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Brainerd Today
By the People, for the People
Brainerd's Grillo places 3rd at state alpine ski meet
Brainerd junior Piper Grillo earns All-State honors with third-place finish
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Brainerd junior Piper Grillo placed third in the State Alpine ski meet on Tuesday, February 10th at Giants Ridge Resort, earning All-State honors. Grillo raced the first run in 39.84 seconds, which was the fourth-best time, and improved to third with a run of 36.25 seconds on her second run, totaling 1:16.09. Brainerd freshman Cece Rasinski finished 41st with a combined time of 1:23.06.
Why it matters
Grillo's third-place finish at the state alpine ski meet is a significant accomplishment, as she moved up from 18th place the previous year. This highlights her hard work and dedication to the sport, as well as the strong alpine ski program at Brainerd High School.
The details
Grillo raced the first run in 39.84 seconds, which was the fourth-best time. She then improved to third place with a second run of 36.25 seconds, giving her a total time of 1:16.09. Brainerd freshman Cece Rasinski finished 41st with a combined time of 1:23.06, racing her first run in 43.67 seconds and her second run in 39.39 seconds.
- The State Alpine ski meet took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Giants Ridge Resort.
The players
Piper Grillo
A junior at Brainerd High School who placed third in the State Alpine ski meet, earning All-State honors.
Cece Rasinski
A freshman at Brainerd High School who finished 41st in the State Alpine ski meet.
Jim Ruttger
The head coach of the Brainerd High School alpine ski team.
Claire Provenche
The skier from Visitation who won the state title with a time of 1:15.01.
Taylor Voigt
The skier from Hill Murray who placed second with a time of 1:15.77, after winning the state title the previous year.
What they’re saying
“It was a great feeling that I don't even know if I can describe. I was overwhelmed with all the happy feelings. I was 18th last year and moved all the way up to third. When I first crossed the finish line, I didn't know what was going on. When I saw the look on my parents' faces, I knew that it felt great.”
— Piper Grillo (Brainerd Dispatch)
“She's worked so hard and has taken advantage of so many training opportunities; it paid off today. I'm pretty sure Piper's already thinking about next year, but skied crazy well today. There wasn't anything she was going to hold back on.”
— Jim Ruttger, Brainerd head coach (Brainerd Dispatch)
“I was in the fight for first place, but the girls ahead of me had great runs and there was no doubt they would have great second runs. I tried to race my own race and beat myself previously. I think that's why I moved up because I was competing against myself.”
— Piper Grillo (Brainerd Dispatch)
“She was a little conservative on her first run. It was two clean runs in a situation where she is only a ninth grader with a lot of amazing skiers around her. She should be pretty proud of how she finished today. She's seen the progressions that these skiers have made and I'm sure she's got that in mind.”
— Jim Ruttger, Brainerd head coach (Brainerd Dispatch)
“It was really enjoyable. There was a lot more pressure this time because I was more involved in it. I know I could've done better since I had a couple of mishaps on my first run. I was very nervous going into my first run because Piper ran before me. She left me up there and I was on my own to deal with my nerves. I dealt with it well and it really helped.”
— Cece Rasinski, Brainerd freshman (Brainerd Dispatch)
What’s next
Grillo has qualified for Team Minnesota as part of High School Nationals for the second year in a row. The 2026 Western US High School Championship is held March 15-18 in Loveland, Colorado, where Grillo hopes to help Team Minnesota win the national title again.
The takeaway
Piper Grillo's third-place finish at the state alpine ski meet demonstrates the strength of the Brainerd High School ski program and Grillo's own dedication to the sport. Her improvement from 18th place the previous year to earning All-State honors this year is an impressive accomplishment that should inspire other young skiers in the community.
