Seventy-three Zipping by You!

BY BRUCE STEINBERG

If you skied the Wolf Tracks

Rendezvous race, February 1, 2020, at Minocqua Winter Park (and why didn’t

you?!) you would have seen Mike Cavanaugh of Wausau, Wisconsin, take gold in

the 24K classic in 1:26. At 53 years of age, Mike turned in an impressive time.

But the shadow loomed large because chasing him were two men—in their 70s: Greg

Kresse, 70, also of Wausau, who took the bronze in 1:34. But, OMG, at 73 years

young, Phil Mahoney, near Stevens Point, Wisconsin, took the silver in 1:31.

That’s a speedy-at-any-age 3 minutes,49 seconds per kilometer, classic.

With the help of Christie Terkelson,

Executive Director of Minocqua Winter Park, I tracked Phil Mahoney down. My

first question? —Wait, HOW?!

“I grew up in New England,” Mahoney

said, “but didn't start Nordic skiing until after college in winter, 1969. My

brother and I purchased massive Bonna 2400 wooden touring skis and did a race

in Putney, Vermont. We were clueless regarding waxing and didn't do too well,

but were hooked. I've been racing ever since.

“As to my Wolf Tracks race, this is

my 51st year doing this sort of thing. Although I didn't start until after college,

I had a background in track and cross-country running, and did very well. I

followed Track and Field News in the 60’s for motivation, and understood hard

work and having goals. I applied these concepts to ski racing. I never stopped

running after college and had a chance to run and talk with the legendary New

Zealand coach, Arthur Lydiard.” [b: 1917; d: 2004; still considered one of the

greatest running coaches of all time.]

“In the early 80's I added

triathlon to my sports list as cross-training for Nordic skiing. I guess you

could say I've been a lifetime competitive athlete. Early on I utilized both

distance and speed training. You don't get fast with just the slow stuff. These

days I always get some extra speed work chasing the faster middle school kids I

coach.”

Mahoney’s impressive results go

beyond Wolf Tracks, and the United States.

“My first Birkie was in 1980,” he

said, “when I took a job in Wisconsin. It was classic only then. but after

watching two Swedes skate away from everyone in 1984, I made the transition as

well. I've always had some foot and ankle issues and so mainly do classic races

these days. I've done a few National Masters races over the years and a couple

of World Masters events when they're in the U.S. In 2018, when our National

Masters was imbedded in the World Masters in Minneapolis, I won all three of my

classic races for the U.S. and was the first pick for the relay where we took second

to Finland. I was also third overall in the 10K classic behind a Finn and

Norwegian. These results gave me a 9th seed (1st row start) for the Worlds in

2018 in Beitostolen, Norway, last March. Unfortunately, I got sick right after

a great Korte Classic race [first out of 74 in classic age group; 3 min., 45

secs. per K pace] prior to Beitostolen, and had to settle for middle-of-the-pack

results. Disappointing, but at least I was well enough to ski the beautiful, daily

groomed trails surrounding this little town.”

As a self-professed “Nordicnut,” Mahoney

moved near Stevens Point for obvious reasons.

“I got my masters in Zoology at the

University of New Hampshire in 1970 and worked several years as a biologist

before teaching high school biology in New Zealand for a year. I then switched to

medicine, completing a physician assistant program at Western Michigan University

in 1979. I took a job in Wisconsin because I wanted to ski the Birkie.” 

And these days?

“I'm presently one of five

volunteer coaches for the Iola Winter Sports Club and work primarily with

Middle School kids. I started doing this in 2012 after retiring from 33 years

as a physician assistant. I was partially involved with coaching Owen Williams

who was the Wisconsin Middle School Champ two years in a row and is now a top high

school skier and National Junior Qualifier. More importantly, I've helped

several young skiers continue with the sport as avid citizen racers.”

Mahoney’s future cross-country

skiing goals show no slowing down.

“My goals include staying in the

sport for as long as I'm healthy and can tolerate winter. Because of an aortic

valve condition (but no symptoms), I’ve decided to forgo marathon distance

races and stick with half marathons. I even get to start in the Korte Elite

Wave this year.”

Well, Mr. Mahoney, you inspire and give us hope.

All I would add to the story is that the nearest 30-something to his Wolf

Tracks finish was 16 minutes behind.

Pfft. Okay, Millennial . . .