UW Women's Nordic Ski Team near National Title
Senior Kari Boroff of Daniel and Sophomore Mae Peterson from Pinedale on the team
by University of Wyoming
March 7, 2007
(Laramie, Wyoming) - A nearly 20-point margin with just two events remaining all but assures a title for the University of Wyoming women's Nordic ski team at the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) Nationals at Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, Colo.
The Cowgirls placed five women in the top 10 during the 15k skate race on Wednesday, March 7th.
"With just two races to go, it will be almost impossible for anyone to catch us," says UW co-coach Christi Boggs, assistant lecturer in the UW College of Education. "Our women won by an incredible margin Wednesday. They pretty much destroyed the field."
Erin Hammer, a sophomore from Lander, led a second through fourth place finish for the Cowgirls. She was followed by Casper freshman Kelsie Speiser and senior Kari Boroff of Daniel. Taking seventh was Casper senior Melissa Gangl and placing ninth was Mae Peterson, a Pinedale sophomore. Twin sisters Katie and Liz Turner, juniors from Chugiak, Alaska, finished among the top 15 skiers, placing 13th and 14th, respectively.
Even though no official points were available, Boggs says the women have a comfortable lead against defending national champion St. Olaf College of Northfield, Minn. The Cowgirls the last three years have won two national titles and were second last season.
The UW men moved up one place to second overall and trail Cornell University of Ithaca, N.Y., by just one point. A year ago, the Cowboys edged Cornell by one point for the national title. UW overtook Tuesday's second place team, Clarkson University of Potsdam, N.Y., in the overall standings.
Lander senior Josh Peterson had the Cowboys' highest finish in the 15k skate race with third place. Freshman John Kirlin of Casper came in fourth and Brian Sebade, Lander junior, placed sixth. Lander skiers Colin McRann, a junior, and sophomore Jacob Peterson, were 12th and 13th, respectively.
"Our men are hanging tough and making a real fight out of it," Boggs says. "They are skiing beyond our expectations."
No races are scheduled for Thursday. The USCSA Nationals wrap up with an 8.5K classic race Friday and a relay on Saturday.
Related Links:
University of Wyoming, www.uwyo.edu
|
