![Anders Sonnesyn, a senior at Wayzata High School, is the boys' Nordic skiing Athlete of the Year. ] JEFF WHEELER ï jeff.wheeler@startribune.com The Star Tribune's winter sports athletes of the year, photographed in the studio Sunday afternoon, March 25, 2018.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DOIW2S4HO66VWZ5H4FABVXFXRM.jpg?&w=1080)
A bit longer Nordic skiing course at Giants Ridge and Anders Sonnesyn might have become Wayzata's first individual state champion.
The senior received a fine parting gift, however, as the top finisher on the first Trojans' team to win a state title.
"All you can ask is that you did your best," he said. "And the best thing is that the team won."
The Star Tribune's inaugural Metro Boys' Nordic Skier of the Year kept team success at the forefront all season.
He and fellow senior Luc Golin provided a powerful combination. The emergence of sophomore James Schneider gave Wayzata three skiers among the top five at state. Golin was fourth last year, one spot ahead of Sonnesyn.
"Me and Luc go back and forth quite a bit," Sonnesyn said. "I think us pushing each other to get better fueled our team."
They both closed hard on Grand Rapids junior Garrett Beckrich, whose freestyle result provided just enough cushion to withstand Wayzata's duo in the classic race. They got within 30 feet but couldn't catch Beckrich.
"When he went ahead, me and Luc sprinted to the finish," Sonnesyn said. "That was our competitiveness kicking in."
