Meet The Rookie – Severin Cathry

Severin has always had a deep affinity for the outdoors and animals.

As a young child, he spent his summers and much of his free time working on a dairy farm.

Inspired by the experiences of two of his classmates who moved to Canada with their families, he developed a strong desire to explore both Alaska and Canada.

In the summer of 2010, Severin fulfilled this dream by visiting Alaska for the first time.

During this trip, he had the opportunity to connect with a genuine sled dog team, and from that moment on, he became captivated by the world of sled dog racing.

What is your full name?
Severin Elias Cathry

Do you have a nickname?
Sevi or at home, old-timers also call me sometimes Sev

Do you have a kennel name?
I’m running the dogs of the Sanderson family. Their daughter is into mushing but still goes to school. It’s Midnight Howlers Racing Kennel

How old are you?
37….unfortunately…lol

Where were you brought up?
Andermatt, Switzerland

Where do you live now?
Airolo in Switzerland, Willow here in AK

How many sled dogs do you own?
One retired which stayed back home with my father. 16 right now in training here in Willow. 8 puppies with 3 pet dogs/huskies in Wasilla with my host family.

How long have you owned sled dogs?
Never really owned dogs except that my retired husky which is a pet dog now.

What races have you competed in?
I’m into the sport for 7 seasons now.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?
Biggest achievement?….not getting married I guess…lol

Has it always been a dream to run the Iditarod?
Not really…but I would like to do it for the hell of it. Traveling with natural power is just the biggest for me. I also like sailing a lot and go running myself in the summer.

What made you decide that 2024 would be the year to sign up for the race?
Well, the timing just seems to be right. Have about 850 over hours which I need to decrease until next summer so I decided to do another mushing season in AK

What can you tell me about your team?
My Team….not much…..it’s the second week I’m training them now. But it’s definitely a fun bunch

Do you have a website?
No

Do you have sponsors?
Yes, the Sanderson family and my company back home (Regli AG)

Do you have your own merch?
No

Do you look up to a specific musher?
Yes, Dan Kaduce. His performance last year was just something else. In my opinion he could have pushed it much more last year in the Iditarod, but he didn’t because I think he really loves the sport and his dogs!!….so he didn’t push harder for the well being of his dogs.
Then I also admire Riley Dyche and Luther Buhr because I handled together with them and they’re true dog lovers and treat them as a living creature and not just like a tool.

Have you handled for a Veteran musher in the past?
Yes for Sven Haltmann and Al Eischens

Have you won any awards during a race?
No, unfortunately not

What’s your fastest finish time in a race?
I don’t know….always did it for the fun

How are you preparing for your first Iditarod?
Training, training, training dogs…..and then ask veteran mushers if I have question marks coming up

What do you think you can expect from Iditarod?
A lifetime experience….I mean you travel through one of the most beautiful landscapes by dog team. Doesn’t get any better than that

What’s the best advice you have received regarding mushing?
Basic endurance is the most important, and it’s true. I experienced it myself when I prepared for my first mountain marathon.

Who gave you that advice?
I don’t remember

Are you from a mushing background?
No, but spent much time on a milk cow farm as a child

Do you have any friends who are also dog mushers?
Yes Riley, Luther, Arien Sanderson, Emilie Entrikin, Kailyn Olnes and so on…..lol

What do you think of last year’s Rookie of the Year Eddie Burke Jr?
Sorry I didn’t pay attention at all to Eddie….
In my opinion Rookie of the Year should be the rookie with the best dog care, not the fastest one. (not saying Eddie is a bad guy, don’t even know him)

Is there a certain part of the Iditarod trail you are looking forward to? Like maybe the beautiful scenery from the Yukon River or the food from Takotna checkpoint?
Well I hope I get there and I’m really looking forward to see and travel the Bering sea because I just never saw an Arctic coast line.

Is there any part of the Iditarod trail you are nervous about like the Bering sea coast or the Steps?
Yes, and this is also the part I’m nervous about it

Let’s, get to know you personally…

What kind of things do you like to do?
Everything, just interested in so many things. But for hobbies I love freeride skiing at home, crystal hunting or simply go hiking and running

What is your favorite food?
I’m a pig….I eat everything….but it’s probably still Lasagne

What is your favorite drink?
Drink??…..well water…..or a beer once in a while

What’s your favorite music?
I can listen to a lot but I like bluegrass and classic rock a lot

What’s your favorite film?
Braveheart, Nichts Neues im Westen (All Quiet on the Western Front), Titanic, Full Metal Jacket, Minions, yep…..that’s about it

What’s your favorite book?
The Cruelest Miles

What’s your favorite pastime?
What’s a pastime? lol

What’s your favorite city?
Hmmm….Fairbanks and Budapest I guess….Vienna is pretty cool too.

What’s your favorite item of clothing?
Sweatshirt with Teddy fabric at the inside….

Do you have a lucky charm?
Yes I do…..but I’m the lucky one and she’s an angel