About the Wadena‑Deer Creek Nordic Ski Program

Our Mission

To preserve, grow, and sustain the Wadena‑Deer Creek Nordic Ski Program so students today—and for years to come—can experience the lifelong benefits of Nordic skiing, community, and outdoor adventure.

Why We Need Your Help

Program at Risk

• Due to a $300,000+ school budget deficit, the Nordic Ski Program was cut for the 2026-2027 season and beyond.
• The school has said that we can keep the program, if we can fund it externally.
• The school estimates the program’s annual cost at $6,200, with half spent on transportation.
• Without outside support, the program will not exist next year and beyond.

What We Are Requesting

• Emergency funding for the upcoming season to demonstrate to the school board that the program can continue.
• A sustainable funding plan for future years through donors, grants, and community partnerships.

About Our Program

Program History

• Nordic Skiing became an official WDC sport in 2021.
• The program quickly grew and has already seen great success in just a few years.
• Team sizes have ranged from approximately 7–14 skiers.
• With two long‑time seniors graduating (Grant Nelson and Owen Anderson), the next season will be a rebuilding year with possibly smaller numbers.

Who We Are

Our Coach

Coach Terry Olson

• Helped launch the official Nordic program in 2021.
• Member of the Minnesota Coaches Hall of Fame for both Cross Country and Gymnastics.
• A respected community leader, mentor, and lifelong coach.
• Known for teaching not only skiing, but discipline, teamwork, and life skills.

Our Athletes

• Many Nordic athletes also compete in Cross Country and Track & Field.
• Nordic skiing provides excellent off‑season endurance and strength training.
• Several athletes have gone on to state competitions in other sports.
• We anticipate a new wave of girls joining in the next 1–2 years as younger students become eligible.

Where We Ski

Local Training Locations

• Whitetail Run Golf Course
  • Groomed by community volunteer Jeff Browne
  • Primary location for skate ski training
• Blacks Grove Park, Wadena
  • Used for classic ski training

Additional Practice Sites

• Soaring Eagle (near Park Rapids)
• Maplelag (north of Detroit Lakes)
• Detroit Mountain (with the Detroit Lakes team)
• Brainerd Arboretum

Competitions

Race Environment

High school races include both skate skiing and classic techniques. There are often relays along with individual technique competitions. Pursuits which include both classic and skate techniques for each person adding the times together determine place. There are both girls and boys competitions at each meet. Nordic skiing has one of the best atmospheres in high school sports for other teams supporting each other and wanting everyone to succeed.

• Minnesota has only one Nordic class, meaning small and large schools compete together.
• Schools in our section include:
  • Detroit Lakes
  • Little Falls
  • Brainerd
  • Sartell / Cathedral
  • Alexandria (public & private)
  • Fergus Falls
  • Bemidji
  • Willmar
  • Treknorth (Bemidji)

Race Preparation

• Before every meet, hours of waxing go into preparing skis for race‑day temperatures and snow conditions.

Program Costs & Funding Needs

Annual Budget

• Total yearly cost: $6,200
• Transportation alone accounts for ~50% of the budget.
• Costs vary depending on:
  • Team size
  • Number of meets
  • Transportation needs
  • Equipment availability

How We’ve Saved Money

• First season: The team competed without uniforms.
• Community member Jeff Browne donated funds for additional uniforms the following year.
• Many students borrowed Biology Department skis from the school.
• Coach Olson helps families find used skis, attends ski swaps, and sources affordable gear.
• The team repurposed football warm‑up capes instead of buying new ones.

Future Goals

Short‑Term Goals

• Secure emergency funding for the 2026-2027 season.
• Maintain the program through the rebuilding phase.
• Continue supporting students with affordable or borrowed equipment.

Long‑Term Goals

• Establish a Wadena Nordic Ski Non‑Profit / Booster Club, or partner with an existing nonprofit.
• Build a sustainable funding model through:
  • Community donors
  • Business sponsorships
  • Grants
  • Parent contributions
• Expand the program in the future to younger students through community education.

Community Impact

• Nordic skiing promotes health, resilience, and outdoor activity.
• The program has created a strong sense of team, belonging, and mentorship.
• Community volunteers and donors have already played a major role in keeping the program alive.
• With continued support, we can ensure that Nordic skiing remains a pillar of opportunity for Wadena‑area youth.

How You Can Help

• Make a tax‑deductible donation to the Wadena‑Deer Creek School District to the Nordic Ski Program.
• Connect us with grant opportunities.
• Help us build a sustainable funding foundation for future seasons.
• Help us look into creating a Friends of Nordic Non-Profit/Booster Club for the future.
• Share our story with others who care about youth sports and outdoor recreation.