Skiers Wrap Up 2013 with Classic Races in Wausau

WAUSAU, Wis. – The Michigan Tech Nordic ski teams wrapped up the 2013 portion of their schedule with classic races at the Aspirus Nordic Challenge on Sunday (Dec. 22).

"We had another respectable day down here in Wausau," Tech coach Joe Haggenmiller said. "Everyone skied hard and it turned out to be a decent weekend as we build up for US Nationals in a couple weeks."

The Huskies had five skiers in the top 10 in the college men's 10-kilometer race. Jay Woodbeck (31:56.72) and Thomas Kendrick (32:01.71) placed five seconds apart in fourth and fifth.

Kyle Hanson (7th/32:06.57), Matt Dugan (8th/32:14.23) and Sam Holmes (10th/32:23.73) also finished in the top 10 for the Huskies. David Joda (16th/33:18.71) wrapped up Tech skiers in the classic.

Deedra Irwin had the top finish for the Huskies with a second place time in the college women's 5K. She crossed the line in 17:50.7. Alice Flanders (18:26.88) finished two spots back.

Lisa Koenig (7th/18:31.69) and Rachel Mason (10th/18:55.35) were also in the top 10 for the Huskies, while Ruth Oppliger (16th/20:44.75) rounded out Black and Gold skiers in the classic race.

"Deedra was in there competing with Rosie from Northern today, and it was good to see Alice up there as well," said Haggenmiller. "Jay and Sam raced well today on the men's side, and Thomas was much better today than in last week's classic."

The Huskies head to Utah for the US Nationals during the first week of January.