Five members of the Gustavus Adolphus men’s and women’s nordic ski teams are currently competing in the U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships in Anchorage, Alaska. Juniors Andrew Poffenberger and Jens Brabbit, and freshman Zach Wagner are representing the men’s squad, while junior Cassandra Brady and freshman Erica Hett are competing from the women’s team. Around 500 of the top cross country skiers in the nation are expected to compete in the seven day event.
Zach Wagner was the only member of the Gustavus team to compete in Saturday’s 1.5km freestyle sprint. Wagner placed 122nd with a time of 3:31.46. Follow the link below for complete results from Saturday’s 1.5km freestyle sprint race.
Jan. 2, Freestyle Sprint Results
Brabbit, Poffenberger, and Wagner all competed in the 15km freestyle race on Monday. Jen’s finished 71st overall (43:17.4) and 14th among Central Region college skiers. Brabbit was battling with the top skiers from the region before he crashed in the final kilometer of the race and broke a pole. Wagner placed 132nd overall (48:37.4), while Poffenberger dropped out of the race after 10km after battling food poisoning throughout the morning. Erica Hett and Cassandra Brady both competed in the women’s 10km freestyle race on Monday as well. Hett placed 124th (37:55.3), while Brady placed 128th (38:27.4). Click on the link below for complete results.
Jan. 4, 10/12km Freestyle Results
Head Coach Jed Friedrich said that although the competition is world class, the event has been good experience for the skiers. “Based on how they compared to other skiers in the region, they’ve made a bit of an improvement from the Ironwood races, which is obviously good to see. There aren’t any slouches out here though,” stated Friedrich.
The Gustie skiers concluded the U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships on Wednesday after taking part in the 20km, 30km, 10km, 5km classic races. The weather proved to be challenging for all competing skiers as temperatures were around thirty degrees with heavy snow fall throughout the day. “Our skiers did well, but the competition is really tough out here and the conditions were very challenging, ” said Coach Friedrich at the conclusion of the competition.
Cassandra Brady finished 59th overall in the 20km classic with a time of 1:32:19.9, as Erica Hett crashed halfway through the 5km classic and finished 55th overall (21:58.7). Zach Wagner competed in the men’s 10km classic and finished 55th overall (36:14.0). Jen’s Brabbit and Adam Poffenberger both competed in the 30km classic. Brabbit finished 47th overall (1:46:53.1) as Poffenberger did not finish the race. Follow the links below for complete results from Wednesday’s races.
Jan. 6, 20/30km Classic Results
For further information on the U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships follow the link below.