Ernie is the head coach of the high school racing team. He grew up in Wausau and is a lifelong Nordic skier. For reference of how long that is, let's just say that he can remember the days when there was no chalet at 9-mile.
 
After high school, Ernie spent three years in the U.S. Army, then after discharge, attended University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where he skied on their Nordic ski team. After using up his eligibility, he was assistant coach under, now US Ski Team coach, Bryan Fish for a year. 

As of fall 2023, Ernie has completed 19 American Birkebeiners and started in the Elite wave for 5.  He has been coaching with Wausau Nordic United for the entirety of its existence. In his professional career, Ernie has taught biology at D.C. Everest High School since the fall of 2000. Ernie enjoys doing anything outside, but biking, trout fishing, and deer hunting are favorites when there isn't snow on the ground.

Olivia is the assistant coach of the high school racing team. She was born and raised in Wausau and raced on the Wausau Nordic Night Gliders team as well as went onto the High School Racing Team with coach Ernie as her own coach.
Growing up, Olivia learned to ski when she learned to walk and skiing has been apart of her life ever since. Olivia is a Wisconsin Individual State Champion in Nordic skiing and has completed five American Birkebeiners. She loves being a part of the ski community in Wausau.

Graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth and now the University of Wisconsin Superior, Olivia is a school counselor at Wausau East High School. Outside of work and skiing, she loves to hike, fish, be in the mountains, and spend time with family and friends. 

Andrea Larson is the Snow Striders and Adventure Team lead. She was born and raised in Marathon and returned to the area after graduating from Michigan Tech with a chemical engineering degree.   Andrea gained a passion for a healthy lifestyle along with friendships through skiing.  After learning how to ski her sophomore year in high school through the Newman-Marawood team, she walked onto the Michigan Tech Nordic Ski Team.  Although she hasn't ski raced since forgetting to register for the Birkie Elite wave over a decade ago (luckily she realized her mistake the day before bib pickup!), Andrea enjoys trail running, mountain biking, and (roller)skiing year-round, but most of all, chasing her three kiddos on their adventures.