Norge Crowns 2009 King of Hill Kyle Kessler

Kyle Kessler , Norge Ski Club 2009 King of the Hill

Kyle Kessler took the crown as Norge Ski Club's 2009 King of the Hill in a close and thrilling competition.

Our gratitude goes out to all who attended Norge Ski Club’s 5th Annual King of the Hill Tournament. Norge received a full pick-up bed of food from a generous community which has been donated to the Cary Grove-Food Pantry. This event featured a field of thirteen ski jumpers from across the Midwest who provided a great show for spectators.

The competition consisted of three rounds; each round being composed of two jumps. The points from each round were totaled to obtain the athletes’ total score. It was a close battle after the first round as Connor Jacobsen sat third and Kevin Bickner edged out Kyle Kessler and the others to become temporary reigning King of the Hill. As such, he was able to sit-out the second round to watch the other skiers battle it out. Kevin had to go back up for the third round as Kyle beat everyone out on his two second-round jumps. Kyle was able to watch from his throne as Kevin Bickner and Nick Schott fell short on their two remaining 3rd round jumps. Kyle Kessler was awarded the title of King of the Hill 2009 after three exciting rounds of action.

At the end of a very exciting competition, Spectators and some Norge members regaled the audience with their version of rock favorites as a Karaoke contest took place near the outrun. Many stayed until the fire died as Idol wanabee’s sang and danced the night away. Thanks to the many hardworking Norge Ski Club volunteers that made this fundraising event possible and the ski jumpers whose performance helped make the evening a stunning success!

See more photos of today's event at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/cjghjg/NorgeKingOfTheHillJune2009#Thanks Chris!

A great time was had by all.

Karl Eid K64 Ski Jump, Anchorage, Alaska

March 4-7, 2009

"Special" is the first word that comes to mind when reflecting upon last week's junior olympic events, held in Anchorage, Alaska. From the Opening Ceremonies where Mt. McKinley was clearly visible from 200 miles away, to the exciting cross-country races and jumping that concluded the week, it was a breathtaking and exciting week every step of the way.

Highlights from the Central jumpers and nordic combiners were wonderful events to be involved in. The Central Division exhibited camaraderie and sportsmanship that made every parent proud; from moments of shared sadness to high-fives and hugs.

Connor Jacobsen

The competitors from Central Division are proud to announce the special jumping, gold medal winner and other Central finishers ~

1. Christian Friberg
6. Brian Wallace
9. A.J. Brown
11. Connor Jacobsen
12. Kevin Bickner
13. Tyler Hutchins
14. James Cady
15. Andre Denney
19. Tyler Baran
22. Casey Larson
2 7. Nick Mattoon
29. Trevor Edlund 3
32. Somer Schrock

Many Central skiers went out of their way to support our nordic combiners and some last minute athletes joined in the sprint race, many on borrowed or rented skis, thanks to AMH out of Anchorage.

Competitors:
Christian Friberg, Tyler Hutchins, Andre Denney, Somer Schrock, Kevin Bickner, Brian Wallace, James Cady, Tyler Baran, Casey Larson, Nick Mattoon, and Trevor Edlund.

Team Jumping Competition produced second-place, silver medal winners ~ with a trip to the podium each receiving a medal.
2. Christian Friberg
2. Brian Wallace
2. AJ Brown
2. Connor Jacobsen
Central Team 2 missed bronze by one point, placing fourth over all in the team comp. We are very proud to announce:
4. Andre Denney
4. James Cady
4. Kevin Bickner
4. Tyler Hutchins

In 8th place we are happy to announce:
8. Trevor Edlund
8. Nick Mattoon
8. Casey Larson
8. Tyler Baran

Long-standing Jumping Competition was a nail-biting fight to the finish, with the field of jumpers being cut in 1/2 to 16, then 8, then 4 and finally 2 jumpers.

In the field of 8 jumpers our four silver medal winners walked back up the stairs for another round, producing two final jumpers; Brian and Christian!! The first jump came out to a tie; both 69 meters!! After a huge hug between the two, they marched back up to compete once more ~ to give us the final gold medal, long distance jumper and second place finisher, both from St. Paul!
1. Brian Wallace
2. Christian Friberg
4. AJ Brown
7. Connor Jacobsen

Norge's own Michael Glasder was the top American finisher placing 14th in the FIS Junior Ski Jumping World Championships Individual HS100 competition held February 5th, 2009 in Strbske Pleso, Slovakia. Both his jumps were 90.5 meters with a total of 228 points. Anders Johnson of the NSF ski club placed 16th.

Michael Glasder		Anders Johnson

For complete results visit:
http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/610.html?sector=JP&raceid=2779

In the Team HS100 event, Michael led the United States team to 10th place with a total of 401.5 points. Michael led the team with a jump of 93.5 meters. Anders Johnson jumped 89.0, Christopher Lamb 83.5, and Nicholas Fairall jumped 74.0 meters.

For complete results visit:
http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/610.html?sector=JP&raceid=2777

The FIS Junior Ski Jumping World Championships 2009 (JWSC) is a ski jumping World Championship for juniors (age 15-20). It took place in Strbske Pleso, Slovakia, from February 2 until February 8, 2009. The competition took place on Strbske Pleso's MS 1970 B-hill which has a hill size of 100 meters, and the k-point at 90 meters. The hill record as of February 7, 2009, was 101.5 meters and held by Russian Roman Trofimov in 2008.

Strbske Pleso's MS 1970 B-hill

Congratulations to Norge's 2009 Junior Olympians!
AJ Brown, Connor Jacobsen, Casey Larson and Kevin Bickner

AJ Brown, Conner Jacobson (Back Row)
Casey Larson and Kevin Bickner (Front Row)

The Central Ski Jumping Division has named it's 2009 Junior Olympics Team which will include these four Norge Jumpers who qualified! The Junior Olympics will be held in Anchorage Alaska during the first week of March.

Good luck to our Norge Jumpers!