GCC Nordic Team Finish Season with Two Races In Houghton Saturday

Gogebic's Leif Gilsvik from Two Harbors, MN competes in the morning's 10k skate race

HOUGHTON, MI - Sunday, February 20, 2011 - The Gogebic Nordic Ski Team finished off their collegiate season with two races in Houghton on Saturday. Due to heavy winds, Friday's skate event was moved to Saturday, making way for two exhausting 10k races in one day. Northern Michigan University's Martin Baanerud from Norway won both races, completing the 10k skate in 26:11 and the 10k classic in 27:40. Freshman Ben Noren again led all Gogebic finishers. In the morning's 10k skate, Noren cracked the top 25, finishing 23rd in 28:23. Other Gogebic finishers included Freshman Leif Gilsvik 53rd in 31:14, Sophomore Micah Ohman 55th in 32:02 and Freshman Sam Kolesar 58th in 35:39. In the afternoon's 10k classic, Noren finished 30th in 31:12, Gilsvik 50th in 33:29, Ohman 54th in 34:56 and Kolesar 58th in 39:54. Freshman Kyle Weber withdrew from the morning's race with severe leg cramping on the hilly MTU course and did not compete in the afternoon race.

"It was a tough day of racing, but our skiers worked hard and stayed positive - and they definitely improved as the season went on" said Coach Will Andresen.

Noren and Gilsvik both qualified for the Junior Olympics and will be travelling to Minneapolis for the March 7th - 12th event.