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at 10K Classic (I)
The University of Utah Athletics
Ute Skiers Recognized
11/10/2000 12:00 AM | Skiing
Nov. 10, 2000
Salt Lake City - Utah cross country skiers Torin Koos and Zack Simons were recognized for their accomplishments in cross country skiing by the National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation. Koos was named the Pacific Northwest Skier of the Year, while teammate Zack Simons was selected as the Intermountain Skier of the Year.
With help from the NCCSEF, U. S. Juniors are getting more exposure to the highest levels of competition. For more information on the NCCSEF and other U.S. Juniors, check out their website at: http://www.nccsef.org/
Pacific Northwest Skier of the Year Torin Koos, Where: Leavenworth, WA, Team: University of Utah, Coach: Kevin Sweeney, Number of years skiing: 15,
6th Relay 2000 World Junior Championships
19th Sprint 2000 World Junior Championships
What is your favorite thing about ski racing? The great Steve Prefontaine once said, "a race is like a work of art." Racing proves something to oneself. It's about laying everything on the line and saying "this is the performance I've been working on all that time."
Why did you start skiing? My hometown of Leavenworth, WA wasn't home to a McDonald's or a stoplight but it did have the Cascade Mountains and ski trails that wound next to my house.
What has been your most enjoyable skiing experience? While rollerskiing along a country road in northern Minnesota, Vladimir Smirnov, with a twinkle in his eye, told me I had talent in ski racing.
Intermountain Skier of the Year Zack Simons, Where: Park City, UT, Team: University of Utah, Coach: Kevin Sweeney, Number of years skiing: 11,
4th 10K Skate 2000 Junior Nationals
4th Sprint 2000 Junior Nationals
What is your favorite thing about ski racing? Beating older "faster" Europeans on the college circuit.
Why did you start skiing? Because it was better than Boy-Scouts.
What had been your most enjoyable skiing experience? The opportunity to train with Miles Minson and the U.S. Development team in Park City.
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