News From H.U.R.T. Skiers: 2013 NYSSRA Champs....the Florida Marlins?

From New York to New Hampshire it was a BIG weekend for the HURT nordic skiers. This past weekend saw HURT beat back a tough, determined and very capable group of blood thirsty skiers from Peru to nab their 4th consecutive NYSSRA club championship title. The winning combination of age group winners, diversity in ages, and many dedicated racers could not be undone but the surging evil empire. HURT was able to ski away with 8 titles on the day. Thanks to everyone who skied for the big green machine this winter and racked up club points. Every point was needed!

Season winners were in doubt until Saturdays 20K freestyle and HURT managed to win some big uncontested age categories to win the day. Hats off to Peru for placing a large number of skiers in the top 10 overall. Once again, haunted by a lack of diversity, they were unable to ski away with the banner. DPK, Austin H. and Matt T. did just enough to hold back the great black tide. (Watch out though...they are working on tapping into the 50-70 yr old female metal-head population for next year )

Congrats to all the 2013 NYSSRA Nordic NY State XC Champions:

Overall Men: Tim Donohue (M3M)
Overall Women: Janet Findlay (Peru Nordic - M6F)
Overall Junior Men: Adam Chrzan (HURT Nordic - J2M)
Overall Junior Women: Natalie Howk (J2F)

J1M: Austin Huneck (HURT)
OJM: Brett Schlesier (HURT)
SRM: Jon Santor (Peru Nordic)
SRM: Kirsten Domas (Peru Nordic)
M1M; David Paarlberg-Kvam (HURT)
M2F: Karen Febey
M3M: Matthew Tornianen (HURT)
M4M: Mike Wynn (Peru Nordic)
M5M: Stan Hatch (Peru Nordic)
M5F: Cindy Gretzinger (Syracuse Biathlon)
M6M: Joe Korzenecki (Peru Nordic)
M7M: Ed Luban (HURT)
M8M: Eric Hamilton (HURT)
M9M: Matti Tornianen (HURT)

It was not all champagne and smiles for HURT nation as Director Koziol was informed that big changes could change the landscape of NYSSRA club skiing in 2014. These rumors have already raised questions about HURT's ability to manage a 5th title.

The HRT TMZ team was on hand to capture, spread and stoke the flames of the swirling rumors....

1.) Rumors are swirling the forming of a new NYSSRA club, "Adirondack Vauhti", will steal 3 major HURT points earners as well as stake claim on geographical territory once seen as a HURT stronghold. The loss of Matt Tornianen, Brett Schlesier, Matti Tornianen will subtract major points from HURT's M3, SR, and M9 totals. Eric Brower looks to augment this group and aid in bringing top talent from Mayfield and Johnstown.

2.) Director Koziol's leadership is coming under attack after this round of defections. Is HURT just another Florida Marlins team that is looking to sell of top talent after winning a championship? Does the Director look to bank a large sum from this deal? Is he stashing carbonlites?

3.) Has the Director's inability to get a team to win the relay crown raised doubts about his competency? Will it be his undoing?

4.) Peru nordic may have found the secret to developing top young talent that would score major points in the youth categories previously DOMINATED by HURT nordic. They have employed the "Hansel and Gretel" technique to lure the north country youths into their ranks.

Is this the end?

HURT TMZ will be on hand to handle all rumors and off-season deals. It is only two days after the end of the season and already things are heating up (besides the weather) !

In related news....HURT hopes to stem the tide by working with top developing talent. Already great progress has been made and it was on display in Holderness, NH as HURT sent 5 top J2 skiers to battle against New England's finest. Top ten finishes were the name of the game as Matt Forshey and Sarah Duclos led the way for NY. Aaron Huneck, Amy Duclos and Owen Putnam skied really well and gained lots of great experience. Here are a few of our favorite pics from the weekend. More will be up on our facebook page. (Thanks Mary!)