NMU’s Cirelli wins CCSA race

NMU WILDCATSCourtesy of NMU Athletics

CABLE, Wis. – Northern Michigan University sophomore Mary Kate Cirelli was the top collegiate finisher and second overall as the Wildcats Nordic skiing team completed action at the Telemark Chase Sunday.

Cirelli posted a time of 16:39 in the 5K classic race winning her first Central Collegiate Ski Association event of the season.  Junior Felicia Gesior was seventh overall and fourth in the CCSA posting a time of 17:00.01. Freshman Kristin Bourne was 11th overall and seventh in the CCSA with a time of 17:12.0.

Junior Kyle Bratrud followed up his freestyle win on Saturday by finishing second in the men’s 10K on Sunday with a time of 27:14.1. Freshman Fredrik Schwencke  placed sixth for the Wildcats with a time of 27:54.8 while senior George Cartwright was 10th at 28:21.8.

“I think it was a great weekend for both the men and the women, we had some good performances from some new people,” said NMU head coach Sten Fjeldheim. “Kristen Bourne skied really well. I thought the women had a really good showing. On the men’s side George Cartwright had one of his better classic races. It was a solid weekend for us. We have a few things to work on but I was pleased with the results.”

The Wildcats return to action Jan. 24-25 at the Mt. Itasca Distance before hosting the CCSA Championships Feb. 8-9 at Al Quaal.