Racing tough field, high winds Miatke still claims first in section Nordic meet

Gusty winds weren’t enough to stop Duluth East’s Oliver Miatke from claiming a Section 7 title Wednesday finishing first in the Nordic freestyle pursuit at Giants Ridge.

"The start was pretty brutal actually, it was kind of hard to feel like you’re moving fast when there’s just all this wind coming towards you," Miatke, a high school junior, explained. "Good competition, I mean each team is really stiff and there’s a lot of other competitors out there too. I mean Section 7 is a really strong section."

Miatke finished the meet with a winning combined time of 32:49 to clinch his second straight state berth. Fellow Greyhound Lily Brown won the girl’s event with a time of 35:53.

The state classic race is Wednesday, with the sprint and pursuit events set for Thursday at Giants Ridge. For the state schedule, click here.