NMU Nordic Skiers dominate meet
Courtesy of NMU Athletics
HOUGHTON, Mich. The Northern Michigan University mens and womens Nordic ski teams dominated the classic races at their season-opening meet, the Wildcat Open, on Saturday morning from the Michigan Tech Ski Trails. The races were originally scheduled for Al Quaal in Ishpeming but a lack of snow moved competition north. Michigan Tech and Green Bay also competed.
In the womens 5-kilometer race, the Wildcats took six of the top seven collegiate spots. Freshman Mary Kate Cirelli (18:55.0) won her first race in the Green in Gold, defeating teammate junior Jordyn Ross by 16 seconds.
Junior Rosie Frankowski finished third while sophomore Elizabeth Simak and freshman Megan Edic placed sixth and seventh. Freshman Malin Erickson was 10th and junior Karmen Whitham rounded out NMU’s skiers in 15th.
The men raced a 10K with NMU taking the top four collegiate spots. Erik Soderman was the top finisher, crossing the line in 30:16.8. Sophomore Kyle Bratrud, senior Chris Bowler and junior George Cartwright placed three, four and five. Junior Ben Hugus (8th) was also in the top 10 while freshman Sam Eflstrom was 11th.
The Cats get back on the skis on Sunday for the freestyle races.