JACKSON, N.H. – The Alaska Nanooks Nordic ski team wrapped-up the 2021 NCAA Skiing Championships with another great day. After scoring 75 team points on day one in the 5/10k classic races, the 'Nooks scored 88 total points, 36 by the men and 52 by the women, to finish the weekend with 163 team points, finishing 10^thoverall. 
 
Mariel Pulles and Kendall Kramer, once again, led the way for the Nanooks ski team, this time in the 15k freestyle on Saturday, March 13. Pulles, two days after placing seventh in the 5k classic, picked-up her first NCAA Championships top-five finish, placing fifth overall with a time of 39:31.6, earning Alaska 29 team points. Mariel was overall happy with her performance, "Snow conditions were so different in many places along the 5k loop, so it was a little bit frustrating but I am happy with my result."
 
Kramer followed close behind, as the freshman skier grabbed eighth overall and earned the 'Nooks 23 team points. She posted a 15k freestyle time of 40:04.2. Kramer enjoyed the conditions and remained confident in the race, "I felt really good and rested and ready to go today. The snow was really good and it felt effortless out there, which is always a rare feeling but cherished when it happens."
 
Catherine Reed-Metayer was the final Nanook to hit the finish line, checking-in at 31^st overall with a time of 43:50.4. "I was happy with my race and super proud of my girls!" said Reed-Metayer. 
 
The men finished the day off with a 20k freestyle. Mike Ophoff was the top-finisher for the Nanooks as he crossed the finish line in 12^th place with a time of 49:51.2. Christopher Kalev also followed closely behind, finishing in 14^th overall place with a time of 50:23.3. Ophoff picked up 19 points for the 'Nooks while Kalev tallied 17 to the team total. 
 
Ophoff was surprised by his result after feeling his legs go out following a quick start, "I went from a flying start to flying through the first lap which was no good for my legs and I had to slow it down a little on the next one. Overall, I was surprised with the result."
 
As for Kalev, he was happy with the result and is looking forward to what he learned today, "It was a solid skate race, I paced it well, could not quite get in the zone but happy with the result. I got to learn how to stay on my feet though."
 
This wraps-up the season for the Alaska Nanooks Nordic ski team.
 
Coaches Quote
Finishing up this block of time on the road safely and having the team crush it at NCAA's is beyond words. We have been through so much to get to this point, and I'm thankful for the family that is UAF skiing. 
 
For more information on the Alaska Nanooks Nordic ski team, follow the Alaska Nanooks XC team page on Facebook.