Michael Schallinger finished fourth in the men's 10K freestyle on Friday.
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Bobcat Nordic Skiers Open Season with a Bang
1/13/2012 6:03:00 PM | Men's Skiing, Women's Skiing
The Montana State Nordic skiing contingent open its 2012 season with a bang, Friday afternoon in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
CU Invitational Results - Six Events (pdf)
Both the Montana State men's and women's Nordic teams opened the season with a bang finishing second in the freestyle event, Friday afternoon at the 2012 Spencer Nelson Memorial-Colorado Invitational.
The Bobcat men finished third, fourth and sixth to dominate the day and rack-up 122 points, while the MSU women placed fourth, eighth and 12th for 102 points.
Montana State was the only team to have both its men and women score over 100 points for the race.
Michael Schallinger paced MSU finishing third in the 10-kilometer freestyle with a time of 24:51.9. He was followed by Tyler Reinking, fourth, 24:59.1; and David Norris, sixth, 25:24.8.
“We had a phenomenal day,” said MSU Nordic coach Grethe Hagensen. “That was the best combined finish we've had in my nine years at Montana State.
“Our skis were good and we were hoping to get three of our men in the top ten, so that wasn't a big surprise,” Hagensen said. “It's a good thing to have such a great day as confidence is such a big part of sports. A big team finish was a boost for everyone.”
Other contributors for the Bobcat men were Sawyer Kesselheim, 14th, 26:11.3; Hans Nygren, 20th, 26:36.7; and Pat Madden, 21st, 26:50.9.
“Sawyer had a tremendous day, as well,” Hagensen said. “For a freshman to ski so well, and with a broken hand, is a great start to the season.”
Utah's Didrik Smith won the men's title in 24:40.1.
Jessica Yeaton had her best race for Montana State, placing fourth in the women's 5K race. Yeaton finished in 15:17.7. She was followed in MSU's top three by Ase Carlson, eighth, 15:35.8, and Casey Kutz, 12th, 15:50.5.
“Jessica and Casey had the best races of their career and really set the tone for the rest of the season,” Hagensen said. “We've been waiting for Jessica to have a day like she did and her showing is a real confidence booster.”
Also finishing for the Bobcats were Cambria McDermott, 17th, 15:56.5; Rachelle Kanady, 20th, 16:30.2; Annie Liotta, 23rd, 16:38.1; Carrie Heagney, 24th, 16:55.8; Solveig Bratlie, 27th, 17:11.5; and Mackenzie Jones, 31st, 18:07.8
Colorado's Joanne Reid won the women's crown in 14:52.5
With just the Nordic classic event remaining Utah sits atop the team standings with 702 points, followed by CU 638, Denver 558, New Mexico 548, Alaska-Anchorage 526, MSU 500, Westminster 293, Wyoming 102, and Colorado Mountain College 87.
Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, September 27
Thursday, September 27
Thursday, September 27
