EP boys, girls Nordic skiers place well in Loppet Invitational

Eden Prairie High School Nordic skiers Logan Garbisch and Carter Gilbert congratulate each other after a first-place relay finish. Submitted photos by Dana Fosmer

EPLN Staff Reports

The Eden Prairie Nordic ski team hosted the Loppet Invitational at Theodore Wirth Park in Golden Valley on Saturday, Jan. 11. At the event, the top 10 varsity ski racers from 16 competing teams raced in a 5K skate, a 5K classic, and a sprint relay event.

3 young men skiers pose with their medals
Sarah Williams and Ani Dirks of the girls’ Nordic team placed first in the sprint relay, while Sydney Bond placed fifth in the girls’ skate race. On the boys’ team, Carter Gilbert and Logan Garbisch took first in the sprint relay, and Ben Fosmer finished third in the boys’ skate race.

At the 2025 event, the Eden Prairie boys participants secured first place in the overall scoring, while the girls placed third. Ben Fosmer finished in third place in the boys’ skate race, and Sydney Bond took fifth place in the girls’ skate race. Additionally, the boys’ sprint team, consisting of Carter Gilbert and Logan Garbisch, along with the girls’ sprint team, featuring Ani Dirks and Sarah Williams, achieved first place in the sprint relay race.

3 young women cross country skiers on snow-covered slope in front of tree line Ani Dirks in relay.

2 young women cross country skiers hug each other in front of blue net Sarah Williams and Ani Dirks celebrate first place in relay.

Young man cross country skier in red hat skis intently while spectators watch from below a slope. Carter Gilbert in relay.

Young man cross country skier passes a building and blue loppet signs. Logan Garbisch in relay.

Young man cross country skier glides down a slope. Ben Fosmer in skate race.

Young woman cross country skier in goggles with others visible on snow-covered hill behind her. Sydney Bond in skate race.

young woman cross country skier with No. 51 bib leads a race Sarah Williams in relay.