Prep Athletes of the Week: Mounds Park Academy’s Eddie Snider dominates country’s largest high school Nordic skiing race

Mounds Park Academy • Nordic skiing

The Mesabi East Invite at Giant’s Ridge is prime testing ground for Nordic skiing’s state title hopefuls, since it is held at the same course as February’s state meet.

Eddie Snider was easy to spot among the 800-plus racers who give the Mesabi East Invite the label of nation’s biggest high school Nordic competition, and not just because of his bright pink Mounds Park Academy headband. The Panthers senior was nearly a minute ahead of the closest skier.

Snider won the boys freestyle race in a time of 11 minutes, 6.8 seconds, 52 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher, Blake freshman Jack Rudolph. The three other varsity races — boys classic and girls freestyle and classic — were each decided by less than seven seconds.

“A person of few words,” Snider leads his team with his work ethic and sportsmanship, assistant coach Ellie Quam said. As a senior captain, he waxes skis for his middle school teammates and “has helped create an environment where every teammate is welcomed.”

“I know firsthand Eddie Snider is a truly one-of-a-kind athlete and person,” Quam said.

After placing fifth at last year’s state meet, Snider is a top contender this year and hopes to add a ski state title to go alongside his Class 1A state cross-country championship from 2023.

After graduating, Snider will run and ski at Michigan Tech, joining his older brother, Henry — the state Nordic champion in 2020.

“Eddie shows up to practice every day ready to give his all,“ said coach Chrissy Snider, Eddie’s mother. “Eddie skis (and runs) with confidence. His attitude is infectious as he instills confidence in his teammates.”

East Ridge • gymnastics

This winter, Schwellenbach’s name has been popping up all over the Raptors’ gymnastics record books. In East Ridge’s 141.15-139.825 victory over White Bear Lake, the junior captain won all four events and broke the school record in the all-around (38.75). She also tied the school record on floor (9.775) and has tied the school record on bar (9.7). “Laney is a huge asset to our team for so many more reasons than her high skill level,“ coach Caroline Urgo said. ”She takes such good care of her teammates, especially the new and younger middle school girls. She makes them feel comfortable and special at practices.”

Apple Valley • basketball

A 6-5 junior guard, Young averaged 21.7 points per game in Apple Valley’s three wins last week. He shot 58.3% in the Eagles’ 71-68 victory over No. 4 Prior Lake, which vaulted Apple Valley (11-1) from unranked to No. 14 in The Minnesota Top 25. “He contributes not only through his skills in scoring and defense but also by inspiring teamwork and morale,” assistant coach Charles Hallman said. “His ability to make the right plays and communicate effectively boosts the overall performance of the team.”

Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial • wrestling

Slater has been in the Knights’ varsity wrestling lineup since seventh grade, and Tuesday he recorded his 100th pin at a home quad meet. Now the No. 1-ranked wrestler in the 189-pound class, Slater was state runner-up last season and has a career record of 167-51, 27-2 this winter. “Nick has grown into being one of the best wrestlers in his weight class across the state,” coach Nate Meixell said. “We oftentimes rely on him to win by bonus points in our dual tournaments to secure a team win.”

New Prague • basketball

Boulanger’s recent scoring spree gives her a shot at becoming New Prague’s all-time leading scorer. The 5-11 senior forward, who will play basketball at Wartburg in Iowa next year, strung together 30- and 31-point performances in recent victories over Rochester Century and Waconia. She netted another 31-point game in Saturday’s win over Park Center. She’s averaging 22.6 points per game for the Trojans (11-3). “Katie is one of those young women who is a tremendous athlete but an even better person,” coach Jeremy Biermaier said. “She always looks for ways to get better and asks great questions.”

Proctor • basketball

The 5-9 junior guard is among the top three-point shooters in the state, netting 59 so far this season on 43% shooting. She scored 27 points, shooting 5-for-7 on threes, in the Rails’ 89-31 victory over Hibbing last Tuesday. A three-year starter, Carlson averages 18.6 points per game and has helped Proctor climb to first in the Lake Superior Conference with a 16-1 record. “She is charged with a tough defensive assignment each and every night and has been our top scorer during a majority of our games,” coach Matt Solberg said. “Her ability to make outside shots has opened the floor for her teammates to have open shots.”

Prior Lake • swimming

Kosin, committed to the Gophers, won all four of his events and set a school record in the 50 freestyle (20.95 seconds) at the Class 2A Section 2 True Team meet. The senior followed up that performance at Saturday’s Class 2A True Team state meet, winning the 500 free (4:31.86), finishing second in the 50 free (20.98) and leading off the Lakers’ winning 200 medley relay. “This year, Ethan has been an anchor of our success and continues to demand excellence of himself, his coaches and his teammates,” coach Joseph Bollinger said. “I’ve had a great time watching him embrace his role as a captain and encourage and support his teammates.”