Completed Event: Skiing versus 20K Freestyle (M) on March 14, 2026 , , 1st
Final Score
Skiing
1st
vs 20K Freestyle (M)
The University of Utah Athletics
Brown's Alaska Diary
1/6/2009 12:00 AM | Skiing
Jan. 6, 2009
Director of Skiing Eli Brown shares his thoughts after the first day of competition.
Life is pretty good here, been pretty tough with the weather. Too cold to race, too cold to train, too cold to do anything. The first races were postponed twice now, so it was great to finally get a race in.
The team had a good day. Results weren't what we hoped for, but solid efforts. Our preparation plan for the NCAA championships is a long process, we aren't at our fastest now, but don't need to be. These races are a great start for us in the process of getting into race shape later on.
It was great to see Didrik Smith as our top guy today. So far this season we have had a different guy be our top in each race. Good to have that inter-team competition.
Also good to see Annelies have a solid race despite a sore throat.
Great races also for Parker who is a much better classic skier.
We had some frostbite on the ears, cheek, and noses, but not too bad.
We are excited to have an even better day tomorrow, but the forecast is cold and races could get cancelled again.
RMISA competition is tough this year. CU and Alaska are really in good shape right now. We are starting to close the gap, bit by bit and will be in striking distance by the end. Our alpine team is very strong, a bit behind in snow time compared to the competition, but they have had great training in Utah since new years and are psyched to join up here in Alaska. The forecast for the rest of the week is looking better so I think we will get in all our scheduled races.
The level is high, competition stiff. No room for error to get on top of the podium. I still believe we have a chance for the title, but a lot of work, hard training, and equipment adjustments will be made in the process.
We had good skis today, but the athletes are still working to adjust to the cold and the low altitude.
We are a strong classic team and look to move up tomorrow.
Players Mentioned
Nordic
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