MSU's David Norris placed fourth in the 10K classic on Friday morning.
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Norris’ Return Sparks Bobcats to Third Place at RMISA/NCAA West Regional
2/22/2013 4:45:00 PM | Skiing
The Montana State ski team welcomed back its most accomplished performer, David Norris, to the squad, Friday morning in the men’s 10-kilometer classic race at the 2013 Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association and NCAA West Regional Championships at Bohart Ranch.
RMISA/NCAA WEST REGION RESULTS (pdf)
The Montana State ski team welcomed back its most accomplished performer, David Norris, to the squad, Friday morning in the men's 10-kilometer classic race at the 2013 Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association and NCAA West Regional Championships at Bohart Ranch.
Norris, a native of Fairbanks, Alaska, who missed the majority of the ski season racing in Canada and Europe, placed fourth overall in his first trek on the Bohart Ranch course of the winter. He completed the race in 29:05.3, finishing behind Colorado's Rune Oedegaard, who captured the men's title in 28:15.3.
“We were excited to see David recovered from his performances in Europe and posting a top five finish,” said MSU Nordic coach Chad Andersen.
Norris recorded 44 points as the Bobcats finished the afternoon third in the men's team race with 100 points, just behind Utah (125) and Colorado (114).
Also scoring points for MSU were Pat Madden, ninth, 29:25.2, and Tyler Reinking, 14th, 29:48.6. Rounding out the Bobcats' performances were Marshall Opel, 20th, Luke Bromley, 23rd, Michael Schallinger, 24th, and Sam Dougherty 25th.
“It was nice to see a strong performance out of Pat Madden, as well,” Andersen said. “We'll ask more from our guys in the freestyle. We put ourselves in a great position after the first event.”
The Bobcat women were once again paced by Jessica Yeaton, who finished eighth, covering the 5K course in 17:26.8.
“Jessica has consistently been inside the top ten all season,” Andersen said. “It's a great indication of her strength and fitness. She has been looking for that podium finish, and with her momentum rolling it could happen in the freestyle.”
Also scoring for MSU were Annie Liotta, 11th, 17:42.7, and Cambria McDermott, 14th, 18:05.7. Rounding out MSU's racers were Kate Backstrum, 15th, Isabella Smith 16th, Johanna Malle, 27th, and Julia Hayes 29th.
“Annie Liotta showed her downhill and transition strengths on the back half of the course to finish eleventh,” Anderson said. “She definitely has the fire for more in the remainder of the season.”
The Colorado women's Nordic contingent continued its dominance this winter placing 1-2-3 for the maximum 141 points. CU's Joanne Reid won the women's crown in 16:35.9.
After one event, the Buffaloes sit atop the championship standings with 255 points, followed by Utah 215, MSU 189, Alaska-Anchorage 188, Denver 188, and New Mexico 147.
“Overall, we're feeling really great about opening up as a team with a third place finish,” Andersen said. “This team is great at head-to-head competition, so Saturday could prove exciting.”
The Nordic freestyle and alpine giant slalom races will be held on Saturday at Bohart Ranch and Bridger Bowl, respectively, beginning at 8:30/9:00 a.m.
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