Utes Perch In Third-Place At Utah Invitational

Sunday, January 11

Park City, Utah

TBA

University of Utah

Utah Invitational (Alpine)

1/11/2004 12:00 AM | Skiing

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Jan. 11, 2004

Complete Results

PARK CITY, Utah - The University of Utah skied to a third-place finish after the first day of the Utah Invitational on Sunday, Jan. 11. With the men's giant slalom and women's slalom events wrapped up, Utah holds on to a 123.5 point total behind conference rivals Denver (142) and New Mexico (138).

"Overall, our team did better then they think they did," said Head Alpine Coach Aaron Atkins. "We are sitting in third-place, but we could have extended our point total. It's the beginning of the season and our newcomers are learning to compete at this level."

The men's alpine team was able to open strong placing two skiers in the top-10. Junior Ben Thornhill kicked out of the gate and finished with a blazing time of 1:55.47 to tie for sixth with Denver's David Lamb. Sophomore Andi Weiser made himself know finishing in ninth-place with a time of 1:56.19. Fellow newcomer Will McDonald came away placing 21th with a combine time of 2:14.43.

"The two newcomers made a few mistakes on the bottom flat, but overall did well," said Atkins. "Ben skied very well in the GS and we are hoping he can continue this trend." Last season, Thornhill won the giant slalom event at the 2003 NCAA's, snagging first-team All-American honors.

The women skied well, placing two of the three scorers in the top-10. Junior Rowena Hyldahl placed seventh with a time of 1:32.60. After missing last season due to injury, junior April Mancuso was a major contributor skiing to a eighth-place finish with a time of 1:32.62. Park City, Utah, native Elisha Stephens powered her way to finish 10th with a time of 1:33.07.

"Our girls skied a good second run," remarked Atkins. "We were expecting them to contribute and perform and that is exactly what they did."

Tomorrow, Jan. 12., the alpine team will be back in action skiing in the second day of the Utah Invitational. Utah is hopeful to gain ground in the men's slalom and the women's giant slalom events. Both of these events will be held in Park City, Utah.

Utah Invitational Results:

1. Denver               142.02. New Mexico           138.03. Utah                 123.54. Colorado             112.55. Alaska Anchorage      97.56. Western State         67.07. Montana State         66.08. Boise State           59.59. Nevada                54.010. Whitman              49.0