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The University of Utah Athletics
Henning Dybendal Named Ski Racer of the Year
6/8/2004 12:00 AM | Skiing
June 8, 2004
SALT LAKE CITY - Before the season began, Utah head coach Kevin Sweeney said that Henning Dybendal had the potential to win. The 6-3 foot Norwegian lived up to his coach's prediction. In addition to his double golds at NCAAs, he won four races -- three classical and one freestyle -- and never finished lower than third. Even when he didn't win, he was always less than a minute behind the leader.
"Henning has been a class act all year," said Sweeney. "I am happy and proud he has been chosen for this award. He has been a tremendous ambassador for the University of Utah and the ski team. He has a very bright future as an athlete and now with a great education under his belt, he has great options ahead. This is perfect, it's what collegiate ski racing is all about."
Although the powerful skier made it look easy, he claims that it wasn't. "I had to ski my best every race so it wasn't easy at all," says Dybendal when asked if he felt challenged on the collegiate circuit.
On a team plagued by illness and injury all year, Dybendal's consistent skiing was a highlight, and the shy computer science major credited both good health and his team. "It was a great season. I stayed healthy and skied good all season through. I think it has a lot to do with confidence. It has been really fun to race this year. Trainers, teammates and everyone who has been a part of the team have done a very good job."
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