VINTAGE VIEWFINDER ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

*Athletes chosen by press staff

Jacob Kensy Lily Ward

Forest Lake Boys Nordic Ski Stillwater Girls Nordic Ski

Jacob Kensy, Forest Lake junior Nordic ski co-captain, was a standout at the prestigious Mesabi East Invitational, placing sixth among 140 entrants, on Jan. 7 in Biwabik. His time was 15:36. Kensy has been on varsity since eighth grade and placed 31st in the state meet last year as a sophomore. Coach Ben Fick describes Kensy as having a quiet personality but “the demeanor of a King Cobra” while competing and an excellent team leader. Kensy has placed first in all three conference meets this year. He placed fifth in a freestyle sprint race for U18/U20 at a junior national race in Houghton, Michigan, with his club team.

Evelyn Hudrlik

Lily Ward, Stillwater senior Nordic ski captain, placed third of 140 classic race entrants in the prestigious Mesabi East Invitational on Jan. 7 at Biwabik with a time of 17:26.9. She moved from 11th place in 20:12 last season. At state last year, she placed 22nd to earn all-state status. Truly a rugged outdoorswoman, Ward led the Stillwater mountain biking club team in the fall and placed second in the state meet at Chisholm. She is also a talented harpist in the school’s top orchestra. “Lily’s summer training and fall mountain biking have given her the strength and fitness to compete at a top level. Her technique is among the best I have seen in both freestyle and classical,” coach Torry Kraftson. He added, “She comes to practice every day with a smile and a positive attitude that sets a great tone for the rest of the team.”

Forest Lake Girls Nordic Ski Stillwater Boys Swimming

Evelyn Hudrlik had a great first two weeks of the New Year. The Forest Lake senior Nordic ski co-captain placed 10th in freestyle among 140 entrants in the prestigious Mesabi East Invitational with a time of 17:13 on Jan. 7 in Biwabik. Also a biathlon athlete (which combines skiing and shooting), Hudrlik was named on Jan. 2 as one of eight newcomers to the 25-member Team USA after tryouts in Anchorage, Alaska. She’ll be an alternate for the national team that will have meets in Lake Placid and four in Europe. She placed 28th at state last year to help the Rangers place third and 32nd as a sophomore on a state champion team. “Evelyn is a great captain and teammate,” said Ranger coach Ben Fick. “She is very supportive. The other girls look to her for motivation, and she leads by example, with discipline.”

Jaden Petersen, Stillwater senior swimmer, is one of the top scorers and a recognized leader on a team that continues to dominate their conference and section. “Jaden has been a consistent performer his entire career,” coach Brian Luke said. “His leadership as a captain is exceptional. He has been a positive influence and an ardent competitor. This season he is posting lifetime bests.” The 5-foot-11 senior had an excellent day in the Maroon and Gold Invitational on Jan. 7, placing second in the 200 individual medley (1:58.34) and third in the 100 freestyle (48.43). He also led off second- and third-place relay finishes. In the two most recent dual meets, the versatile aquanaut won butterfly and breaststroke against Cretin-Derham Hall, won the 500 and took second in the IM against Woodbury.

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