NCAA SKIING CHAMPIONSHIPS - March 7-10, 2012
DAY ONE CHAMPIONSHIP QUOTES
Maria Graefnings (Utah), Women's Nordic 5K Freestyle: "I feel really just great. It's been great and I've been feeling good. Especially at Regionals.
On course conditions: "It was a little colder than I expected but it was still fast. All those people cheering and the sun shining was great. It felt good. It was so much fun to race today."
On the Utah Skiing Tradition:"No, I don't feel the pressure at all. We have an awesome team where everyone is working for each other and our coaches are great. I think that's why we perform so well."
Erik Soderman (Northern Michigan): "I was trying to get out there pretty even, not over-pushing it and I just wanted to get after that first lap, keep a constant pace, I thought. It was good."
On comparing this season to the 2011 season:"It's been a great year, with good training and stauing healthy. It paid off."
DAY TWO CHAMPIONSHIP QUOTES
Rebecca Nadler (Harvard), Women's Giant Slalom: "It feels completely surreal. I'm pinching myself. I'm really, really happy.
On this season's goals: "I had goals for myself this was so above anything I could imagine. So, no, I'm totally surprised but very happy."
On how she trained for this season: "I've been working pretty consistently the whole season on a few things. They've really been coming along in training, really powerful about the turn, getting that long outside leg. It's great that I was able to bring that to race day, too."
Adam Zika (Colorado), Men's Giant Slalom: "I was so nervous but had a good feeling ... I did feel a lot of pressure [for the race], a lot before the second run - I was so nervous. I didn't know if I was going to make it. My teammates helped me a lot so thanks to them and my coaches for all the support."
DAY THREE CHAMPIONSHIP QUOTES
Miles Havlick (Utah), Men's 20K Classic: "It's a good feeling. It was definitely the biggest race of the season. It was great to accomplish my goals. I'm psyched right now."
On goal setting for this season: "It's obviously the biggest race of the season for me and winning the title has been a goal for a long time."
On competing against MSU's David Norris: "He really worked hard. He was out in front by 10 meters for over a lap and working hard. I was lucky enough to catch up to him. He's a really strong skier."
Amy Glen (Vermont), Women's 15K Classic: "I got lucky I guess. This title is for my team. That's what it stands for."
DAY FOUR CHAMPIONSHIP QUOTES
Kate Riley (Vermont), Women's Slalom: "I'm really happy. I'm happier for UVM as a team. It's so awesome today. I'm really happy."
"Coming into NCAA's, I wanted a podium in both events. I came in second on Thursday and it gave me some confidence to try and do it again today. I just rode the rut, hoped for the best and went for it."
Espen Lysdahl (Denver), Men's Slalom: "This is absolutely amazing. I'm super stoked. I love this school. I love the environment. I love my team. It's pretty sweet to be given the opportunity to ski and go to school at the same time."
