Hastings Alpine skiers Abbi Pelava, Jackson Reents, and Aaron Herber competed as part of the first-ever Team Minnesota at the Western High School Nationals Championship races at Mount Hood Ski Bowl in Oregon on March 10 and 11, 2023 and placed second for the girls Team Minnesota, second for boys team Minnesota, and second in boys and girls teams combined! As individuals, Junior Jackson Reents placed second in the slalom race and third in the giant slalom race. Senior Aaron Herber placed seventh in slalom and 24th overall in giant slalom. Junior Abbi Pelava gave it her all and finished 29th for slalom. Skiers competed against a field of 70 of the best high school racers in the western United States.

Mount Hood in Oregon is in the midst of an incredibly snowy winter and this weekend proved no different with about a foot of fresh powder falling before and during each skier's runs. Minnesota skiers are used to skiing on icy slopes, but racing in loose powder presented a particular challenge for them. Aaron Herber spoke of his experience, “This was the toughest course of my life. It was snowing like crazy and the course was full of ruts. It took everything in me to hang on and get down the mountain. I am really happy with my seventh-place finish! This experience with my Hastings teammates and my Minnesota teammates is something I will remember forever.”

Said Reents of his experience, “I was really happy with second place in slalom considering I made a sizable mistake on my second run. I’m also pleased with my third-place finish in giant slalom. The course was incredibly challenging! Being here in such a beautiful location with great friends was an experience I will remember for a long time.”

Said Pelava of her races, “Being at the Western High School Championships was a blast! The conditions were really bumpy, and it was a rough course. The team bonding was amazing. Overall I had an amazing time and it was fun to meet new people and represent Minnesota with two other Hastings teammates.”

This is the first time that the Minnesota State High School League has participated in sending a Team Minnesota to the Western Nationals High School Alpine Championship race. Skiers qualified at their section races in February, and the top 12 skiers in Minnesota were selected to participate. Way to go, Raiders! Hastings is proud of you!