And the snow on the hayfields near Ohlson Mountain might have given them a jump on the competition.
During the last two years, late-arriving snow in Homer has dampened the skiers’ ability to practice and set them behind skiers from the central Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage when the season started.
This year, however, Homer received a skiable blanket of snow before Soldotna, Anchorage or even Fairbanks.
“It’s been great,” said new Head Ski Coach Emily Chenel. “Practice (on snow) started around Halloween this year.”
Chenel started her skiing career in high school in Winthrop, Wash., and raced in college at Dartmouth in Hanover, N. H.
She graduated last spring and has spent the past two summers in the Homer area.
Two of her coaches either raced or coached in the Olympics, she said.
That experience is paying dividends in her new coaching gig, she said.
“I try to give the people that are hungry for (competition) what they need, while still making it fun for those just beginning,” she said.
The co-captains of the ski team, junior Erika Klarr and senior Morgan Jones, are especially hungry, Chenel said, and could place in the top 10 at state. But there are a few kids on the team of around 25 athletes that have never skied before.
Assistant Coach Mike Mumms will help Chenel find the balance between hard work and fun this year. The coaching staff also is recording skiers’ stride on videotape to work on technique.
“The summer and fall is when you build endurance,” Chenel said. “A lot of the team is in decent shape.”
Many of this season’s skiers were swimmers or cross country runners in the fall.
The team is working on building strength and power in November and will work on technique throughout the winter, Chenel said.
The switch from racer to coach has been enjoyable so far, said Chenel, who credited the community and parents with making the job fun
“It’s great to be out there and train with the kids,” Chenel said. “I’m thrilled with the support from the community.”
The team is comprised of four boys — the minimum needed to go to state — and more than 20 girls.
Most of the girls have skied together for years, which makes it easier to challenge them, Chenel said.
The first ski race of the season — the Skyview Invite — kicks off Dec. 2.
The first home race is Jan. 20 at McNeil Canyon Elementary School.
This year’s Besh Cup No. 3 and 4 also will be held at McNeil Jan. 21 and 22 and Regions will be held there Feb. 10 and 11.
Ben Stuart can be reached at ben.stuart@homer news.com.
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