FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks and Director of Athletics, Brock Anundson, have announced the hiring of Ben Buck as the Nanooks' next Nordic ski head coach. 

"I am honored and thrilled to have been selected as the next head coach of Alaska Nanooks skiing," said Ben Buck. "This is a storied program with a history of excellence, and I can't wait to help write the next chapter. Between the miles of pristine ski trails on campus and across town, the support from the Nordic Ski Club Fairbanks and the greater Fairbanks community, and the dedication of our Director of Athletics and University leadership to enhancing the student-athlete experience, UAF is positioned to be a powerhouse in the world of Nordic skiing for many years to come. Go 'Nooks!"

During his tenure as an assistant and interim head coach, Buck played a key role in elevating the program to national prominence, contributing to 19 individual NCAA All-American honors and four individual national championships. His impact has extended beyond collegiate competition, as he has also served as a coach and wax technician for multiple international teams, including Team Estonia at the 2023 World University Games, where athletes secured four individual medals, highlighted by two golds from Mariel Pulles.

Buck's expertise has also been recognized on the World Cup stage. At the 2024 Minneapolis World Cup, he represented the U.S. Ski Team as a coach and wax technician for Kendall Kramer, while also supporting Rosie Fordham and members of the Australian National Team.

Since joining the Nanooks in the 2022-23 season, Buck has made an immediate impact. He assisted the Nanooks to their best-ever finish at the NCAA Ski Championships, where Alaska placed seventh overall. The men's Nordic team finished as the highest-scoring men's squad, while the women's team placed third. That season also saw four student-athletes earn seven All-American honors, including Joe Davies, who captured the national title in the men's 10k freestyle. The Nanooks finished as the third-best Nordic program at the championships with 268 points. 

The program's upward trajectory has continued in subsequent seasons. In 2023-24, three athletes earned NCAA All-American recognition, while four student-athletes represented their respective countries on the World Cup circuit. The 2024-25 season brought even greater success, with five All-American performances from three athletes. Kendall Kramer claimed an NCAA national title in the 20k freestyle and a U.S. National Championship in the 20k classic, while Rosie Fordham earned a silver medal in the 10k freestyle at the World U23 Championships. Finally, this past season saw continued success with three student-athletes earning four NCAA All-American honors and Rosie Fordham winning a pair of NCAA national titles in the 7.5k classic and 20k freestyle.

In addition to NCAA success, the 'Nooks saw five former student-athletes who were all coached by Buck in action at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Rosie Fordham (Australia) was the only current 'Nook on the trails, joining former Nanooks Joe Davies (Great Britain), Kendall Kramer (USA), Mariel Pulles (Estonia), and Mike Ophoff (Czechia).

"We are excited to announce Ben Buck as the Head Coach of our Men's and Women's Nordic Ski teams," said Brock Anundson, Director of Athletics. "Having proven his leadership and coaching capabilities throughout the year, Ben brings valuable hands-on experience, steady leadership, and a solid understanding of the program's culture and direction. His strong connection with our student-athletes and commitment to growing our footprint make him the ideal person to lead Nanooks skiing into its next chapter, both on the trails and beyond."

Buck joined the Nanooks after spending the 2021-22 season on staff at Clarkson University, his alma mater. Prior to his coaching career, he competed for Clarkson's Nordic ski team from 2017 to 2020, bringing firsthand experience as both an athlete and coach to his leadership of the Nanooks' program.

His first official day as head coach is on July 1, 2026.

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