Koenig Wins Freestyle Sprint in Wausau

WAUSAU, Wis. – The Michigan Tech Nordic ski teams raced in the freestyle sprints at the Aspirus Nordic Challenge on Saturday (Dec. 21). Lisa Koenig was the top finisher for Tech, winning the 1-kilometer sprint.

"It was a fun day for the Huskies in the sprint races," Tech coach Joe Haggenmiller said. "The highlight of the day was Lisa winning the college sprint."

Koenig took the women's A final with Deedra Irwin finishing fifth. Both skiers won their initial heats to advance to the semifinals. Rachel Mason won the B final with Ruth Oppliger one spot behind her.

On the men's side, Thomas Kendrick and Jay Woodbeck advanced to the A final with Kendrick finishing one spot ahead of Woodbeck in fourth. Both men won their initial heats.

Sam Holmes placed second in the B final. Kyle Hanson also raced for the Huskies and had the top qualifying time for the team.

"Thomas placed well even after falling in the first 100 meters, and Jay skied well all day," added Haggenmiller. "We had a couple falls today but it was our first sprint races of the season."

The Huskies wrap up the weekend on Sunday (Dec. 22), skiing the classic races in Wausau.

"The team did a good job representing Michigan Tech today, and we look forward another chance to keep improving tomorrow," said Haggenmiller.