Wow! I cannot imagine a more awesome result than the Ely nordic ski team's victories at the state tournament in Biwabik. Congratulations to the boys and girls teams with their wins at the highest level of competition in our state. Congratulations to Paula Anderson for her leadership and recognition as Coach of the Year. Congratulations also goes out to the community that so faithfully supports our young skiers. The parents who endured after school practices, The volunteers who strapped on their own skis at MYSL events to encourage our future heroes, The coaches who carried training into the hectic summer months where they and the young athletes balanced summer jobs and conditioning to reach towards a common goal so far into the next winter. The balance and cohesive nature that is apparent in our ski program is inspiring on so many levels. The victories at the state tournament did not come through the effort of one or two star athletes but through the steady effort and determination of the entire team, for I consider the Boys and Girls teams to be a unit of one. You have all worked together with fierce allegiance to achieve a remarkable goal. You are all my Heroes and I cannot imagine feeling more pride than what is bursting out from my heart at this time and I will carry that pride forward into your bright futures. Thank you for all that you have given to me. All my very best, Brent Spink