News & Stories

Junior Loppet Fall Update

The three Junior Loppet Teams are headed full-steam into winter! Having trained through the FAST KIDS Adventure Run Series and Loppet Games, the kids worked hard this fall to fine-tune their trail running skills, enjoyed hitting up the mountain bike trails around Wirth and have been increasing their doses of rollerskiing to prepare for their favorite season!

Franklin Middle School is brand-new this year, and channeling kids from Nellie Stone Johnson, Lucy Laney and Bethune elementary schools, all of whom have Minne-Loppet programs, and is overall a larger school than the former Nellie Stone Johnson (NSJ) middle school. Coach Jon Miller has transitioned over to Franklin, along with a number of NSJ athletes. We look forward to seeing their leadership and momentum push out a strong team this season. We also welcome Coach Sandra as a new female leader on the team!

The Anwatin Ski Team is reshuffling as well after losing a number of 8th graders last year and thrilled with all of the terrific new athletes we’re seeing join us. We are seeing a lot of help and direction from this year’s 8th grade captains, a new concept for the team. Anwatin did particularly well in the Hoigaard’s Challenge this year, with 8 kids completing all four Loppet events. They had several podiums in the Adventure Run Series overall standings as well. We’ve had the opportunity to venture out to Elm Creek for some rollerskiing and mountain biking, and Hyland Park for some trail running, hiking, and naturally, high-intensity and serious playground games.

Northeast is closing in on back to full strength with full-time head coach Dave Mott in place, and a number of returning athletes, as well as some new recruits. Coach Mott is getting to know the area, with trips to Wirth, parks around Northeast Minneapolis and recently discovering the new Silverwood Park not too far away. The Northeast team is still sort of the “new kid on the block,” forgive the expression, but we try not to play too many pranks on them. They are growing quickly, having a good time doing it, and we look forward to seeing them on snow any day now!

Look for our Junior Loppet teams on the Wirth trails this winter, but particularly at the Rossignol Junior Loppet and Midwest Junior Championships and Festival.