2010-11 Winter Preview: Dragons Nordic team growing, has high hopes

The Math & Science Academy Nordic skiing program begins its third-ever season in 2010-11 in hope of sending some athletes to the state meet.

In total, the Dragons have 14 skiers out this season — eight boys and six girls — under the tutilage of head coach Daniel Scheff.

Math & Science Academy returns all of its key skiers from last season and the team will be captained by seniors Kyle Osborne, Aren Siekmeier and sophomore Maddie Ames. Other key skiers will include sophomore Jacob Siekmeier and eighth-grader Ines Siepmann.

“We look to continue to improve in a very tough section, build on our success in cross country and track and field,” Scheff said. “This year our goal is to finish in the top seven at sections and possibility have a shot at an individual qualifier or two to the state Nordic skiing meet.”

Math & Science Academy is able to participate in the Classic Suburban Conference, since the Dragons don’t officially belong to a conference, and its athletes can be recognized and earn All-Conference and honorable mention honors out of the CSC.

Jacob Siekmeier earned All-Conference honors last season, finishing in 10th place individually in the CSC and took 36th at the section meet. Aren Siekmeier was All-Conference honorable mention the past two years and was 35th at the section race a year ago.

Key upcoming meets are: the Holiday Relays on Dec. 18, at Trollhaugen in Dresser, Wis; the ABC Relays on Jan. 15 at Theodore Wirth Park ; the Classic Suburban Conference Championships on Feb. 1 at Battle Creek Park West; and the Section 4 championships on Feb. 9 at Battle Creek Park West.

“It should be a fun season,” Scheff said. “This is our third season of Nordic Skiing at MSA and the numbers continue to increase each year from five our first year to 14 this year. The kids each year have improved their technique, got bigger and stronger physically, and most are three-sport athletes (cross country, Nordic, and track) so their aerobic system continues to develop stronger each season.”

Tags: 2010 winter preview, cottage grove, sports, nordic, woodbury, preps, dragons