Nov. 27, 2005
The University of New Mexico Nordic Ski Team opened its 2005-06 season this weekend by competing in the FIS Super Tour World Cup stop in West Yellowstone, Montana. The Lobos had strong showings against tough competition that included members of the U.S Ski Team and the University of Colorado, Utah, Montana, Nevada, Alaska-Anchorage, Boise State, Northern Michigan, Dartmouth, New Hampshire, Middlebury College.
Despite only having spent a few days on snow, UNM junior Dirk Grimm placed 5th in the men’s 12K freestyle on Friday. He was the first collegiate skier to cross the finish line in the race. He went on to finish fifth overall by winning the Men’s B-Final. He was in the B-Final due to a fall in the semifinal race, but he was still one of only 3 college men to make the final and the only one in the top-eight overall. Freshman Casey Dyck also had a great race for the men and only finished 0.5 seconds from making the top-16 and advancing to the finals. Junior Jedd Young placed 39th in Friday’s race while freshman Rick Grahn finished 69th overall.
The Lobo women also raced in a 12K freestyle on Friday and were led by sophomore Marit Rognmo’s 32nd place overall showing. She led a group of Lobo skiers and was followed by freshman Crystin Jaques (33rd) and sophomore Tiffany Callahan (34th). Callahan was the fourth among junior skiers in the race. She advanced to the junior final where she placed fourth. Sophomore Katrine Alseen placed 51st in the race.
The Lobos competed in 12K classic races on Saturday and once again, Grimm placed 10th overall and third among collegiate skiers. Young was the second Lobo to cross the line, placing 40th overall. Dyck struggled in the race, falling to 78th overall, while Grahn finished 112th.
The Lobo women were again led by Rognmo who had a 12th place overall showing. She was the seventh collegiate skier to cross the finish line. Jaques finished 19th overall, while sophomore Tiffany Callahan came in 45th. Callahan was again the fourth among junior skiers in the race. Also racing for the Lobo women were Alseen (46th) and freshman Melaine Zemp (53rd).
The Nordic squad will race in Breckenridge, Colo., next weekend. The collegiate ski season begins January 7, 2006, with the Alaska-Anchorage meet in Solider Hollow, Utah.