North Michigan News

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) alpine ski team demonstrated a strong performance in the giant slalom event at the USCSA Giants Ridge competition in Biwabik, Minnesota. Both the men's and women's teams swept the podium on the first day of competition.

The women's team secured the top nine positions, while the men's team claimed six spots in the top ten, capturing 15 of the top 20 positions overall. Head coach Erik Lundteigen expressed satisfaction with their performance, stating, "It was a great day of racing at Giants Ridge, and I am very happy with the results. Our practices have been good and the results have shown that. Now time to rest up and get ready for slalom racing tomorrow!"

In individual performances, Tommie Springer led the women's category with a combined time of 56.70 seconds after achieving the fastest times in both runs—28.63 seconds in her first run and 28.07 seconds in her second run. Ainsley Kirk followed closely in second place with a total time of 57.98 seconds, improving her position after clocking 29.44 seconds initially and then 28.54 seconds subsequently.

Reagan Olli completed NMU's podium sweep by finishing third with run times of 29.37 and 28.91 seconds for a combined total of 58.28 seconds.

On the men's side, Kyan Hopke topped his category by posting swift times of 28.74 and 27.24 seconds for an aggregate score of 55.40 seconds.

Aaron Grzelak finished second individually with a time of 55.73 seconds but did not contribute to team scoring as he moved up two places after his initial run.

Andrew Truman completed NMU's podium success by securing third place with a final time of 55.91 seconds.

The day's events concluded with Reed Heathman taking fourth place for NMU's scoring team at a close finish time of 55.95 seconds.

Both teams look forward to competing again on day two at Giants Ridge which will feature slalom races.