As fall quickly turns cooler and the winter chill looms, another season is born: the Orono nordic ski season. Coach Cindy Conger leads team practices, which started on Monday the 9th, along with team captains Jeb Banavige (12), Audrey Longe (12), Justine Whyte (11) and Greta Johnson (12).

As the the team begins practice in late fall, the first weeks are filled with dryland training, building up skiers to prepare for the snow. Workouts such as hill bounding, trail running with poles, strength training and a whole lot of cardio are common for pre-season training, and they are sure to get the skiers in shape for this winter’s ski trails.

“I really love the nordic team, and I’m looking forward to a great season,” junior Paige Condon said. “It is really fun to be a part of the team.”

The first race will be on November 24 at Theodore Wirth Golf Course in Minneapolis, MN, where the team will run the course with hiking poles. Anyone who would still like to joined the Orono Nordic Team can still sign up online, for the official roster will be open until November 20th.