Almost fit enough for a bumper sticker, the thought, “If we don’t know where we are going, how will we ever know if we get there?” gives us plenty to chew on. There is a great wealth of merit in identifying position and charting a course, setting goals, making plans. This acknowledgement of the present allows us to move forward into the future with more grace and confidence.

One particular skier on the Marshall Nordic team brings that focus to practice daily. She is not afraid to identify where she is and set goals. Importantly, this is not a process she keeps to herself. It is not always easy to be transparent, to let others in on goals and dreams, because of the alleged vulnerability that accompanies letting people know our plans, for fear we might not fulfill them. Fear does not hold Carolyn Lucca back. Throughout the season she has approached her practices and races with particular and thoughtful goals in mind. She is always a gal on a mission and boy, has that focus paid off! She continues to head straight for success!!! SKI ON, CAROLYN!!!

It has been noted throughout time that passion procures promise. With passion comes a sense of deep commitment and understanding. It is the one common thread that weaves its way through the diverse collection of triumphs in all history. Passion goes beyond interest or involvement, it becomes a way of being. It is easier to catch glimpses of it in our daily lives, and rare to see it in its fullest form.

This year we are fortunate to have the essence of passion embodied in one of our very own Nordic teammates. For this skier, ski season is not bound by any dates on a calendar, practice is not confined to a few hours after school, but rather it is a philosophy, a way of life and her passion is contagious. It is hard for her teammates not to want to focus more or push harder when they see her focus on the trail, in the commons during stretching, or in the way she conducts herself at meets. Speaking on the very topic of passion, philosopher Jim Garrison once said, “We become what we love.” And that spirit of Nordic skiing is fully embodied in our own Sarah Johnson.

- Napoleon Hill 

Life perpetually presents us with choices; within these offers are the comforts of ease and the struggle of challenge. There are nooks where we can retreat safely, harbored from any storm that may come our way, and open planes where the winds of change may come and blow us whichever direction it deems right. One thing we know is that without some vulnerability it is difficult for us to grow. This week’s winner of the Marshall Nordic Bell is someone who is smart about the decisions he makes and is continually willing to place himself in a challenging position for the sake of growth. This past week in Ely, he willingly skied up to the start line of the varsity race, although it was his first race of the season and he was likely much younger than the other participants. He could have easily requested to race in a different slot, or skied casually so as to have an excuse for whatever time the clock registered. Instead, this skier gave the race his all from start to finish. And when he was done, he took only a few minutes to recover physically and emotionally for a rigorous race, and was back outside to cheer on his teammates. Not only does this week’s recipient welcome a challenge, but he inspires his teammates to do the same. 

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Hogwarts Head Master, Albus Dumbledore, shares similar wisdom with Harry, “Dark and difficult times lie ahead, Harry. We must now make the choice between what is right and what is easy.” In the classroom, on the race course, and with his friends and family, we perpetually see Josef opt for what is right over what is easy. And he, and all of us, are the better for it!  

 Thank you for ringing loudly enough for all of us to hear you, Josef! Ring on!

The season of snow has finally fallen upon us! The ushering in of the winter winds brings us the promise of a new Nordic season, the opportunity to spend time with friends and family, all the while setting the stage for the listening, telling, and making of stories destined to last quite some time.

In 1985, Chris VanAllsburg shared the story of The Polar Express with the world for the first time. Annual retellings and cinematic portrayals have endeared the tale to many hearts, which is fitting, for the heart is the very point of the story. Symbolized by a bell in this tale, is the power of belief. Marshall Nordic recognizes that power in belief as well – belief in spirit, team, dedication, integrity, fun, compassion, and above all, self.

Those who have competed in endurance sports such as running, in-line skating, or skiing, are likely to have been cheered on at some point by the persistent clang of the cowbell. That bell’s goal rings the same as the aforementioned – to both recognize and spark spirit.

In the honor of these very bells and the spirit that they encompass, we are excited to announce the Marshall Nordic Bell Award. This award is to be handed out weekly to skiers who demonstrate the power of belief, be it in practice, on the course, and in their daily lives.

Our first recipient consistently goes above and beyond to share both his knowledge and spirit with his teammates. Each day this skier arrives at practice mentally and physically ready. His teammates are always greeted by him with a smile and by name, regardless of what grade level they are in. On Fridays, he can be found helping the junior high ski team. He is truly the embodiment of the power spirit. We are pleased to award the inaugural bell to Thomas!!!!

Ring on, Thomas, ring on!