Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the coaches? Read more about them!
Who are the team captains this year?
Who can join the team?
Any students currently enrolled in Brainerd, Pillager, Pequot, or Crosby, in grades 7-12 and making appropriate progress towards graduation (as determined by their High School) can participate. New members must be strong downhill skiers, but do not need to have racing experience.
How do I register?
You must register through the Brainerd High School Portal. Even if you are a coop student, you must still register here. If you are having questions or challenges, especially for Coop kids, you can reach out to Brainerd High School Activities Department - Michelle Hilborn - [email protected] - 218.450.6300
How do I get team updates and schedules?
All communication is through the TeamReach App. Practice and meet schedules are posted there, and any changes are announced through the app. Please make sure to add your child's name under your profile!
Where do practices take place?
How do athletes get to practice and events?
Where can Forestview students keep their equipment during the school day?
There is a secure space that athletes can store their equipment during the school day. Inquire in the Forestview main office.
What equipment is required?
We race in the Alpine Slalom discipline and each racer provides their own skis, boots, poles, helmet, goggles, protective gear, and wax/tuning supplies. Helmets designed specifically for ski racing are required. Coaches can offer guidance but do not recommend specific brands. There are many good online shops for ordering equipment, ski swaps, and race focused ski shops (most are in the Twin Cities). Please Contact the coaches if you need more info on where to start.
What happens if we don't have our kids names on their equipment/clothes?
They will get confused for someone else's and get taken by mistake. This happens ALL the time.
What should athletes wear?
Be prepared for all weather conditions. Proper outerwear is essential — waterproof, warm, and wind-resistant.
Team apparel and jackets will be available for purchase and announced via TeamReach.
What happens if school is canceled due to weather?
If school is canceled, all practices and competitions are canceled for that day. Check TeamReach for updates.
What if my athlete is injured?
Trainers and first aid personnel are available at both dryland and Ski Gull sessions. Parents will be notified immediately if an injury occurs.
Are athletes expected to attend all practices and meets?
Yes. Attendance is critical to improvement and team selection. If an athlete must miss a session or event, notify the coaches via TeamReach. Academic obligations always take priority — students come first.
Will my athlete participate in all competitions?
No, but most of our competitions all athletes can compete in. We will make notes on competitions that have a limited entrant size. Those without entrant restrictions (most of them) will have a designated number of Varsity athletes allowed to score. This differs per event and is up to the race organizer. Most often, Varsity is designated as the first 6, 8, or 10 athletes (per gender).
Why are there often so many last minute waivers required for specific ski areas?
Often times prior to a competition, it will be necessary to have parents sign specific waivers for specific ski areas. We often do not know about this until shortly before the competition date. Many of the ski areas are trying to consolidate and use the same waivers, so hopefully this will improve. These messages will go out on TeamReach and will need quick completion if your athlete is participating in the competition.
How are team selections made for meets?
Varsity and JV lineups are determined by performance, attendance, attitude, and commitment at practices. Top-performing athletes earn race spots each week.
What are the team’s expectations for athletes?
How can parents help?
Parents are encouraged to participate in team fundraising and volunteer opportunities (e.g., concessions, travel support). Communication, encouragement, and positive sideline behavior are always appreciated.
Does the team fundraise?
Yes, the team fundraises to raise money for transportation, equipment, and various other needs. These often come in the form of grocery bagging, working concessions at other BHS activities (4 required), and other various types of fundraisers that are put together if the opportunity is a good one. Watch for TeamReach posts with more details as they come up. Also check out our Supporters Page for those opportunities.
What is chip timing? I have heard about this, but don't know what it is?
At the beginning of our on-snow season, we will assign a timing chip to each athlete. They will be responsible for this chip for the season and will need to turn it in or pay to replace it at the end of the season. These are velcro straps with a timing chip, about the size of a watch face on it. These are critical to have athletes wear to every practice, as they will not know ahead of time when we will be timing during practice.
How are letters and awards earned?
Letters are awarded for meeting the following:
Where can I find race results?
Results are often available in real time at www.live-timing.com. You can also find updates and results posted on TeamReach.
How does team scoring work?
The team score is determined by calculating the scoring base. To determine the scoring base, count the total number of team member skiers entered to a maximum of six per team (may be more than six at regular season races, that is up to the race organizer). The team score shall be determined by totaling the points scored by the top four team finishers. The team with the highest number of points shall be declared the winner. The first-place finisher in the team competition shall receive the full value of the scoring base and each successive finisher shall score one point less than the previous place (a reduction of one point per place). The fifth and sixth place skiers shall not be counted in the team scoring nor should they be eliminated from the sequence even though they do not score points.
In case of a tie, the tying skiers are awarded the average of the points for the next place finish. Teams with three finishers will be placed after teams with four finishers.
How do Sections/State Qualifications work?
Warrior Alpine competes in Section 5 of the Minnesota State High School League. The team designates its top 6 boys and top 6 girls to field the team at Sections. The top 4 finishers of the 6 are scored. The top 2 teams advance from each gender and then the top 10 individuals that are not on the qualified teams. The state meet is held at Giant's Ridge each February and comprises the qualifiers from the 4 Alpine Skiing sections.
Other important contacts:
Athletic Trainer - Samantha Street - [email protected] - 763.274.9444
Sports Medicin Physician - Dr. Andrew Zhao - [email protected] 646.492.3866
Brainerd High School Activities Department - Michelle Hilborn - [email protected] - 218.450.6300
- Head Coach: Jim Ruttger – 37th season, PSIA Level 3 Certified
- Assistant Coaches: Andy Rangen, David Ude, Eric Charpentier, and Scott Moen
- Volunteer Coaches: Max Darkow, Clint Meyer, and Jen Halbur
- We are very fortunate to have such qualified and experienced coaches in the Brainerd area. Many of these coaches have experience coaching at all levels of ski racing and are still key individuals in aspects of collegiate racing.
Who are the team captains this year?
- Girls Team: Svea Streeter & Piper Grillo
- Boys Team: Max Spartz & Ethan Hiebert
Who can join the team?
Any students currently enrolled in Brainerd, Pillager, Pequot, or Crosby, in grades 7-12 and making appropriate progress towards graduation (as determined by their High School) can participate. New members must be strong downhill skiers, but do not need to have racing experience.
How do I register?
You must register through the Brainerd High School Portal. Even if you are a coop student, you must still register here. If you are having questions or challenges, especially for Coop kids, you can reach out to Brainerd High School Activities Department - Michelle Hilborn - [email protected] - 218.450.6300
How do I get team updates and schedules?
All communication is through the TeamReach App. Practice and meet schedules are posted there, and any changes are announced through the app. Please make sure to add your child's name under your profile!
Where do practices take place?
- Dryland Training: Brainerd High School facilities. Meet at the bottom of the stairwell between the boys and girls locker rooms. On the ground floor near the gyms. Building map (page 4 is marked with our location)
Athletes are encouraged to check out of a lock from the equipment room next to the weight room. No items can be left in the halls or unsecured in the locker rooms during our dryland. Locks can be checked out and used, but must be turned in by the end of the winter athletic season. - On-Snow Training: Mount Ski Gull. All athletes must have a Ski Gull season pass. Assistance is available if this creates a financial hardship.
How do athletes get to practice and events?
- Transportation to dryland is via shuttle from Forestview to the high school. Go to the Community Education office to get an activities bus pass.
- Transportation to Mount Ski Gull is on your own (carpooling encouraged).
- For meets, the team travels together by bus unless otherwise approved by the coach. All bus departures happen from the gravel lot on the south side of Forestview Middle School
Where can Forestview students keep their equipment during the school day?
There is a secure space that athletes can store their equipment during the school day. Inquire in the Forestview main office.
What equipment is required?
We race in the Alpine Slalom discipline and each racer provides their own skis, boots, poles, helmet, goggles, protective gear, and wax/tuning supplies. Helmets designed specifically for ski racing are required. Coaches can offer guidance but do not recommend specific brands. There are many good online shops for ordering equipment, ski swaps, and race focused ski shops (most are in the Twin Cities). Please Contact the coaches if you need more info on where to start.
What happens if we don't have our kids names on their equipment/clothes?
They will get confused for someone else's and get taken by mistake. This happens ALL the time.
What should athletes wear?
Be prepared for all weather conditions. Proper outerwear is essential — waterproof, warm, and wind-resistant.
Team apparel and jackets will be available for purchase and announced via TeamReach.
What happens if school is canceled due to weather?
If school is canceled, all practices and competitions are canceled for that day. Check TeamReach for updates.
What if my athlete is injured?
Trainers and first aid personnel are available at both dryland and Ski Gull sessions. Parents will be notified immediately if an injury occurs.
Are athletes expected to attend all practices and meets?
Yes. Attendance is critical to improvement and team selection. If an athlete must miss a session or event, notify the coaches via TeamReach. Academic obligations always take priority — students come first.
Will my athlete participate in all competitions?
No, but most of our competitions all athletes can compete in. We will make notes on competitions that have a limited entrant size. Those without entrant restrictions (most of them) will have a designated number of Varsity athletes allowed to score. This differs per event and is up to the race organizer. Most often, Varsity is designated as the first 6, 8, or 10 athletes (per gender).
Why are there often so many last minute waivers required for specific ski areas?
Often times prior to a competition, it will be necessary to have parents sign specific waivers for specific ski areas. We often do not know about this until shortly before the competition date. Many of the ski areas are trying to consolidate and use the same waivers, so hopefully this will improve. These messages will go out on TeamReach and will need quick completion if your athlete is participating in the competition.
- 2025/2026 Powder Ridge Waiver (must print off and sign and turn in to Jim)
- 2025/2026 Wild Mountain Waiver (online)
How are team selections made for meets?
Varsity and JV lineups are determined by performance, attendance, attitude, and commitment at practices. Top-performing athletes earn race spots each week.
What are the team’s expectations for athletes?
- Exhibit sportsmanship, self-control, and teamwork.
- Keep all areas (chalet, locker rooms, buses) clean.
- Treat coaches, teammates, and competitors with respect.
- Prioritize academics and communicate any academic challenges early.
How can parents help?
Parents are encouraged to participate in team fundraising and volunteer opportunities (e.g., concessions, travel support). Communication, encouragement, and positive sideline behavior are always appreciated.
Does the team fundraise?
Yes, the team fundraises to raise money for transportation, equipment, and various other needs. These often come in the form of grocery bagging, working concessions at other BHS activities (4 required), and other various types of fundraisers that are put together if the opportunity is a good one. Watch for TeamReach posts with more details as they come up. Also check out our Supporters Page for those opportunities.
What is chip timing? I have heard about this, but don't know what it is?
At the beginning of our on-snow season, we will assign a timing chip to each athlete. They will be responsible for this chip for the season and will need to turn it in or pay to replace it at the end of the season. These are velcro straps with a timing chip, about the size of a watch face on it. These are critical to have athletes wear to every practice, as they will not know ahead of time when we will be timing during practice.
How are letters and awards earned?
Letters are awarded for meeting the following:
- Selection to the Section Team, or
- At least three seasons with the team, or
- Demonstrated exceptional effort, attendance, sportsmanship, and commitment.
Where can I find race results?
Results are often available in real time at www.live-timing.com. You can also find updates and results posted on TeamReach.
How does team scoring work?
The team score is determined by calculating the scoring base. To determine the scoring base, count the total number of team member skiers entered to a maximum of six per team (may be more than six at regular season races, that is up to the race organizer). The team score shall be determined by totaling the points scored by the top four team finishers. The team with the highest number of points shall be declared the winner. The first-place finisher in the team competition shall receive the full value of the scoring base and each successive finisher shall score one point less than the previous place (a reduction of one point per place). The fifth and sixth place skiers shall not be counted in the team scoring nor should they be eliminated from the sequence even though they do not score points.
In case of a tie, the tying skiers are awarded the average of the points for the next place finish. Teams with three finishers will be placed after teams with four finishers.
How do Sections/State Qualifications work?
Warrior Alpine competes in Section 5 of the Minnesota State High School League. The team designates its top 6 boys and top 6 girls to field the team at Sections. The top 4 finishers of the 6 are scored. The top 2 teams advance from each gender and then the top 10 individuals that are not on the qualified teams. The state meet is held at Giant's Ridge each February and comprises the qualifiers from the 4 Alpine Skiing sections.
Other important contacts:
Athletic Trainer - Samantha Street - [email protected] - 763.274.9444
Sports Medicin Physician - Dr. Andrew Zhao - [email protected] 646.492.3866
Brainerd High School Activities Department - Michelle Hilborn - [email protected] - 218.450.6300