Yesterday, the U of M Nordic Ski team concluded their team trip at Telemark Resort and began their 2009 race season. The bitter cold of the last week made skiing somewhat challenging, but everyone still got out most days during the few hours the thermometer managed to get above the ten below mark. The remaining hours were spent getting to know teammates over food, cards, Dexter, blind man's bluff, hot tubbing, and the Norske Nook's delicious pie (no Coop's this year!).

Thankfully, the weather relented just in time for the U to rock the Seeley Hills Classic, where several members took home awards. In the 22km, Andy Brown broke out from the chase to grab 2nd place by over 3 minutes, while Blake Hillerson finished with the chase in 6th place. In the 42km, Dave Anderson lead for several kilometers before being passed at the end and finishing just behind teammate Bjorn Batdorf; they took 3rd and 2nd place, respectively. Mike Kosowski, Kesh Rao, and Allie Rykken all also collected age group plates.

Daily practices start this week with classes while the Noquemenon looms next weekend. Here we gooo...

Just a reminder for everyone: December 10th is the due date for team dues, trip fees, and Vasaloppet registrations (if you want to sign up through us, i.e. for free). Click here if you need to print a new registration form. Items can be dropped off in the Rec Sports office or given to one of the officers; email one of us if you want to meet.

Also, if you want to go to the Noquemenon, consider signing up soon - the price jumps at the end of the month; meanwhile the Finlandia is still just $35 for team members according to Iman, though I'm not sure how long that price point will last. For non-members, it's currently $55. My point is, get signed up for the races you want now, before it costs you an arm and a leg and you find yourself in the last wave (happened to me last year.) Okay, so see you all in a month for the team trip. It's getting close now...

*Updated 10/21/08*

Hey, all. Good to see the great turnout at the first meeting. If you didn't make it there and are interested in the team, there will be a second meeting on October 29th at 8:00 pm. It will be in Ford Hall room 150. Also, clothing orders (including uniforms and hats) will be due October 31st, the Mora and team trip deadlines are both December 10th, and dues and waiver are needed before any of these things will be accepted. Contact Andy Brown with any questions.

For those interested, the team will begin weekly training runs on Thursdays at 3:30 pm, starting this week (the 23rd). Meet in front of the rec center.

Finally: Everyone cheer for the snow that got dumped on most of Montana. Skiing in early October? Freakin sweet!

Hope to see you on snow. - Josh

I hope everyone's surviving into the first round of midterms! It's about time to kick off the ski team for 2009-2009, so we'll have our first team meeting on Tuesday, October 7th--7 pm, in the Classroom building at 1701 University, room 003. At the meeting, we'll provide information about what the club has to offer. You'll also be able to sign up for club membership, gear, the team trip, and complete the paperwork required. It's also a chance to meet skiers and start getting groups together for informal runs, rollerskis, or workouts. The meeting is geared for new members, but returning members are encouraged to attend as well.

If Tuesday night doesn't work for you, don't worry: there will be a second team meeting in early November. Please email me with your availability so I can make sure that the next meeting is at a time that does work for you. See you Friday at frisbee, or at the team meeting! -Joe Mitchell, club president

Which means more people around to play Friday Frizbee again. If you're new to campus, we play 4:30 at the East River Flats. Hope to see you there. Also, a reminder to all members old and new, please fill out a participation waiver (available at the Rec Sports office or online here) and return it to an officer as soon as possible.

Yes, after an entire summer, our new website is finally live. Mostly. There's still some pages which are basicially placeholders until I get more to put on them and some little things I might still try to improve, but all the important stuff should be here. If you spot any errors, broken links, etc., email me at doebb006@umn.edu. - Josh