UW Women's Nordic Ski Team Takes National Lead

March 6, 2007 -- The University of Wyoming Nordic ski teams got off to an impressive start Tuesday at the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) Nationals at Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, Colo.

The Cowgirls, last year's national runners-up, took the overall lead by placing four skiers in the top 10 in the 1.5k sprint race. The women, as well as the men competitors, had to race twice during the day just to place among the nation's top 10 finishers.

Erin Hammer of Lander, Casper's Melissa Gangl and Liz Turner of Chugiak, Alaska, made it into the top five with a third, fourth and fifth place finish in the A division, which comprises the top five times. In the next five timed finishes (sixth through 10th), Kari Borroff of Daniel took sixth place.

"To have the third- through sixth-place finishers is just fantastic," says UW co-coach Rachel Watson, a lecturer in the Department of Molecular Biology. "With more schools competing more than ever before, our women's team was just awesome today."

In the last three years, the Cowgirls have won two national titles and finished second once.

The UW men, last year's national champions, also got off to a good start and are in the top three overall after Tuesday's 1.5k sprint. However, official team points were unavailable.

Josh Peterson of Lander had the best showing for the UW men when he finished fifth overall. Brian Sebade, also of Lander, placed eighth and teammate John Kirlin of Casper was ninth.

"The men surpassed our expectations Tuesday and we look for them to finish in the top three overall," Watson says.

Both the Cowgirls and Cowboys will hit the Nordic trail again Wednesday for a 15k skate race. The USCSA nationals conclude with an 8.5k classic race Friday and a relay on Saturday.

Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007

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