This year Park wasn’t supposed to advance to the state meet and was ranked fourth in State and in one of the most competitive sections. However the boys’ surprised the competition according to sophomore Jackson Eilers, by placing in second during the State meet Feb. 13.

“We were ranked third and fourth for the entire season so it was nice to show some people what we have to offer,” Eilers said.

The team was lead by junior captain Sean Cork, who placed in sixth out of 117 skiers. He was followed by senior captain Nick Sokolowski who placed 34th, junior captain Liam Schmelzle in 47th and sophomore Jackson Sokolowski in 64th.

With eight teams competing in the race, Forest Lake was able to win with over a 20 point lead compared to the other teams. After the dominating performance by Forest Lake, head coach Doug Peterson believed that it was a race for second and third place.

“Forest Lake won by a large margin,” Peterson said. “We were able to beat Duluth East by one point in order to win second.”

Despite not winning the race, junior Sam Olson said the team is very happy with how things turned out.

“We weren’t even predicted to make it to State,” Olson said. “I expected us to do well but not necessarily second place in the State.”

With the success of the team this season and only one graduating varsity member, the team is looking forward to next year, Peterson said he thinks the team will be even more capable at taking first at State.

“We’re not just looking at winning the section, we’re focused on winning the State meet,” Peterson said. “ We’re only losing one senior this year so the team is in a good place right now.”