Girls Nordic capture program's first-ever state title

The Spartans made history this week at the 2026 Minnesota State High School League Nordic Ski Racing State Meet held on February 11-12 at Giants Ridge by claiming the program’s first-ever team state championship. In the individual pursuit competition, finishers included Eleanor Mody '27 (3rd), Paloma Good '27 (6th), Elisabeth Hilton '30 (34th), Sophie Kannapiran '28 (38th), and Isla Kim '28 (81st). 

Reflecting on the race in the Pioneer Press, Mody said the team strategy and camaraderie made the moment even more meaningful. “We knew we’d be chasing for the classic, and for a long time we skied as a pack of four,” Mody said. “Then we spread out a little bit. It was so great racing with some of my best friends, and share that moment with them. It was the first time we’d even come close to winning in my five years on the team, so it’s pretty special.”

Reflecting on the team’s accomplishment, Head Coach Max Lundgren emphasized both the competitiveness of the field and the unity within the Spartans’ program. “It feels surreal to beat Wayzata, Southwest, Duluth, and Stillwater with our small but extremely dedicated group,” he said. “Everyone racing put their soul out on the course for the team.”