North Michigan News

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) alpine ski team commenced its 2025 season with a successful weekend at Mt. LaCrosse in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Both the men's and women's teams emerged victorious over the course of the competition.

The women's team secured first place in both the giant slalom on Saturday and the slalom on Sunday, followed by St. Olaf College in second place for both events. The men's team placed second to St. Olaf in the giant slalom but clinched first place in the slalom, which was shortened to one run due to technical issues. With superior combined scores over the weekend, NMU's men claimed overall victory.

Head coach Erik Lundtiegen commented on the event: "This was a great way to start the year. Our practices at Marquette Mt. have been very good and it showed in our results." He expressed pride in his team's performance despite long days caused by timing malfunctions.

On Saturday, during the giant slalom, NMU's men finished with a combined time of 3:34.14, just behind St. Olaf's 3:33.08. Reed Heathman achieved first place with a total time of 1:09.76 after recording two fastest runs among all competitors.

For the women, their combined score of 3:39.32 bested St. Olaf's 3:46.27 in the giant slalom event. Tommie Springer led her team with a time of 1:11.49, nearly two seconds ahead of her closest competitor.

Sunday's slalom saw both NMU teams dominate by sweeping podium positions despite technical difficulties that limited runs for men to just one round.

Kyan Hopke led NMU's men with an 18.69 finish time followed closely by Heathman and teammates Andrew Truman and Anthony Petkov tied for third place.

Reagan Olli topped female racers posting times leading up to gold medal win while Ella Wichert advanced from fifth position securing silver narrowly ahead teammate Ainsley Kirk who took bronze.

NMU will aim to maintain momentum heading into their next competition at Giants Ridge Minnesota this coming weekend as they continue their promising season start.