Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Michigan Tech senior Henna Riikonen-Purtsi posted the top-finish for the Huskies at the US National Skiing Championships Tuesday (Jan. 4) after finishing 32nd in the women’s 10-kilometer freestyle. The Hantala, Finland, native covered the course in 32:20 to finish third among collegiate racers from the Central Region.

Senior Elizabeth Quinley finished second on the team and 56th overall in a time of 33:49. Freshman Lynn Duijndam turned in the strongest performance of her young career with a 66th place finish (33:58).

Other finishes for the women include: sophomore Melanie Hoffman, 78th (34:35); sophomore Christina Mishica, 82nd (34:40); senior Jenna Klein, 88th (35:05); junior Kristen Monahan, 106th (36:02) and freshman Sarah Daniels, 110th (36:21). 

Senior Jesse Lang was the top finisher on the men’s side thanks to a 40th place finish in the 15-kilometer freestyle in 41:20. He finished third among collegiate racers from the Central Region.

Other finishers among the men include junior Colin Singleton who finished 115th (46:37) and freshman Kelsey Boyer who crossed the line in 47:45 for 126th place.

Tech also had a small number of alumni competing. Karl Walczak finished 32nd (40:51), Erik Mundahl was 72nd (43:22) and Andrew Joda was 99th (45:37). Kristina Owen was the lone women alum finishing 39th in 32:46.

“Overall I was pleased with how we raced today,” said head coach Joe Haggenmiller. “I believe that we are stronger now than we were at this time last year.”

The team returns to action Wednesday (Jan. 6) in the 10-kilometer and 15-kilometer classic races.