By Jennifer Herber

State meets create moments of triumph and heartbreak by nature and this year’s MSHSL State Alpine meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, MN was no different for the Hastings Raiders Alpine Team.

For the girls, 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 Hastings Boys team finished in eighth place overall. 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 said of the individual girls’ qualifiers, “Abbi and Kate skied well and gained valuable experience which will serve them well in life’s big moments.”

“It was a tough day for the boys; they gave it all they had and I applaud their effort and attitude,” added Gergen regarding the boys.

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.

In spite of the tough end to the Hastings Raiders Alpine season, no one can deny the true talent and grit this first-place section team demonstrated all season.

In the words of Olympian Breezy Johnson, “Winning is about putting your heart into something that might not go your way. It’s about giving it your all even though circumstances might not allow you to win in the end. It’s about the fight!”

Next year is a new year and a chance for Hastings Alpine Boys and Girls to flex their collective muscle once again. Go Raiders!

Girls State meet participants L-R Kate Nowak, Abbigail Pelava.Photo by Tricia Pelava