By Bruce Karnick

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The Alpine season flies by quickly and for the Hastings Raiders, that is ok. This season, Hastings finished as the number one boys team in the section and two Raider ladies qualified for state. That meant nine Raiders made it to the state meet at Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik. The boys made it to state as a team and they finished in eighth.

Individually, Two-time state meet competitor and individual qualifier sophomore Abbigail Pelava completed two successful runs and finished in 32nd place, while first-time individual qualifier seventh grader Kate Nowak finished in 44th.

The top finisher for the boys was two-time state competitor Cole Caturia who completed two successful runs and finished 26th, just one spot outside of All-State Honorable Mention status. Despite a valiant effort to finish his first run, two-time state competitor sophomore Jackson Reents tangled with some gates at the bottom of the hill and was unable to complete his run. Four-time state competitor junior Aaron Herber skied a successful first run, but fell in his second run, and despite a quick hike back around the gates was unable to make up enough time to stay competitive. First-time state competitor junior Zach Rother was able to put together two successful runs and finished in 50th, and two-time state competitor Caleb Kimmes finished his first run with a fantastic time but fell in his second run on the pitch in a challenging course location. First-time state competitor Gavin Molitor also struggled but finished both runs.

Coach Gergen says of the individual girls’ qualifiers, “Abbi and Kate skied well and gained valuable experience which will serve them well in life’s big moments.”

Gergen on the boys’ team, “It was a tough day for the boys; they gave it all they had and I applaud their effort and attitude.” The Hastings Boys Alpine Team graduates three seniors this year: two-time state competitor senior captain Charlie Millholin and senior captain Caleb Kimmes, as well as senior Joe Peine.

Throughout the regular season, Hastings had strong showings in all their meets including several first place team finishes.

The Hastings Boys Alpine Team graduates three seniors this year: two-time state competitor senior captain Charlie Millholin and senior captain Caleb Kimmes, as well as senior Joe Peine.

Photo courtesy of Beck Photography/ dennyb.zenfolio.com.