This year, two of BSM’s alpine skiers have qualified for the State Meet at Giants Ridge Recreation Area in Biwabik, MN, on Wednesday, February 15.

Freshman Alpine ski star Abigail Swanson is one of the two qualifiers competing in the upcoming State Meet. A skier since she was 18 months old, Swanson has been working hard throughout the season to qualify for State. “I practice every day for at least two hours, and do dry land in the morning before school from 4:45-5:30, so I’m always working hard to get better,” Swanson said.

Last year, as an eighth-grader, Swanson qualified towards the back of the pack but didn’t have high hopes going into State. “The last two years have been more growing years and learning skills. This year I’ve been able to improve a lot and want to showcase that,” Swanson said. She hopes that each year she can keep improving and getting more comfortable in the State environment. “I don’t worry about it, I just do my best,” Swanson said.

Senior Matthew Tucker also qualified for the State Meet this season. Last year, Tucker was three places away from qualifying, so for him, there is a different level of excitement. “I’m super excited to go to State. Sections went pretty well–I skied conservatively and didn’t fall, so it was great that I qualified,” Tucker said.

In terms of qualifying for State, the top two guys’ and top two girls’ teams from the Section Meet both qualify. Next, the top 10 individuals (with the qualifying team members included) and then the next top 5 individuals also qualify once the qualifying teams are excluded.

Even with difficult qualifications, the atmosphere at State is super fun. “Whenever team members qualify, all the seniors go up for State to cheer us on. The people there are super competitive, so I’m just going to work hard and have a good time,” Tucker said.

There will be two State races on Wednesday: a morning run and an afternoon run.