US Nationals Wraps Up With Classic Sprint

SOLDIER HOLLOW, Utah – Kyle Hanson, Deedra Irwin and Lisa Koenig, of the Michigan Tech Nordic ski teams, all advanced out of the qualifying round to the classic sprint heats on Friday (Jan. 9) at the US Cross Country Championships. The Huskies wrapped up the championship with the 1.5-kilometer event.

Hanson finished third overall in A final of the men's junior bracket. He advanced to the semifinal after winning his quarterfinal heat. Hanson was third in the semifinal to advance and was behind of pair of Northern Michigan skiers in the final.

"Kyle worked his way through the junior heats and had a good day to finish a strong UP showing on the podium," Tech coach Joe Haggenmiller said.

In the women's race, Irwin (4:09.48) qualified ninth overall but wasn't able to advance out of her quarterfinal heat, finishing sixth. Koenig (4:15.01) also was sixth in her quarterfinal and 23rd overall in the qualifier.

"Deedra and Lisa both advanced on a very tough course," said Haggenmiller. "I'm not totally convinced that it met the correct specs for a sprint course."

Jay Woodbeck (4:09.85) was 46th for the men with Matt Wong (4:10.86) in 51st and David Joda (4:25.51) 81st.

Lynn Duijndam (4:37.88) finished 49th overall with Alice Flanders (4:38.75) two spots back. Sarah Daniels (58th/4:52.66) wrapped up Tech skiers in the women's race.

"It was a pretty exciting day for the Huskies," added Haggenmiller. "We look forward to getting back to Houghton and starting classes on Monday and then heading down to Hayward next weekend."