Shelbie Ralston, Bob Maddox, Chris Lange, Ellie Atkins, and Justin Barr, post race.

The WSCU Mountain Sports Nordic Team had their home opener at Snow Mountain Ranch during the first Weekend of January. Conditions were less than favorable, with low temperatures and wind gusts that made the efforts all the more difficult. Saturday was a 15k classic race. On the men’s side, Chris Lange (senior) walked away with an overall victory, beating out over 100 other racers (collegiate and citizen). Justin Barr (senior) placed 41st overall and 6th in collegiate. The women, who have a full team this year skied strong as well. Bob Maddox (freshman) placed 3rd in her age group and 4th among the collegiate skiers. Ellie Atkins (junior) and Shelbie Ralston (freshman) both had strong outings, starting the season off in a big way.

Justin Barr sprinting into the finish.

 

On Sunday, a 6k skate race was held, and the conditions continued to challenge. Wind drifts and whiteouts became the obstacle of the day. The grueling two lap, 6 kilometer race tested the skiers representing Western. Chris Lange had yet another strong race, and finished second. For the women, Bob Maddox showed that she could hang with the older and more experienced skiers, and finished in 4th. The season opener has shown that there is a new era of Western Nordic on the rise, and while the season has just begun, the team is excited for the many races and events to come!