Nordic hits podium at CB

Western’s Nordic ski team raced past the competition last weekend February 4-5 at the Alley Loop Ski Marathon at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

            The Nordic team was led by Lady Mountaineer Jamie Woelk who took the podium at third place in the women’s 21KM ski skate with a  time of 1:23:42.

            Also representing Western at the Alley Loop in the men’s division was skier Scott Krankalla who placed seventh in the 42km in the skate event  with a time of 2:25:23.

Following not far behind Krankalla was Western racer Chris Lange who took ninth with a time of 2:28:15. This marks the second top ten finish for Lange this season as he took first at the Grand Mesa race January 29.

In addition to the top ten finishers from Western several other Mountaineers put forth a a good effort as well including Tom Sunderland who was 14th in the 42km skate with a time of 2:30:53, and Ansel Schimpff who was 28th in the same race holding a  time of 2:41:27.

            Finishing out the day racing hard for Western was Nordic ski racer Reid McCallum who took 34th in the men's 21km skate with a time of 1:36:20.

            Western’s Nordic coach Duncan Callahan expressed a lot of enthusiasm about the team’s performance. “The team did great,” said Callahan.

            According to Lange the Nordic team has been practicing weekly for upcoming races.  “For practice I just ski a few times a week and do some interval work outs here and there.”  Lange said.

Overall last weekend’s race in Crested Butte was another good showing for Western’s Nordic team as they advance closer to nationals.   

Western’s Nordic team is always looking for new members. Anyone interested in joining the team is encouraged to contact Nordic ski team Coach Duncan Callahan at  duncan.callahan@gmail.com  or Club Sports coordinator Greg White at gwhite@western.edu