Einarsson Crowned National Champion

Friday, March 9

Mt. Washington Valley, N.H.

All Day

University of Utah

NCAA Championships

3/9/2007 12:00 AM | Skiing

March 9, 2007

Team Results | Men's Results | Women's Results

JACKSON, N.H. - University of Utah freshman Snorri Einarsson crossed the finish line seconds before Rene Reisshauer of Denver University to capture his first NCAA title in the men's 20K classic. Einarsson and Reisshauer were neck-and-neck in the final 100 meters, with the Utah newcomer edging Reisshauer in a wild sprint for the finish. The Tromso, Norway native was mobbed by jubilant teammates and coaches who were on hand to witness the high point of the week thus far for the Utes.

Einarsson also finished second in Wednesday's 10K freestyle.

"It was an unbelieveable moment to be at the finish line with the team," head coach Eli Brown said. "This has been a great week, but to see Snorri crowned national champion was icing on the cake."

The men's Nordic team continued to ski well, notching three top-15 finishes in both events this week. While Einarsson's time of 55:06.0 led the Utes, Fabian Figi and Even Sletten also garnered impressive finishes. Figi finished in 56:23.2 to take 11th place, while Sletten's time of 57:04.4 was good enough for 14th place.

The women's team was paced by Sara Schweiger, whose time of 50:20.1 in the 15K classic led the Utes. Sarah MacCarthy (22nd, 52:04.1) also finished in the top 25.

"I am so proud of our girls for giving it their all today," Coach Brown said. "They were definitely racing for more than just themselves."

As a team, the Utes were edged by Colorado and bumped into fourth place with 426 points. The Utes trail the Buffaloes by three points heading into tomorrow's slalom races, the final events of the championships. Dartmouth leads all schools with 511 points.

"Colorado has beaten us in slalom most of the year, but anything can happen," said coach Brown. "We will be fighting hard for the podium tomorrow."