 10K classic race.  

The boys also gave it their all, with Schram finishing 36th with a huge smile and major improvements from the previous race. Boden Dezzani was 48th and showed off great double-pole technique. Browne powered through a gritty 10K and, despite still being under the weather, finished in 39th.  

“A big thank you to the parents who made the trip, fed the athletes and coaches, and provided all-around support,” said GNC Coach Olivia Skillings. “A special thanks to coaches Ernesta and Tucker for their energy throughout the weekend.“ 

The next Junior National Qualifier is Feb. 22-23, in Sun Valley.  

    Glacier Nordic Club skier Biden Dezzani competes in West Yellowstone Feb. 8. (Photo provided)
  

    Glacier Nordic Club skier Kendall Dye competes in West Yellowstone Feb. 8. (Photo provided)
  

    Glacier Nordic Club skier Marin Gignoux at the West Yellowstone JNQ Feb. 8. (Photo provided)
  

    Glacier Nordic Club skier Addie Nerdig skis in West Yellowstone Feb. 8. (Photo provided)