MTU’s Freed takes men’s race; NMU’s Nilssen captures women’s race
CALUMET, Mich. – The Michigan Tech Nordic ski teams began the 2024-25 season at the Swedetown CCSA Season Opener. The Huskies raced against Northern Michigan and St. Scholastica and came on top in the team standings in the female, male, and overall categories. The event was a 7.5K freestyle with 30-second interval starts.
“It was a stellar start to the competition season for the Huskies,” Coach Tom Monahan Smith said. “We’re thrilled with how the team performed today. It gives us confidence that we’re ready to compete early in the season, and we’re looking forward to getting some national-level racing next weekend.
“I want to thank the Swedetown Trails Club for hosting the event and the Michigan Tech Cross Country Team for coming out and supporting their fellow Huskies.”
Colin Freed won the men’s race in 17:58.2 with Wes Campbell placing second 10 seconds back. Axel Aflodal (6th) and Caden Albrecht (10th) were also in the top 10.
Marie Sølverud Wangen placed second in the women’s race in 20:43.7. Julia Junkkala was three seconds back in third. Greta Hansen (6th), Alice McKnight (8th), and Bridget Burns (9th) were also in the top 10.
Tech gets back to action next weekend at the Gitchi Gami Games SuperTour. The Huskies will race a classic sprint on Saturday and a skate on Sunday.
