Ute Ski Team Opens Strong At NCAA's

Wednesday, March 5

Hanover, N.H.

TBA

University of Utah

NCAA Championships (Cross Country)

3/5/2003 12:00 AM | Skiing

March 5, 2003

HANOVER, N.H. - The University of Utah ski team opened the first day of the NCAA Championships with a bang, placing second behind conference foe New Mexico. In the process of rallying to second place, the Utes were able to qualify three skiers for All-America honors.

Currently, New Mexico holds first place with a point total of 169.0, while Utah tallied a 145.0 overall point total. The Buffs of Colorado skied to third with 138.0 points, Alaska-Fairbanks notched fourth with a score of 137.0 and Alaska-Anchorage rounded out the top five with a point total of 129.5.

"It was an interesting first day," Head Coach Kevin Sweeney said. "Overall I felt we performed well. We are in a good position, but we are hungry to keep striving. We, as a team, need to step it up and perform like we did at Regionals."

The women's nordic team led the way for the Utes, finishing the 5 km freestyle event with a 92.0 point total. Junior Katrin Smigun's time of 13:29.7 earned her a first-place podium spot, while displaying her skills and showing the country that she is one of the best collegiate skiers of the year. Sara Svendsen skied superb, finishing with an overall time of 14:02.0 to come away with seventh place. Sophomore Barbro Hatlevik finished the free technique race placing 20th skating to a time of 14:37.3.

"To see Katrin go into the NCAA's and take first was awesome," remarked Sweeney. "Overall the women's cross country team skied great. I was really impressed with everyone's performance."

The men's cross country squad stumbled a bit out of the gate finishing the 10 km freestyle event with an overall 53.0 point total. Senior Ryan Quinn skied 10th with a time of 25:22.5. Fellow senior Zack Simons came in at 24th and freshman Jess Kiesel rounded out the scores for the Utes placing 33rd.

In the process of skiing to second place, Utah finished day one with three skiers (Katrin Smigun, Sara Svendsen and Ryan Quinn) placing in the top 10. Under NCAA rules, these skiers automatically receive All-America honors for their excellence in nordic events.

"We are anxious to start the downhill races," Sweeney said. "The alpine team is fired up and we have really been training well. The Championships are going to be tight everyday, but I think this team has what it takes to finish on top."

The NCAA Skiing Championships continue Thursday, March 6 with men's and women's giant slalom at the Dartmouth Skiway in Lyme Center, N.H.