Western Nordic Skiing men take 1st, women 2nd at 2018 USCSA National Championships

The Western Mountain Sports Nordic Skiing Team recently competed at the 2018 USCSA National Championships in Lake Placid, N.Y., and came away successful, to say the least. On the men’s side, the team won the overall national title, and the women’s team took home the second-place trophy in team scoring.

The performance highlight of the week came from freshman Anna Johnson, who won the 1.5km classic sprint race. Johnson came to Western from Minnesota and put her skills to work all season, culminating in winning this individual national title. The best part? Johnson’s teammate, fellow freshman Rya Berrigan, took second place—a 1-2 finish for Western. Lexie Abric posted a stellar 14th-place effort as well, which led the women to a first-place team award on the day.

For the men, the performance of the week came from junior Gordon Gianniny, who posted a career best effort in the 7.5km skate race to land in a strong second-place on the day. This result reflects the hard work he has been putting in day-in and day-out. Honorable mention went to junior Derek Hill, who improved dramatically this season to land in the top 10 in the overall scoring.

Looking to the future, the men’s team has qualified to represent the USA at the World University Games next winter in Siberia. The women’s team has qualified two athletes as well. Having the team qualified to represent the USA is a significant step toward the Western team being recognized as one of the top ski programs in North America.

Highlights From the Week

Scholar All-Americans
First Team: Gordon Gianniny, Lexie Abric, Rya Berrigan, Luke Bodewes
Second Team: Anna Johnson, Kevin Geisen
Honorable Mention: Derek Hill

Athletic All-Americans
Gordon Gianniny
Nate Maddox
Kevin Geisen
Derek Hill
Ty Haroldson
Anna Johnson
Rya Berrigan

Top 10 Results
Nate Maddox: 4th, 4th, 5th, 2nd
Kevin Geisen: 8th, 10th, 2nd
Gordon Gianniny: 2nd, 2nd
Derek Hill: 8th
Tyler Haroldson: 9th
Anna Johnson: 1st (National Champion!), 10th, 4th, 2nd
Rya Berrigan: 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 2nd
Lexie Abric: 2nd

Men’s Team National Titles (as a team)
7.5km Skate Race – 1st place
1.5km Classic Sprint Race – 1st place
15km Classic Race – 1st place
Team was crowned overall champions!

Women’s Team National Titles (as a team)
1.5km Classic Sprint Race – 1st place
Team finished 2nd in the overall team standings