Gogebic Skiers Qualify for US Junior Olympics

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, February 1, 2011 - Two Gogebic Community College skiers qualified for the United States Junior Olympics this year. "This was a big goal for us this year, getting our top two skiers to advance to the Junior Olympics, this is huge", said Coach Will Andresen.

Freshmen skiers Ben Noren and Leif Gilsvik both qualified for the Junior Olympics in 2011. To qualify, skiers must place well in two races for both the classic-style and freestyle (skate) techniques, competing against the best cross-country skiers from across the Midwest.

Noren's best results for the classic event came from the Wolverine races held in December and the final qualifying race held in Houghton this past weekend, while his best freestyle events were from Wolverine and the Minneapolis Super Tour. Gilsvik went into the last weekend of racing in Houghton without enough points to qualify, but came up with his best performance of the season in Saturday's classic event. His best results were at the Houghton Super Tour and the Minneapolis races for the classic event and the Minneapolis race and Wolverine race for the skating event.

"Ben comes from a strong program and excellent coaching from Ken Hazel at Team Gogebic. For any local skiers interested in learning the sport or competing at a high level, this is a great opportunity. And Leif comes from an intense racing experience with the Minnesota high school program. Both athletes took advantage of these opportunities and worked hard to achieve this result" said Andresen.

Noren and Gilsvik will compete in the Junior Olympics against the best junior skiers from across the country. This year's competition will be held in Minneapolis from March 7th through the 12th.

Cross Country Running Team Website http://www.gogebic.cc.mi.us/athletics/running.shtm
Nordic Ski Team Website http://www.gogebic.cc.mi.us/athletics/nordic.shtm