Fort Collins is home to the only lowland Nordic ski team in Colorado, the Poudre School District Prairie Dogs. In 2017, Kyle Steitz, the coach, was laughed at by the other twelve teams in the state. Everyone assumed a team of Lowlanders didn’t stand a chance. The competition had grown up on Nordic skis. Most of the Prairie Dogs didn’t know how to put the skis on much less how to use them. What they lacked in experience, they made up for in passion, Prairie Dog passion. Coach Steitz considered the first season a success despite the boys’ placing twelfth and the girls’ taking eleventh. Not only had he formed a team, they completed the 2017-2018 season and returned the following year.
The Prairie Dogs turned their disadvantage of not having snow to practice on into determination. Donning helmets, reflective vests, and headlamps, the team willingly hits the pavement on roller skis. The cold temperatures, lack of daylight, and absence of snow fuel their desire to work that much harder. The team of almost forty high schoolers commit to practicing six days a week. Between practices and competitions, they travel nearly 4500 miles a season. Despite the odds stacked against them, they persevere because they are passionate.
Initially, the Prairie Dogs were grossly underestimated. Seven seasons later, the competition is no longer laughing. This year, the Lowlanders took second place for boys and third for girls. The non-threatening Prairie Dogs are living up to their animal reputation. They’re more challenging to beat than anyone imagined. The passion of the Prairie Dogs is what sets them apart. Coach Kyle and the assistant coaches teach Nordic skiing, but they exemplify dedication and passion.
The next time you need a reminder of what you are capable of, think of the passion of the Prairie Dogs. Work hard, have fun, and believe you can! For more inspiration check out: https://psdnordicski.weebly.com/
