Wildcat Women have perfect day
BIWABIK, Minn. – The NMU alpine ski team had a dominant opening day in the giant slalom at the USCSA Giants Ridge competition, as both teams swept the podium and won day one.
A truly emphatic day at the hill, the women claimed the top nine spots and the men claimed six spots in the top 10, controlling 15 of the top 20 spots in today’s giant slalom.
“It was a great day of racing at Giants Ridge, and I am very happy with the results,” said head coach Erik Lundteigen. “Our practices have been good and the results have shown that. Now time to rest up and get ready for slalom racing tomorrow!”
Tommie Springer claimed first with her combined time of 56.70 after posting the fastest times of each run with 28.63 in the first followed by 28.07 in her second run.
Ainsley Kirk finished second, posting a time of 29.44 in her first run before a run of 28.54 in the second to move up a spot and claim silver with a time of 57.98.
Reagan Olli rounded out the team scoring in third, posting run times of 29.37 and 28.91 en route to her combined time of 58.28.
Ella Wichert finished fourth, Kaylee Byrne fifth, Madalyn Stern sixth, Onalee Wallis seventh, Emily Creek eighth, and Maya Bubolz ninth.
Kyan Hopke was in first place, after posting the fastest run times in both runs at 28.74 and 27.24 en route to his final 55.40.
In second place but not involved in the team scoring was Aaron Grzelak, who moved up two spots after his first run to finish second individually with a time of 55.73.
Andrew Truman rounded out the podium with his time of 55.91, and Reed Heathman rounded out the ‘Cats team scoring in fourth place with a time of 55.95.
Will Blackmer finished seventh and Nathan Dehart finished eighth to finish the ‘Cats in the top 10.
Up Next
Day two from Giants Ridge is tomorrow, featuring the slalom.