From March 10 to 14, the Men’s and Women’s Nordic Ski Teams took on their last skis of the season. Women’s Nordic secured its fifth consecutive United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) team title. The men’s team followed closely behind Paul Smith’s College, securing a second place finish.
Individually, Women’s Nordic held four of the top-five finishers in the individual combined standings. Amae Kam-Magruder ’27 finished in second, followed by Liesl Cope-Schaeffer ’28 and Lily Ward ’27. Men’s Nordic took home two individual top-ten finishes, with Paavo Rova ’28 finishing in second place and Daniel Gladkov ’28 in ninth.
Members of the St. Olaf Nordic Ski teams are satisfied with the results of their hard work. In an interview with The Olaf Messenger, Rova emphasized that even though there is an individualistic aspect to Nordic, the team pushes them to do well. Rova has had a unique skiing journey, starting when he was a child, since his parents and his sister both ski. He loves being outside in the winter, and Nordic skiing allows him to stay active and explore nature.
Ward also expressed how wonderful the Nordic community is.
In an interview with The Olaf Messenger, she said spirit is the special thread that weaves Nordic Oles together: “We focus on dedication to the sport, but also fun, silliness, [and] kindness … I think that truly strengthens how we perform and succeed.”
When asked about the balance between academics and their rigorous training, they both expressed that it is a challenge. Practice involves driving an hour to the ski slopes in addition to the two-hour practices, and when the team gets back, it is already well into the evening. “It’s hard, harder every year as my classes get more challenging, but everyone is [on top of it] when it comes to their education. The balance sounds daunting, but we all go to the library and study together, and it really helps to know that everyone’s in this together,” Ward said. Rova agreed that free time is fleeting, and an uncommon luxury.
Rova also spoke about representing St. Olaf at Nationals for the second time. “I think one fun thing about representing St. Olaf is that it is founded in Norwegian heritage, and Norway is the center of Nordic in the world,” Rova said. “I think bringing that heritage is a unique aspect of our team.”
The future is bright for both teams, and they have hopes to achieve even loftier goals. Although the snow has melted, the hard work will not stop. After two weeks of recovery, the teams will return to training.
Ward said that she wants to maintain her strength in the spring and summer, and “maybe even qualify for the [National Collegiate Athletic Association] (NCAA), or at least get closer [to qualifying].” The teams are in high spirits, with strong dedication to their individual efforts and training, while still keeping the heart of the teams central. Their dedication to each other is the catalyst for the future of Nordic at St. Olaf.
