H.S. GIRLS’ NORDIC SKIING ALL-STARS
Athlete of the Year: Raquelle Landa, Shenendehowa
The pursuit of winning a second straight sectional title definitely was on the mind of Raquelle Landa entering her sophomore season. What she did not plan in seeking that accomplishment were things completely out of her control.
“I had some challenges, I had been sick just before,” Landa said. “I had been on the rebound being sick at the end of January. That was a hard comeback for me. Being able to persevere through that and being able to overcome it showed me what I am capable of.”
Despite having her training schedule altered, Landa put together the necessary performance required to become a repeat Section II champion on Feb. 15 at Gore Mountain Nordic Center as she covered the 6.6-kilometer course with a time of 20 minutes, 31.4 seconds. Shenendehowa never had produced a sectional champion prior to 2023.
“It is kind of cool to think about,” Landa said regarding being a back-toback sectional champion. “We’ve had some really good skiers over the years.”
The sophomore finished 15th at the state championships. A day later, Landa teamed with Courtney Krawiecki and Fiona Klingbeil to finish second behind Sutherland in the Classic relay.
“I was hoping to go back and get the repeat. We had a tough season as I was sick for a while and so was Courtney,” Landa
said. “I am friends with the girls from the Sutherland team, so I was really happy for them. I was hoping for the repeat but I think we will be back for it next year.”
Landa, Krawiecki and Klingbeil all return for the 2024-25 season to pursue a state title. Shenendehowa won it all in 2023.
“I am really proud of how we came together this season and I think working this summer, and we’re all runners too and we will be putting time in roller skates as well, we will back next year better than ever,” Landa said.
First team
Courtney Krawiecki, So., Shenendehowa:
Named as a Times Union second-team all-star last year, Krawiecki produced a superlative season that included finishing second at sectionals and coming in ninth place at the state championships.
Raquelle Landa, So., Shenendehowa:
After becoming the first competitor from her school to capture a Section II title in 2023, the sophomore ended up accomplishing the feat again as she prevailed this year with a winning time of 20:31.4.
Emma Murray, Jr.,
Saratoga A consistent performer throughout the season for the Blue Streaks, Murray came in fifth at sectionals and finished 12th at the state championships. She also turned in the fastest split time for the Section II ‘A’ relay squad that finished third.
Sophia Murray, Fr., Saratoga Springs: Came through with a strong season that culminated with a huge performance. After producing a third-place finish at the Section II championships, Murray ended up being the area’s top competitor at the state championship as she came in eighth place.
Springs: Coach of the Year
Andrew Cleney, Shenendehowa: Cleney, also the Times Union selection as Coach of the Year in 2023, guided his squad to a Section II title and to a second-place finish behind Sutherland at the state championships.
Second team
Ruby Janssen, So., Queensbury
Fiona Klingbeil, Jr., Shenendehowa
Finley Purvis, So., Queensbury
Sylvia Slingerland, So., Glens Falls