Skiing Places Fourth in NCAA Championships

Saturday, March 13

Sunday River, Maine (NCAA Championships)

TBA

University of Utah

6/21/1999 12:00 AM | Skiing

March 17, 1999

SUNDAY RIVER, Maine - In what turned out to be the most unpredictable day of the entire NCAA Championship, the University of Utah fell from second to finish in fourth place in the final standings. Every team had to face the day's challenging weather conditions that threw a screw into the Utes' title hopes. Colorado endured the conditions to win its second straight NCAA Championship, amassing 650 points. Denver made a stunning jump from eighth place after the first day, to finishing second. Third place was captured by Vermont who totaled 600 points followed by Utah in fourth place with 572.

The men's cross country team has been consistent in earning high race points for the Utes all year long. In what would be their final collegiate race, three-time all-Americans Frode and Rune Kollerud could not perform up to their usual levels of excellence, unable to adapt to the changes in weather conditions and climate. In fact, both Frode and Rune had their worst results of the year. Rune finished 12th and Frode placed 17th. Pat Casey was also hampered, finishing 26th. Colorado skiers finished first and second, with Ove Erik Tronvoll taking the title, followed immediately by Magnus Ericksson. This tandem paved the way for the Buffs to take the team championship.

The women were also slowed by the conditions. Lene Pedersen was Utah's top finisher, turning in a dismal 21st place finish. Kristina Joder fared no better finishing 26th, followed by Hailey Wappett in 27th. Denver's Brita Wienand took first, helping the Pioneers to their second place finish.

In what turned out to be an emotional season of disappointments, the Utes set their sights to next year. With key skiers leaving the program, Utah will be undergoing a change of chemistry they it hopes will produce a change in results.

FINAL TEAM RESULTS

 1. Colorado            650
 2. Denver              636
 3. Vermont             600
 4. Utah                578.5
 5. New Mexico          572
 6. Dartmouth           539
 7. Alaska-Anchorage    396
 8. Middlebury          369.5
 9. New Hampshire       357.5
10. Northern Michigan   311