When there’s no snow in Homer, what do Mariner skiers do? Look for some place that has some.

And when they find it, what do they do? Prove they know what to do when they slip into their skis.

On Friday, with 23 skiers competing, Homer’s Brian Rowe took first place in the varsity boys’ 10-kilometer skate at the Seward’s Folly Invite held on the Tsalteshi Trails in Soldotna. Rowe’s finish time put him two seconds ahead of Soldotna’s Colton Diehl. With 18 varsity girls competing, Kenai Central’s Alex Bergholtz took first place and Mariner Aspen Daigle claimed a close second place. 

Back on the course Saturday, Homer entered two of the 12 teams participating in a 2-kilometer coed race. Kenai Central had the top two finishers. Homer placed third and ninth. 

Competing in the two-day event were skiers from Homer, Central Kenai, Skyview and Soldotna high schools. 

The Mariners were scheduled to travel to the peninsula’s east side for the Seward Invite on Saturday, but that event was cancelled. Taking advantage of a skiing opportunity a little closer to home pleased Head Coach Eric Groth.

“We haven’t been able to ski so we’ve been trying to keep it fun by running on the beach and playing ultimate Frisbee and other games,” he said Friday morning as the team was preparing to head north. “We’re looking forward to skiing once again.”

The weekend’s results proved that in spite of losing what little snow Homer has had this season, the team hasn’t lost their ability to ski.

“The team did really well. It was great to ski again,” said Groth. 

Borough competitions are next on the schedule, and will be held at the Tsalteshi Trails on Feb. 8, followed by Regions, also scheduled for Tsalteshi Trails.

Seward’s Folly Invite

Jan. 31-Feb. 1 — Tsalteshi Trails, Soldotna

Individual boys 10-kilometer results (Homer): 1. Brian Rowe, 24:06; 10. Josh Vantrease, 26:52; 21. Tadhg Scholz, 31:25; 22. Hoxie Parks, 32:00; 23. Ryan Navrot, 32:39.

Individual girls 10-kilometer results (Homer): 2. Aspen Daigle, 29:19; 5. Cassidy Soistman, 30:29; 9. Rachel Ellert, 30:57; 16. Mariah Vantrease, 33:34.

2K-by-4 relay results: 3. Homer team of Aspen Daigle, Josh Vantrease, Cassidy Soistman and Brian Rowe, 26:34; 9. Homer team of Mariah Vantrease, Tadhg Scholz, Rachel Elliot and Hoxie Parks, 30:10.