Matt Schmidt

Grand Marais, MN – SAWTOOTH RACING

Kendra Anderson

Grand Marais, MN – SAWTOOTH RACING

Brian Bergen

Sioux Lookout, ON – GONE TO THE DOGS RACING

I do property management and I am semi retired. Been enjoying training dogs for many years.

Breann Maillet-Goodfellow

Sioux Lookout, ON – GONE TO THE DOGS RACING

Julia Cross

Thunder Bay, ON – CRISS CROSS RACING

Melissa Mendelson

Solon Springs, WI – FLIGHT RISK MUSHING

Eva Kolodji

Hibbing, MN – MEANDER MOUNTAIN HUSKIES

My love of sleddogs began back when I was in second grade and got my first sleddogs, then competed in a two-dog, two-mile race in third grade. Since then, I’ve raced throughout northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. In 2009, as a 17-year-old junior in high school, I completed the John Beargrease Mid-Distance.
I stepped away from mushing to attend college, graduated from Bemidji State with a teaching degree, and have spent nine years in the classroom. Seven of those years were in Alabama—too hot, not enough snow—so I’m back up north! This is my second year teaching middle school math and science in Hibbing. Middle schoolers vs. sled dogs? High energy, big hearts, treat-motivated… only the snacks differ. And honestly, the same lessons apply in both arenas: teamwork, clear communication, and the joy of working hard at something you love.
Once I settled back in the North Woods, I was offered an opportunity I couldn’t pass up: racing a team out of John and Robin Fisher’s kennel in Cook, Minnesota. I’m incredibly grateful for their mentorship and trust.

Alyssa Sabatino

Goodland, MN – SCHROEDER MUSHING

Dog mushing has been a dream of mine since childhood, and I worked hard to make it a reality. Despite facing challenges and limited support along the way, I never gave up. In October 2014, I began recreational mushing, and in 2021, after moving to Minnesota, I started building my own kennel and truly stepped into the mushing world. Last year (2024) was an incredible milestone—I experienced my first taste of distance mushing by handling for Nathan Schroeder and running a few races myself. I am deeply grateful for the support of those who matter most, which allows me to pursue this passion while balancing the busy life of being a mother of two and a dedicated social worker/case manager.

Rita Wehseler

Tofte, MN – STONEY CREEK KENNEL

My husband and I have 36 dogs in our kennel. We live on the beautiful shore of Lake Superior in Tofte, MN. I have been running sled dogs for 28 years.

Joanna Oberg

Tofte, MN – STONEY CREEK KENNEL

Ryan Miller

Cook, MN – LOST LAKE RACING

Quinn Bonney

Hovland, MN – DOODLEDOG KENNEL

Talia Martens

Brule, WI – MARTENS MUSHING

Andy Heerschap

Nolalu, ON – PAWS ON PATROL KENNEL

David Burge

Side Lake, MN – DOGWOODS

James Tackeberry

Beloit, MN – DOGWOODS