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Thursday, February 15, three seniors and a sophomore represented their Wildcat teammates at the State Alpine Ski Meet.

The four, along with young skiers from around Minnesota, were greeted by a beautiful blue sky and a negative 28 temperature. But, this is the State Ski Meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, not far from famous cold spots Tower and Embarrass.

"The kids had a great showing at state," said Wildcat head coach Dan Raedeke. Dominick Raedeke (35.91 + 33.60 = 1:09.51) finished 12th and Daniel Sandgren (36.43 + 35.02 = 1:11.45) took 17th for the boys. Simone Raedeke (42.65 + 51.57 = 1:34.22) was 19th in the girls' race. "Sarah Bottjen was in third after the first run, but the second run did not go as well. She fell and was not able to finish," Raedeke said.

Michael Ankeny of Blake (32.59 + 31.25 = 1:03.84) won the boys' race and Nikki Larson, Lakeville South (38.23 + 45:45 = 1:23.68) was the fastest finisher among the girls. Duluth East won the girls' team championship and Blake took the boys' title.

"I have been coaching for 10 years and that is the best field of skiers I have seen yet," coach Raedeke added. "All the kids skied hard and fast. It was fun to watch. The three seniors (D. Raedeke, Sandgren and Bottjen) were sad to see it end. They are proud of what they accomplished. Simone as a sophomore was also sad to see it end. She enjoyed skiing with so many great seniors and is looking forward to next year."

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