Alpine preview: Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks

Head coach: Ryan Zimny

Assistant coach: Chris White

Top returning skiers: Boys: Jonah Laundergan, Jack McWilliams, Ethan Butcher and Morgan Grove. Girls: Emily Regas, Madyson Waters, Abby Blazevic, Elle Regas.

New faces to watch: Boys: James Butcher. Girls: Emily Vermeersch, Anika Elsmore, Mollie Belich, Simone Anderson.

Team strengths: "Our girls team has better numbers than we’ve had in several years," head coach Ryan Zimny said. "As some of our new racers gain experience along with our vets, we should be pretty competitive in our area. Although the boys squad is small, they are a fun and motivated group and should make good improvements through the season."

Biggest challenge: "So far the biggest challenge has been getting training space before our first race," Zimny said. "With all the snow lately, hopefully the ski hill will be ready for us soon to get some quality training."

1/4: Returning CEC Alpine ski team member Ethan Butcher practices at Spirit Mountain Tuesday. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)

2/4: CEC Alpine skiing head coach Ryan Zimny (left) talks to his team while setting a practice course at Spirit Mountain Tuesday. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)

3/4: CEC Alpine skiing head coach Ryan Zimny (from left) drills a hole while returning team members Ethan Butcher and Madyson Waters stand by with poles as the team set a practice course at Spirit Mountain Tuesday. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)

4/4: CEC Alpine skiing head coach Ryan Zimny.