Three skiers head in at No. 1
March represents a time when skiers and snowboarders hit the runs in huge numbers to make the most out of their ski passes before warmer weather turns the slopes into green hills once again.
Likewise, the Colorado ski team will be closing off their season with the NCAA Championships March 5-8.
Of the 12 possible spots CU could claim, 11 skiers qualified for the championship. The athletes await tough competition on the Montana slopes. With a first place finish two years earlier, and a third place showing last year, the ski team is determined to end this season with a win.
Senior alpine skiers Kit Richmond and Lucie Zikova said they look to this meet with the hopes of bringing back the championship trophy to CU. Richmond, who was the 2006 NCAA freestyle champion, is entering the meet as the No. 1 men’s seed. Though he has high individual expectations, he said that the team as a whole is what will win the championships.
“Our team knows that if everyone races to their ability, then we are in contention for a championship,” Richmond said.
Zikova, the 2006 slalom champion, said she must also work hard this week to redeem her championship status. However, she said the championship is something she has been preparing for all year.
“The whole year is in preparation for (the championship),” Zikova said. “In the fall, the team does a lot of dry land training. Once there is snow, it is all about skiing.”
Also in her senior year, although she will be returning next season to complete her years of eligibility, Nordic skier Maria Grevsgard said she is hoping to make the podium at the championships. After stacking up nine wins on the season, two of which came recently at the RMISA Championships, she enters as the No. 1 seed for the women. Though favored to win individually, Grevsgard said she also wants the team to be able to win the championships.
“I think we are all excited and eager to do our best to bring the championship back to CU,” Grevsgard said. “After winning two years ago, last year was a disappointment and gave us all motivation to win again.”
After leaving Colorado for the slopes of Bridger Bowl and Brohart Ranch Cross Country Center in Montana late last week, the 11 skiers have been resting and practicing for the climax of their season. After this week, no matter what the outcome, the team will have to hang up their racing skis like the other countless snow bums must soon do as summer fast approaches.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Rachael Fischer at rachael.fischer@colorado.edu.
