Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

HOUGHTON, Mich. - Senior Oskar Lund led the Michigan Tech ski team with a runner-up finish in the men’s 10-kilometer freestyle at the Michigan Tech Challenge Saturday (Dec. 14). The Huskvarna, Sweden, native crossed the line in 30:33.

Senior Jesse Lang, who earned All-American honors last season, finished fifth in 31:29. Sophomore Andy Keller also posted a top-10 finish after finishing eighth in 32:18.

A pair of red-shirt freshman also turned in strong races. Mac Brennan finished 11th overall (33:10) and Luke Gesior was 15th (33:42).

Senior Santi Ocariz of Wis.-Green Bay won the race in a time of 30:02.

“Santi is skating really well this year,” said head coach Joe Haggenmiller. “Oskar has improved upon his skating technique from last year and we expect Jesse to make some improvements as the season progresses. I was really impressed with how Andrew skied today.”

Senior transfer Henna Riikonen-Purtsi was the top Michigan Tech women’s finisher with a fourth place finish in the five-kilometer freestyle race in 18:04. Red-shirt freshman Lynn Duijndam was one spot back in a time of 18:21.

A pair of seniors posted top-15 finishes for the Huskies. Jenna Klein finished 10th (19:23) and Liz Quinley was 12th (19:25).

Northern Michigan junior Christina Gillis won the women’s race in 17:28.

“I have to give credit to NMU’s women. They are skiing really well right now. Henna skied really well in her first college race. Lynn also turned in a great day with her finish. We do expect Jenna and Liz to make some improvements.”

Northern Michigan won the combined team-competition with 39 points (17 men, 22 women). Tech was second with 26 points (15 men, 11 women) and Wis.-Green Bay was third with 25 points (13 men, 12 women).

The teams will compete Sunday (Dec. 13) in the classic race. Start time is set for 10 am.