NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The US Natural Track Luge Team is bringing out the sleds this weekend. On Saturday, the team invited athletes from Japan and Canada to compete on Lucy Hill in Negaunee.
The North American Pacific Natural Track Luge Competition will be sending racers down the track starting at 11am.
It’s The US Team’s first time competing since the world cup races in Europe last month.
“I’m mainly excited to see the two that are not from the united states join us in this event,” said Zane Farnsworth, a senior racer on the team. “I feel like that’s going to be a pretty big deal for both of them. It’s a very big deal for me personally, so hopefully everybody will have fun.”
This will be the last weekend of racing for the team. Most of the racers are students, with lugers traveling across the world, these young athletes are preparing for their last competition of the season.
Thomas Matthews is a 13 year old from Marquette, he’s a part of the junior division with The Luge Club. Matthews said he’s excited to race against the team members.
“I’ll be able to race other people, but then again it’s also basically a race against myself to see if I can improve my last time.” Matthews said, “Luge it’s physical, but it’s very mental, it is a lot more mental than you think it is,”
As a high school student, team members like Katie Cookman get to travel to Europe to compete in the luge world cup competition. Cookman said they make lots of friends traveling to compete, this weekend they get the chance to show their friends their home track.
“I mean, this is an international world championship in our eyes so this is a really big deal. This track has always been close to home, personally, I’ve always loved it here.” Farnsworth said, “I’m not worried about placement. I’m not worried about what I get, I’m out here with everybody.”
With the luge club getting ready to wind down the season, the athletes say they’re excited to end the season on a good note. Spectators will be allowed to watch from spots around the track, officials recommend Yack Tracks to help with the hike up the hill.
Double trouble entertainment and the island food truck will be there to celebrate with the team.
The racers will make their way up the track starting at 10:30 am.
