Women Finish Third, Men Fourth at CCSA Championship

ISHPEMING, Mich. – The Michigan Tech Nordic ski teams raced the freestyle on Sunday (Feb. 9) to wrap up the CCSA Championships at Al Quaal. The women's team finished third and the men placed fourth. Alice Flanders, Deedra Irwin, Raphael Bechtiger and Matt Dugan all had top 10 finishes on the day.

"We had a little bit better day today, especially on the men's side," Tech coach Joe Haggenmiller said. "The women raced well but we had some setbacks."

The women's team was three points shy of second place St. Scholastica (95) after the 15-kilometer skate race. Flanders (37:09.5) and Irwin (37:14.1) placed seventh and eighth to pace the Huskies. Lisa Koenig (38:44.6) rounded out scoring for Tech in 19th place.

"Alice fought through some equipment issues and Deedra had a respectable weekend with a strong finish today," added Haggenmiller. "Lisa gave it a good go as our third skier both days."

Also skiing for the Huskies in the women's race were Ulrika Axelsson (25th/40:42.5), Sara Daniels (27th/40:43.2), Ruth Oppliger (39th/46:36) and Erin Mathews (40th/47:41.5).

Bechtiger (41:33) led the men's team in eighth place in the 20K freestyle. Dugan was 6.5 seconds behind Bechtiger in ninth. Matt Wong (41:46.2) also scored for Tech with a 12th place finish.

"Raphy is coming on as the season progresses," Haggenmiller said. "He skied with the front pack for most of the race.

"Matt Dugan had a good day as he fought hard to come up from 20th to ninth. Matt Wong also competed real well."

Kyle Hanson (15th/42:31.5), Jay Woodbeck (19th/43:21.5), Sam Holmes (29th/44:05.2), Thomas Kendrick (30th/44:10.6) and David Joda (36th/46:05.5) rounded out Black and Gold skiers.

Race host Northern Michigan won both team titles.

Tech hosts the NCAA Central Regional next Saturday (Feb. 15) and Sunday (Feb. 16).

"After a little bit of a down week, we look forward to bouncing back on our home course next weekend," said Haggenmiller.