February 24, 2022 at 9:51 a.m.
Hodag skiers recall the fun at year-end banquet
Hodag skiers recall the fun at year-end banquet
"Our motive was always very clear. Our motive was to have fun in the snow outside, with kids. I think we've achieved that," she said. "I didn't hear one single comment about how someone skied at a race this season. We focused on life skills and friendship and fun. We still were successful, but that's not our focus, and I really applaud that."
As such, the team's awards were more low-key. Seven members of the squad earned varsity letters, either by being on the competition squad or through achievements in competition this season. Several others were honored with awards recognizing positive personality traits and the team reflected on the camaraderie it had this season.
"This year, hands down, is the best ski year I've had," senior co-captain Liana Teter said. "This is just a great group of people this year and we all get along. I feel like we're all just great friends."
Both Liana Teter and fellow senior captain Anna Wood were recognized as four-time Nordic skiing letter winners. Teter had Rhinelander's best performances at state each of the last three years -Â including a 37th-place overall finish in this year's event. Wood, recovering from a mid-season illness, finished 49th.
"It's been wonderful to watch you through these last four years and see what you've set your mind to do, and then just go do it," Reis said to Teter at the banquet. "You've been able to pull off a lot. She's been in a lot of extra-curriculars with drama and with NHS (National Honor Society). She's done an amazing job leading our team alongside of Anna Wood this year as senior captains.
"When I think about someone who's been just as steady as she goes, Anna is the person I think of, just always there when you need her, always putting her best foot forward, always skiing to her best ability. She's finished what she's started every time. She was one of our leaders this summer in terms of hours on roller skis. I would just like to say it's been a pleasure having you on the team and getting to coach you."
Senior Callie Threlkeld and junior Travis White both eared their third varsity letters. Senior Gavin Hackbarth and junior Olivia Gillen earned their second letters. Freshman Brynn Teter also earned a varsity letter. Though she was on the team's developmental squad, she partnered with her older sister, Liana, to podium in the JV team event at the WNSL State sprints and was Rhinelander's third finisher at the WNSL State Pursuit, placing 58th.
"Sometimes, as a head coach, I have the prerogative to make a call, even if it's not written in stone," Reis explained. "This year, I had a freshman skier who skied devo, which is developmental. So it's not the competition team and she said, 'I'm going to ski devo, but I'm going to do all the things (the comp team did).' She skied all the roller ski hours and then some with coaches. She went to all the competitions. She earned our girls' team points in at least six of those competition and, at one of them, we were able to win our first girls' team first-place (at the season-opening ABR Invite). I have chosen to letter Brynn because of what her contributions have been to the high school team this year."
Freshman Evelyn Simonsen was named the team's most improved skier. Senior Hannah Rumney got the team player award and junior Juliana Smith was presented the most unflappable award. Sophomore Maria Hubler got an award for her positive attitude, sophomore Charlie Loomis earned the big brother award and freshman Luna Grage received the team's courage award.
The Northwoods Nordic Ski Club recognized Reis for her eight years of service as the Hodags' high school varsity coach. Reis and a number of other individuals helped step in to resurrect the program in 2014 after participation numbers dwindled to critically low numbers.
"It's been a great run. Eight years, I can't believe it's been that long," Reis said before being stopped by a round of applause.
Reis thanked numerous people, including long-time assistant Jim Wood, wax technician Mark Lehman and several other coaches, parents and volunteers for helping the team over the last eight seasons.
"It's such a community of people who pulled this all off," she added.
Reis previously stated that she's stepping away to aid her daughter, freshman Emma Mankus, in her pursuits within the adaptive ski community. Reis reiterated that message during last Thursday's banquet.
"There's a whole world out there for kids who have adaptive needs and we need to push that," she said. "That's one of the reasons I'm stepping aside. I want to see, with Emma and (my husband) Ralph, where this is all going to go for her, and get opportunities we didn't know existed before this season. That's exciting."
While the Hodags will have a new head coach next year, and will replace five seniors, Reis said she hopes the team's mantra will remain the same.
"Results are secondary because the journey is more important, always," she said. "Having fun in the snow is really what it's all about. Never forget that."
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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