Posted: Jan 17, 2015

Irwin Wins Telemark Chase Classic

CABLE, Wis. — Deedra Irwin won the women's five-kilometer classic race and many other Michigan Tech Huskies turned in strong performances at the Telemark Chase today at Telemark Resort. Tech had four of the top 12 in the women's race and five of the top 21 in the men's 10K classic.

Irwin's time of 18:41 was 20 seconds better than the second-place finisher from Northern Michigan. Ulrika Axelsson came in at 19:03, just two seconds back of second position. Alice Flanders posted a time of 19:14 for sixth position. Lisa Konig was the Huskies' fourth finisher in the top 12 with a 19:41 clocking.

On the men's side, Haakon Hjulsten skied to a time of 32:50 to finish ninth among collegiate racers. Kyle Hanson was five seconds and only one spot back in 10th. Thomas Kendrick (33:17, 13th ), David Joda (33:18, 15th) and Sam Holmes (34:07, 21st) were also among the leaders in the field of 123 racers.

"The women raced fantastic today," said Tech coach Joe Haggenmiller. "To have three in the top six against a large field says a lot about the depth and strength of our team.

"The men had a couple crashes and ended up on the wrong side of a few close finishes but still went pretty well."

Michigan Tech will wrap up racing at Telemark Resort tomorrow with freestyle races.