North Michigan News

The U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) has recognized Erik Lundteigen, head coach of the Northern Michigan University (NMU) Alpine Ski team, as the 2025 Coach of the Year. The announcement was made on Tuesday.

"It is quite an honor to receive this award," said Lundteigen. He attributed much of his success to his student-athletes, stating, "My job is to put the student-athletes in a position to be successful, and they are who deserve the majority of the credit for earning this award. I just point the way!"

According to USCSA, the Coach of the Year award is given to "an individual who, during the past season, has exemplified the qualities of a great coach in every sense of the position." The award highlights coaches who command respect from peers and athletes and contribute significantly to their sport.

Meegan Moszynski, Managing Director at USCSA, commented on Lundteigen's recognition: "We receive many nominations each year from coaches, athletes, volunteers, alumni, and industry peers," she said. "Erik has been nominated several times... A variety of factors... all go into the final award."

At this year's National Championships, NMU's men's team finished third overall while their women's team placed 11th out of 27 teams. The teams collectively earned three First Team All-American titles and five Second Team All-American honors alongside two bronze medals.

Both Aaron Grzelak and Reagan Olli secured bronze medals in their respective slalom events. Olli was among those who received first-team honors along with Kyan Hopke. At NMU's 2025 Wildcat Awards ceremony, Hopke was named Male Newcomer of the Year while NMU’s men's alpine team received Team of the Year accolades.

Ella Wichert provided a nomination write-up praising Lundteigen's positive influence: "[Coach Lundteigen] positivity reflects not only on athletes but also on their performances in races."

In previous years under Lundteigen’s leadership at nationals—2024 saw men finishing fourth overall; women second overall; 2023 had Olli winning national champion SL title leading women’s second-place finish; men third combined—and in 2022 both teams achieved commendable results during their inaugural competition year.