Posted on January 17, 2024

It wasn’t easy, but annual Hinderbinder ski event gets completed

Challenges continued to be thrown at organizers for the annual Forest Springs Hinderbinder Ski Race and while it wasn’t ideal, the event did go on Saturday morning.

A lack of snow prior to the weekend forced changes to the races themselves, which were held on James Lake, rather than the usual ski trails. Then a winter storm blew through Friday, making it tough to keep the new race course in good condition.

“That snowstorm on Friday into Saturday morning made grooming a very difficult task,” said Norm Hoyt, Director of Educational Ministries at Forest Springs. “The wind added more craziness for race preparations as we used James Lake here. The wind kept covering the lake trail.”

Often a highlight on local school ski teams’ schedules, the weather also prevented some of those athletes from making the trip Saturday morning.

But, the show went on and 13 skiers completed the 15K adult freestyle race, which included five 3K laps on the lake and a short stretch on the ski hill. Fourteen high school racers (three laps) and 14 middle school skiers (two laps) also competed.

“It was one of the lowest turnouts ever with just under 50 skiers,” Hoyt said. “I was a bit disappointed but considering how little snow we had and how challenging that storm was, I think we did a great job and those who skied really enjoyed the race.

“The lake perimeter trail provided a consistent ski technique, which is challenging for racers,” Hoyt added. “It’s harder to get a pace going that can last the

15K distance. When we are able to use our normal trails, the terrain helps a skier to modify their pace, but flat is a whole different experience.”

Paul Cigan was this year’s men’s winner in the 15K race at 33:52, while Allison Pierce was the women’s winner in 1:03:28. Jack Lackman (20:59) and Victoria Myers

(24:23) of Wausau were the high school winners and Cade Jensen (18:29) and Elsa Oestreich (17:10) of Wausau were the middle school winners.

Proceeds from the event go toward the Forest Springs Youth Camp Scholarship Fund, which helps kids who may need financial help to attend camps at the facility.

Adult freestyle

Men

1. Paul Cigan, 30-39, 33:52

2. Huba Bodor-Gosztony, 20-29, 35:13

3. Dan Goltz, 50-59, 35:41

4. Joshua Wiczek, 20-29, 41:53

5. Scot Bromann, 60-69, 43:33

6. Eric Koch, 60-69, 46:05

7. Jim Washatka, 60-69, 48:03

8. Jesse Schutt, 40-49, 48:42

9. Pete Norstedt, 30-39, 55:12

10. Scott Everson, 60-69, 58:15

11. Scott Stalheim, 70+, 1:01.53 Women

1. Allison Pierce, 40-49, 1:03:28

2. Tracey Goltz, 40-49, 1:03:34

High school boys

1. Jack Lackman, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

20:59

2. Nick Johnkoski, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

20:59

3. Dakota Myers, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

22:23

4. August Roberts, Snowflake NSL, 29:55

High school girls

1. Victoria Myers, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

24:23

2. Margaret Bennett, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

27:08

3. Hazel Goltz, Snowflake NSL, 28:38

4. Anja Oestreich, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

28:57

5. Lucy Wright, Wausau Nordic United NSL, 29:55

6. Christiana Nordstrom, Wausau Nordic United NSL, 30:07

7. Emily Jahns, Wausau Nordic United NSL, 30:59

8. Sylvia Pierce, Snowflake NSL, 31:28

9. Rowan Ballard, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

33:01

10. Fiona Ballard, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

36:45 Middle school boys

1. Cade Jensen, Wausau Nordic United NSL, 18:29

2. Jimmy Peck, Wausau Nordic United NSL18:29

3. Emmett French, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

19:52

4. Owen Eisele, Wausau Nordic United NSL, 19:53

5. Matthew Rodziewicz, Wausau Nordic United NSL, 22:47

6. Elliot Eisele, Wausau Nordic United NSL, 24:19

7. William Jahns, Wausau Nordic United NSL,

26:40

8. Jack Young, Wausau Nordic United NSL, 26:48

Middle school girls

1. Elsa Oestreich, Wausau Nordic United NSL,