HOUGHTON, Mich. - Michigan Tech had eight skiers finish in the top-100 at the US Senior Nationals hosted at the Tech Trails on the campus of Michigan Tech today. The races were two of several held this week at the Tech Trails.
Sophomore Jesse Lang led the men’s team with his 36th place finish (44:21.2) in the 15-kilometer classical race after posting a 36th place in the freestyle race on Tuesday.
“Jesse was in a real tight race today. With his result today he has put himself in a really good position for the US Under-23 ski team,” said head coach Joe Haggenmiller.
Senior Adam Airoldi enjoyed a successful day as he finished 45th in a time of 44:50.0. Senior Kevin Heglund was just over 40 seconds back as he finished 58th in 45:29.6. Junior Andrew Joda was 90th in 46:23.6 while fellow junior Chris Harvey was 100th in a time of 46:47.6.
“Adam, Kevin and Andrew all had the best races of their careers,” said Haggenmiller. “I was really proud of the men’s team as we had nine racers in the top-25 finishers in the college race.”
On the women’s side, sophomore Jenna Klein paced the Huskies with her 49th place finish. She completed the 10-kilometer classical race in a time of 34:21.4.
“Jenna had a pretty good race but I feel that she has better days in front of her,” said Haggenmiller.
Junior Laura Kangas also faired well as she finished 86th in 35:28.1 while senior Andrea Metz was 92nd in a time of 35:41.2.
“I am really excited for Laura and Andrea. They placed very well in their first trip to the senior nationals,” said Haggenmiller.
“Overall I feel that we have put ourselves in a good position in the College Cup competition.”
Michigan Tech alum Kristina Owen finished 19th in 32:46.3 and fellow alum and Huskies assistant coach Karl Walczak was 31st in 44:14.5.
Photo Credit: Michigan Tech
