Mahlen, McDermott, Kesselheim Pace Bobcats Skiers at Seawolf Invitational

Monday, February 23

Anchorage, AK

Montana State University

UAA - Nordic Freestyle

Bobcat junior Cambria McDermott races towards the finish line, en route to an eighth place showing in the women’s five-kilometer freestyle, Monday afternoon at the Seawolf Invitational in Anchorage, Alaska.

Photo by: Sam Wasson

Mahlen, McDermott, Kesselheim Pace Bobcats Skiers at Seawolf Invitational

2/23/2015 5:14:00 PM | Men's Skiing, Women's Skiing, Skiing

“Cambria skied classically smooth and peppy today, but I think she'll start to feel even better as the week goes on,” Trygstad-Saari said. “We're at sea level, and sometimes it takes a race to get back into that rhythm.”

By: Tom Schulz

Montana State Nordic standouts Forrest Mahlen and Cambria McDermott each finished eighth in their respective races, while Sawyer Kesselheim also added a top ten finish as the Bobcats ended the opening day of the Seawolf Invitational in fifth place, Monday afternoon at Kincaid Park.

"Today's races were held in some marginal conditions," MSU Nordic Coach Kristina Trygstad-Saari said. "The racers battled through slush, ice, dirt, and some standing water."

Skiing on his home turf, Mahlen, a graduate of Anchorage's South High School, finished the 10-kilometer freestyle course in a clocking of 26:13.6, and recording 23 points for the Bobcats.

"Forrest Mahlen skied an aggressive race, finishing eighth in a strong field," Trygstad-Saari said. "It was great to watch Forrest take some risks, and push his limits. He was skiing among the best, and we know he's capable of a top five."

Also scoring in MSU's top three were Kesselheim, a junior from Bozeman, who placed tenth in 26:16.3, and freshman Martin Muan, 15^th, in 26:32.9.

"Sawyer had a solid day, finishing tenth despite battling a head cold," Trygstad-Saari said. "We're happy with three guys in the top 15, but know they can be even stronger. I think today was a great start to the week, and now they're fired up for more."

Erik Axelsson, 20^th, 27:03.0, and Noah Andersen, 25^th, 27:48.3, completed MSU's racers.

Colorado's Rune Oedegaard won the men's individual title in 25:18.6.

McDermott, a junior from Putney, Vermont, returned to the Bobcat line-up after competing in the U23 World Championships in Kazakhstan. She completed the 5K race in a time of 15:49.0 for 23 team points.

Also in Montana State's top three were Anika Miller, 17^th, 16:39.5, and Lina Hultin, 20^th, 16:43.1. Isabella Smith, 24^th, 17:08.8, and Annie Liotta, 25^th, 17:09.5, also competed for the Bobcats.

"Cambria skied classically smooth and peppy today, but I think she'll start to feel even better as the week goes on," Trygstad-Saari said. "We're at sea level, and sometimes it takes a race to get back into that rhythm."

New Mexico's Emilie Cedervaern on the women's crown in 14:46.9.

Utah sits atop the team standings after the opening day with 172 points. The Utes are followed by Colorado 164, New Mexico 151, Alaska-Anchorage 130, MSU 119, and Denver 93.