Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team Coach Steve Swenson has been inducted into the WNSL Coaches Hall of Fame. Steve started Nordic skiing in the 1970s and later skied and ran cross-country for Northern Michigan University. After graduation, he worked in the ski industry for 20 years and was an active citizen racer. Steve started coaching for Blackhawk in 2010 as a middle and high school head coach. He semi-retired in 2022 (which really means that he is the high school assistant coach!). Steve has had considerable success as a coach; Blackhawk's middle school girls were State Champions in 2017, and the high school girls finished in the Top 3 for 5 consecutive years. 

Steve coached Alice House, the Individual Girls State Champion in 2019, and skied at New Hampshire. Three BNST alumni women currently ski in the NCAA ranks: Grace Nemeth, Lily Hubanks, and Sophie Stevenson. Hubanks is a 5-time USCSA National Champion at St. Olaf.  Steve also coached Russell O’Brien, who was the Boys State Champion in 2016 and went on to ski at Bowdoin College. Another skier, Dietrich Mattison, was a Junior Nationals qualifier 4 years in a row. Finally, Steve served as the WNSL treasurer a few years ago. 

"Steve is one of those coaches who exemplifies what the WNSL is all about—a  commitment to teaching and guiding skiers at all levels to enjoy the sport of Nordic skiing, the ability to elevate talented skiers to high levels of success, and the enthusiasm to help all skiers continue to ski into their college and adult lives," wrote Dale Fanney of MadNorSki and Jake Barnes of Iola, who nominated Steve. 

Huge congratulations to Steve, and thank you for your many years of dedicated service!