Skiers of the Week!

As you already know, from reading the account of the weekend below, we had the best performance at an NCAA race since 1993! These amazing results were lead by the following two athletes!

Zhenya joined us from Russia at the beginning of the semester and at that time we all thought he was old and out of eligibility. As the semester progressed we became aware of the fact that he's only 22 years old and in his first year of graduate school! This realization set off a flurry of activity as we petitioned the USCSA for a year of eligibility. Let's just say it was a good weekend for Zhenya, he was granted eligibility for this season and the possibility of another one next year as well as having his best finish this year!

He thought the classic race would be his best one but after the wax wore off his skis 5km into a 10km race he fought to finish in 25th, 2:53 out. He was disappointed with this finish and the time back but put it behind him and looked forward to the next day.

After a great start Zhenya flew around the course, dropping athletes that he was skiing with at the end! He finished in a team and personal best place of 17th, only 1:26 out of the lead! It was an amazing effort and we are all waiting to see what he can do at Nationals. Zhenya has provided the men's team with an excellent role model and leader!

Another new-comer lead the women this weekend as well, although eligibility was never in questions with her since she is a true freshman. Gracey started the weekend with a personal best place of 28, 18% out of the win. Up to that point this was one of the better finishes by a UW woman in the last 15 years but little did we know she saved the best for last!

Despite some stressful, last minute waxing that left the women with little time to get to the start Gracey handled the stress well and by the middle of the first lap was in a position to tie the best ever finish for a UW woman in the last 15 years but she wasn't content with that so she just kept picking off peole in front of her to finish in 19th place, only 13% out!

Not only is Gracey a rocket on the ski trails but she is a leader off the course as well. Always finding ways to help the coaches and her teammates with a smile on her face. We look forward to watching her become the best skier and person she can be during her college career.

Congratulations to these fine student athletes!

YOU ROCK OUR WORLD!