Junior Nationals Starts off on a High Note!

Well, Jackie, Dani, Kate, and me are representing the Mid-Atlantic division at Junior Nationals this week. While not really a SLU event, we are going to try to update the blog to let you know how it's going. We are doing plenty of homework too though, so don't worry!

On Friday we headed out for a very squished van ride to Lake Placid and had a very cold and icy ski at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. There were 4 ski bags, 5 duffels, 4 backpacks, 8 pairs of boots, and us!

Quite the packing job (Jackie photo)

We went to the opening ceremonies Sunday night. I was Mid-A's person to be a part of the torch handoff. I had been told to give it back to Tim Burke; however, the announcer then said something along the lines of, "Lucy Hochschartner will have the honor of lighting the torch," so that was a special opportunity. I did get a little nervous though when they told me to be careful not to burn my hair...

Me lighting the torch at the opening ceremonies (JN facebook page)

Jackie finishing a stellar race! (Jackie's dad photo)

The races were moved to the Olympic Jumping Complex due to an unfortunate rain, but the trails are in great shape! VERY HILLY :) Monday was a 5k skate, and SLU threw down some great performances. Most notably was Jackie leading the team and getting her first All-American honors! This was so special, because 5k skates are Jackie's thing, we haven't had very many of them this year, it was her home course that she has skied SO many times, and she has had this race on her goal sheet since JNs LAST year. It was killer to watch. I was also a U20 All-American, Dani had an amazing race for 16th U20, and Kate rounded us out with 32nd U20. It was awesome to see Kate and Dani crush their first national level races! Also, it was a great day for Mid-A on the whole.

Results U18 Women | U20 Women

Dani and Kate heading back for class today (Dani photo)

Thanks to everyone who is cheering us on from near and far! We race in the classic sprint tomorrow, so stay tuned!

If you are far away and have some free time on your hands, there is live Streaming of events as well!
https://livestream.com/xcountrylive/events/7098123

"Hey, guess what.... we were 5th and 6th today!"

Calvin and Blaine, our seniors. Thanks guys! (photo from Calvin's dad)

First of all, I want to give a shout out to Dana who really wishes she could write this last blog of the season. The blog, as many of you know, is all thanks to her. She took a wicked fall in the 15k and is concussed so can’t write this one.

Friday was a 5k/10k classic race. It was sunny, 50 degree, sloppy, t-shirt kind of skiing. And it was awesome. Results were all over the board, both on our team and in general, but regardless of how people did, everyone was stoked to soak up the sun. There were some amazing performances, but others were left wanting more. So, we resolved to get after it the next day (and enjoyed working on our tans in the meantime). The only hiccup was that we locked the keys in the Transit, so Dana and Jordan were troopers and stayed back to wait for AAA. After that was resolved though, we had a great team dinner, pre-race advice session with the coaches, and senior gift giving.

Results Men | Women

Post AAA smiles! (photo from Jordan)

It was starting to get dark by the time they left! (photo from Jordan)

On Saturday the sun disappeared, and it was misting and foggy. It was still sloppy, but very fast. The boys went off first, and despite Calvin's broken pole and the weather, they persevered! Way back in November in Forêt, the men and women sat down and filled out team goal sheets. This was before we had raced, before we knew what the field would be like, and before we knew anything about how we would stack up. Nevertheless, we put our hopes out there for the whole team to know. On Saturday, the boys accomplished their goals of having a top 5 team finish and 3 in the top 30. It was their last shot, and they took chances to make it happen. SO COOL. The girls went next, and threw down in a complete team effort (despite Dana's broken pole and concussion, she crushed it too). No race has ever made me that happy in my entire life. The team came in, one by one, getting personal best finishes. Seeing Liz running over to us was definitely the high point of the season. The women tied for 6th, and with that, accomplished our goal of being in the top 8 3x.

Results Men | Women | Team!

Post race smiles with Kate, Dana, and Lucy (photo from Kate's mom)

I don’t know what the boys van was like, but the girls in the transit had quite the singing party on the way back (until the flooding and thunder snow made the long drive even longer).  It is hard to think of a time I have been that happy, though even I will admit that I wanted to get out of the van after that crazy drive. So, thank you to everyone that made this season possible. To the team, you are the best. To our families, thank you for supporting us every step of the way. To ETown, Liz, and Bob, we could never have done it without you.

Be sure to check out India’s videos and follow her instagram @blazing pines too!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXa3OEE_QrrdQfVmIlysZNw

Also, thanks to Flying Point Road and River Valley Graphics for some great shots.

http://www.flyingpointroad.com/f120376504

https://rivervalleygraphics.smugmug.com/Skiing/2017-Bates-Carnival

Now, for more photos! The real reason you come to the blog, I am sure.

A muddy parking lot this weekend (photo from Jordan)

Jackie conquering high school hill (photo from Calvin's dad)

Jackie crushing the double pole (photo from Calvin's dad)

Dani powering along (photo from Calvin's dad)

Lucy battling the heat (photo from Calvin's dad)

Calvin striding hard (photo from his dad)

Dana and Calvin, our trusty captains! (photo from Calvin's dad)