March 1 and March 4-5

This is the winter that keeps on giving!  We had a great time in Plain on Saturday and at Cabin Creek today.  This is the last week of practice.

Plain 5k

Little Lake Kachess

Wednesday- Skating at Elk Heights. 3:20 Meet at EHS.  Ski 3:50-5:15, return to EHS 5:45

Saturday Washington Cup Finals 11AM SKATING Cabin Creek.  (Arrive at 10AM to register and organize for an 11AM start).  This will be a fun event.  Carey and Jeff have been among the organizers of the series, so please come out for the season finale (Hint- there are a lot of great prizes.)

Sunday Ozbaldy 10k SKATING race at Cabin Creek 9AM start.  Arrive 8AM to register and organize for 9AM start).  Registration link here.

Several families have talked about renting a house for the weekend March 9-11, perhaps in Plain or Methow Valley.  Contact Carey if you are interested.  cgazis@geology.cwu.edu

Uhuru and Jeff leave for Junior Nationals in Lake Placid on Friday.  Wish Uhuru and the rest of the Pacific Northwest Skiers luck!

Feb 22 and beyond...

Well earned Apres Ski hot chocolate!

Julia tearing up the hill in the classic race.

Congratulations to the Mt. Spokane skiers.  We had a fantastic weekend, with winter in full swing.  We had great skiing (of course), card games, snowball fights, camaraderie...  It was fantastic.  Congratulations to Julia, Gavin, Isak, Audrey and Uhuru for their great race performances.  Julia raced her longest distances ever, a long 3k Saturday and Sunday.  Gavin and Isak had great performances in the 5k skate.  Audrey raced back to back 10ks.  Uhuru raced Sunday only, but was the event winner and qualified for Junior Nationals, to be held in Lake Placid, NY March 3-11.

We are down to the last 2 weeks of our program.  With the longer days, we have been enjoying some great afternoon skis.  This weekend is the first ever event in Plain, WA.  It is free and low key, and should feature a great new course.  The following week, Saturday March 4th, is the Washington Cup Finals at Cabin Creek- also free!  These are great events to wrap up a great season.

Finally, save the date Wednesday March 15th, 6PM Cornerstone Pie for our end of season celebration.

Regular Practices:

Wednesday: Elk Heights SKATING 3:20 Depart EHS, 3:50-5:10 Ski, 5:40 return to EHS

Saturday: Plain Race SKATING: Depart EHS 8:00, Arrive Plain 9:45.  Race 11:00, stay to ski a bit, return to Ellensburg 4:00  More info about Plain here.

Sunday: Cabin Creek CLASSIC 10AM-noon.  Carpool from Fruit Barn 9AM.

Additional Practices

Tuesday: 3:00-3:30 Lincoln for after school games, afterwards Manastash SKATING

Thursday Blewett Pass SKATING- possible rendezvous with Leavenworth skiers.

Friday: 3:00-3:45 Lincoln for after school games

Week of Feb 13-19

The Ellensburg Yellow showed proud at the Stampede Race Today.   Great skis by Isak, Magnus, Gavin, Kenny, and Audrey in the 5k, and Gwynnie and Avega in the 2.5k.  Congratulations!

This week we will try something different: skiing in town at the Lincoln Elementary for the younger (and young of heart) on Monday and Thursday.

Many skiers are headed off to the final Junior National Qualifier in Spokane this weekend.  Carey will stay in town and hold a practice on Sunday.

There are two more great races to put on your calendar: Feb 25th in Plain: Skate race on their new course.  March 4-5 at Cabin Creek: Individual Skate race AND relay Saturday, followed by 10k Sunday.

This week:

MONDAY: 3:00-4:00 SKATING at Lincoln Elementary.  We will set up an obstacle course, and play some games.

WEDNESDAY: CLASSIC at Elk Heights

THURDAY: 3:00-4:00 SKATING at Lincoln Elementary.  Same as Monday.

SUNDAY: SKATING at Cabin Creek.

Additional sessions: Tuesday: Classic.  Location TBD, depends on grooming.

Mt Spokane Trip.  Depart EHS noon in time to preview courses.  Race Saturday & Sunday, return Sunday around 6PM.

Feb 8 & 11

Wow!  It is a winter wonderland out!  Here are some pictures from last week!

We had a fantastic ski weekend in the Methow Valley.  Magnus placed 12th in the U18/20 Sprint, and 8th in the U18 10k classic.  Isak just missed semifinals in the sprint, and won the consolation final.  Isak also placed 16th in the 5k classic.  Gavin placed 5th in the consolation sprint final and 24th in the 5k classic.  Audrey also narrowly missed the semifinals, and won the sprint consolation final.  Uhuru placed 5th in the U18/20 sprint, and 4th in the U18/20 10k, and has wrapped up her qualification for Junior Nationals.  Gwynnie raced a hard fought 2.5k, finishing 19th, only 6 seconds behind the winner of last week's Jente Loppet.

Winter continues!  This week is the Washington Cup Skating race at Cabin Creek.  Jeff and Carey are the hosts of this one.  Our goal is to encourage all athletes have a positive race experience.  The race is free of charge.  More information is here.  (The 14 and under race time needs to be updated- it is 10:50. Also, older skiers who are just starting can race the 2k free of charge.)

Wednesday: SKATING at Elk Heights.  Meet at EHS 3:20, Ski 3:50-5:10, Return to EHS 5:40

Sunday Stampede Race.  5k racers start at 10AM, 2.5k and shorter 10:55. Please print and bring the signed waiver.  

Extra Sessions: Tuesday Manastash 3:20 SKATING, Thursday Elk Heights 3:20 CLASSIC

SPOKANE RACERS: Early registration deadline for Spokane races is Tuesday night.  Link for registration here.