Prep athletes of the week: Kennedy Nordic skier aims high at state

Owing to Minnesota's reputation as a hotbed for cross-country skiers, high school Nordic skiing often takes a back seat to regional, national and even international competitions.

For Mische-Richter, however, nothing is bigger than this week's Nordic ski racing state meet in Biwabik. The senior qualified for the state meet for the third consecutive year by dominating the field in the Section 3 championships at Theodore Wirth Park. He posted a pursuit time of 31 minutes, 51 seconds, nearly two minutes ahead of runner-up Tyler Radtke of Minnehaha Academy.

"This is pretty big," Mische-Richter said. "Growing up with two older siblings who were never able to accomplish this, just getting this chance is a dream."

After finishing 50th in the state meet as a sophomore, he jumped to fifth last year, giving him hope that this year he could move up even further.

"After going from 50th to fifth, I think I have a great chance this year," he said.

Mische-Richter, the third-ranked high school skier in Minn­esota, said the key to his success has been his innate ability to relax and enjoy himself: "I'm not one to get nervous before a race. I just want to go out and have fun in my last state tournament."

In the Class 2A, Section 3 playoffs, the freshman had her first career hat trick in a 6-1 victory over Woodbury and followed with two goals and an assist in a 6-1 victory over East Ridge. Anderson leads the Wildcats with 22 goals.

PETER KIESEL

The senior won the Section 5 meet at Afton Alps on Thursday. He was the only skier to post a combined time under one minute (59.74). His first run of 30.08 seconds was the second-best of the day, topped only by his second run of 29.66.

The senior forward put on a show on Senior Night at Centennial, scoring all three goals in a 3-2 victory over Armstrong/Cooper. He also had two goals and an assist in a 6-0 victory over Coon Rapids, giving him 11 points in his past four games.

The sophomore had a goal and two assists in a 4-2 victory over Apple Valley and had a season-high four goals and added two assists in a 7-1 victory over Hastings, leading the Lightning to the Class 2A, Section 3 final.

The junior forward averaged 25 points and 17 rebounds in three Wolves victories. In a 77-62 victory over St. Croix Prep, he scored 34 points and grabbed 18 boards.