Bobcat Skiers Off to Fast Start

Wednesday, January 9

Eldora Ski Resort, CO

10 a.m.

Montana State University

RMISA Alpine Qualifier (GS) Men/Women

Five-time All-American Stephanie Gartner

1/9/2019 4:20:00 PM | Men's Skiing, Women's Skiing, Skiing

“The ladies started off good and got way better on the second run,” Francis said. “They showed veteran form dealing with the shadows and bumps that developed. I’m stoked they performed even better in the adverse conditions of the second run.”

By: Tom Schulz

NEDERLAND, Colo. – The Montana State ski team got off to a fast start in its first action of the New Year, notching three top 10 finishes in the season-opening RMISA giant slalom qualifier on Wednesday afternoon at Eldora Mountain Ski Resort.

Freshman Åge Solheim finished fourth for the Bobcat men, who completed its two runs during the morning session. The product of Staarheim, Norway put together two solid performances, finishing fifth in both in both runs for a total of 1:53.82.

Senior Morten Bakke had the fourth fastest opening run clocking 54.79, but struggled in the second in 1:00.55. His two-run total of 1:55.34 was 13^th overall.

"It was a beautiful day of racing," said MSU Alpine Head Coach Kevin Francis. "The sun was out, calm and warm. The team performed well with freshman Åge Solheim continuing to lead the charge. There was great skiing from everyone else, but we need to work on putting two runs together."

Also contributing for the Bobcats were Florian Szwebel, 16^th, 1:55.66; Louis Muhlen-Schulte, 21^st, 1:56.83; Patrick Carry, 22^nd, 1:56.89; and Zak Vinter, 30^th, 1:58.19.

Five-time All-American Stephanie Gartner picked up where she left off last season. The Calgary, Alberta native placed third in the giant slalom with a two-run clocking of 1:57.95. She was the fifth fastest skier in both races to reach the podium.

Fellow Canadian Jocelyn McCarthy placed eighth overall behind an outstanding second run effort. The senior from Edmonton sat 22^nd after the opening run, but posted a blistering second-go with the top time of the race to move 14 spots up the ladder.

"The ladies started off good and got way better on the second run," Francis said. "They showed veteran form dealing with the shadows and bumps that developed. I'm stoked they performed even better in the adverse conditions of the second run."

Also finishing for MSU was Mia Henry, 15^th, 1:59.29. Newcomer Beatrix Lever did not finish her first run.

Montana State will compete in the Colorado Invitational over the course of the next four days. Alpine events will be held Thursday and Friday, before Nordic makes its season debut over the weekend.