Feb. 23, 2007
The University of New Mexico ski team did not get off to the start it was looking for on the first day of the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association, falling to a tie for seventh place overall after the Alpine slalom and Nordic freestyle races. Senior Lars Loeseth placed eighth in the men’s slalom for the best result by a Lobo on the day. The Alpine giant slalom races were cancelled yesterday due to poor weather, leaving the Nordic classic races tomorrow as the Lobos’ only chance to make up ground on the field.
New Mexico totaled 145 points, tying with Western State. Denver leads the event with 281 points, followed by Utah (273) and Colorado (265). Not racing the Alpine GS will hurt New Mexico since the Lobo men were leading the RMISA in that event.
Senior Alex Mach added a top-10 in the men’s giant slalom, placing one spot behind Loeseth in ninth place. Sophomore Tor Fodnesbergene finished 26th while freshman Jon Masdal posted a DNF on his first run.
Sophomore Karin Ohlin was the only Lobo woman to post two runs in the giant slalom, placing 24th overall. Junior Amy Beresford fell on her first run while freshman Malin Hemmingson fell on her second run.
Sophomore Casey Dyck led the Lobo men’s Nordic team with a 12th place finish in the 10K freestyle. It was Dyck’s best showing of the season and tied his career best finish set at Western State last season. Senior Jedd Young was the next Lobo to cross the line in 29th place and was the only other Lobo to race today.
The women were led by junior Laura Van Alst’s 11th place finish in the 5K freestyle. Sophomore Crystin Jaques and freshman Polina Ermoshina were 14th and 15th respectively. Sophomore Melanie Zemp also skied for the Lobos today, placing 19th.
RMISA Championship Standings
1. DENVER – 281
2. UTAH – 273
3. COLORADO – 265
4. ALASKA – 217
5. MONTANA STATE – 191
6. NEVADA – 167
7. NEW MEXICO – 145
7. WESTERN STATE – 145
9. WHITMAN – 135