As winter flies by, so does the Orono Nordic Ski season, following the ups and downs of this year’s strange weather. Beginning with a very wet and warm November and December, Nordic hit the pavement with roller skis and trail running, so when snow finally deigned to fall, they were ready to go. Since then, they have trained hard and skied daily, preparing to compete in conference and section races.

Weeks ago, before and during finals week, Varsity and JV raced in conference meets. After the JV race, many skiers placed and won ribbons, their competitive season coming to a victorious end.

“When I skied the 5K, I was really proud of myself,” junior Enya Ehrenreich said.

For the Varsity skiers, since they advanced into sections, their training was as driven as ever. Once the day of sections came, the first day of the new semester, they were pumped and ready race with all they had. Throughout the all day event, with boys and girls racing both classic and skate races, Orono pushed themselves to the limit, almost making the cut to state.

Unfortunately, Orono fell short, the skiers not advancing on to state. There was still a point of excitement however, as the infamous Costume Race occurred on Monday, Feb. 8, at Wirth Golf Course. During this, skiers from all over the conference dress up in costumes and ski the loop, talking and laughing and having a great time.

“It was fun and exciting, and you didn’t have to go fast.” junior Helene Moxnes said. “Me and Emma (Pelecener) went as tourists.”

With practices coming to an end, the final banquet approaches, where awards will be received, captains announced, photo slide shows laughed at, and, best of all, food eaten.

“My favorite part of the season was the people. And the carbo loads,” Moxnes said.  “And the things we did together as a family.”

Overall, the Nordic team has an amazing season this year. Whether it be running in the rain or skiing in the dirt, the team manages to laugh the whole time, creating a dynamic that can only be compared to a family.