Alpine skiing: Schneider leads boys to second

• Schneider

Alexandria freshman Jack Schneider managed the course at Powder Ridge last week to finish second individually for the Lakes Area Alpine ski team. His finish helped boost the boys’ team to a second place overall finish. (Contributed)

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Led by a second place finish from Jack Schneider of Alexandria, the Lakes Area Alpine ski team opened its ski season January 3, competing at Powder Ridge Ski Area near St. Cloud and racing to second place in the boys’ division.

James Backman of Herman was sixth, Andrew Backman of Herman was seventh, Russell Lindahl of Chokio was 12th and Ross Ellison of Herman was 13th.

First year racer Eli Kracht of Wheaton was 19th on his first run, but fell in his second run to end the day.

Junior varsity racer Matthew Bittman of Alexandria was third in his division.

Katie Gieseke of Alexandria had the top finish for the girls with an eighth place finish, while Madison Neulieb of Fergus Falls was 12th.

“It was nice for the racers to get the nerves of the first race of the year out of the way,” said head coach Matthew Brunkow. “We have a young boys’ team, and a finish like this is always a nice boost to their confidence.”

Alexandria’s home meet, scheduled for January 11, was postponed due to the weather.

The team will be at Welch Village on January 18.

BOYS' SKI TEAM SECOND AGAIN

The Lakes Area Alpine skiers headed back to Powder Ridge Tuesday for the Annandale Invitational, returning with a second place finish once again.

“The boys once again fell short of beating St. Cloud and ended up finishing in second place,” said head coach Matthew Brunkow. “Carrying the team again was Jack Schneider of Alexandria, whose first run of 22.57 was good enough for third place and only 0.81 out of first.

“He then followed it up by being the fastest on run two with a 22.29, but it was 0.70 short of first and ended up settling for second place for the second time this year.”

Jakes Backman (Herman) finished eighth, Andrew Backman (Herman) was 12th, Russell Liindahl (Chokio) was 13th and Ross Ellison (Herman) was 15th.

Katie Gieseke of Alexandria was once again the top girls’ finisher as she placed 10th overall, followed by teammate Madison Neulieb of Fergus Falls in 14th.

“Our team’s ability to be consistent is clear,” said Brunkow, “as it was basically the same result as the previous race here 12 days ago.”

The Lakes Area Alpine team will be at the Welch Invitational near Red Wing today, Friday. The Lakes Area?Invitational originally scheduled for January 11 has been rescheduled for Friday, January 25 at Andes Tower Hills beginning at noon.

Tags: alexandria sports, area sports, sports, lakes, area, alpine, skiing