Endurance United

Press Release
SAINT PAUL, MN
April 6th, 2026

Dear Friends of Endurance United,
I’m excited to share that Emma Stertz is joining Endurance United as our new Head Junior Coach.

Emma brings a deep background in Nordic skiing and biathlon, with experience at Grand Rapids High School, the College of St. Scholastica, Craftsbury Green Racing Project, CXC Igor Legacy Camps, and Team Birkie. She has also contributed as a coach and mentor in youth biathlon and community training programs.

In addition to her athletic experience, Emma is a licensed secondary education teacher (grades 5–12) with certifications in Mental Health First Aid, CPR, and USSS Cross Country coaching. She combines strong technical knowledge with a thoughtful, athlete-centered approach to development.

Emma is passionate about building a lifelong love of endurance sport while helping athletes grow into confident competitors. Her focus on positive team culture, athlete retention, and long-term development aligns closely with EU’s mission.
We’re thrilled to have Emma leading our Junior program and helping shape the future of our athletes.

Please join me in welcoming Emma to the EU community.

John Richter
Executive Director
[email protected]

A few All American performances at Junior Nationals. Great work EU Juniors! George Nelson 7th Classic Sprint, 6th Classic Mass Start, Anneliese Lindfors 4th Classic Sprint.

We also had some nice skiing from Katie Norton-Bower and Henry Simmons at the NENSA Eastern HS Championships.

Great way to finish off the season and senior year for Peter, George, Henry and Katie.!

2026 EU Skiers at Junior Nationals. Coach Dave getting George, Anneliese and Peter ready for sprints come Wednesday morning. A little bit of snow right up until race time. oh yes

Wednesday night Battle Creek skiers, Richard Kim and Sara Martin, finished their first skate Korte! Thanks to coaches Anatoly and Noah getting them dialed in.

We bumped into each other on that long trek across the lake before the finish. I’m already looking forward to skiing with EU next year!

Staging for team sprints. Jr Birkie at the trailhead.

The Rudsers were the winners of the end of the year campaign drive from Board Member Mickey Scott’s pie! They will be bringing these to their Birkie weekend celebration!Thanks Rudsers for supporting EU and enjoy the 🥧!

CXC Youth Cup coaches Celeste, Lily and Josh had a good day with many Skiers hitting the trifecta. Mass start, Classic with klister, record temps! Back at it tomorrow with interval freestyle races.

Many EU skiers enjoyed the Seeley Classic and came home with prizes! Great conditions and a fun weekend with ski buddies!

EU Skiwerx traveled to Wirth for Wednesday night sprints! Two skier teams each taking 3 laps. A little navigating around traffic is a skill. Coach Celeste and Lily had some quick teams. Next up for our EU youth is the low-pet, law-pet 3k and 5k this Sunday 1.11.

EU hosted students from Concordia Academy’s Advanced Phy Ed class this week. For most of them it was their first time on cross country skis! They had such a good time many are planning on coming back during the holidays! ❄️

We have a "whale" spotting at Battle Creek.