Feb. 16, 2008

Men's 10K Freestyle Results
Men's Day 1 Team Scores
Women's 5K Freestyle Results
Women's Day 1 Team Scores

BIWABIK, MN- Marius Korthauer has extended his winning streak to an incredible six consecutive races, taking first place overall in the 10K freestyle race in the opening day of the CCSA Championships in Biwabik, Minn. Korthauer skated to a nine-second victory over former Northern Michigan skier Bryan Cook, completing the course in just 28:06.9.

The Nanooks would go 1-2 in the collegiate rankings, however, as Vahur Teppan was the second college racer to cross the line, taking fourth place overall with a 28:38.9 time.

Zach McGill and Ray Sabo, both still hunting for the Nanooks' third and final NCAA qualifying slot, would finish 13th and 14th respectively among college racers, with McGill netting 20 points for Alaska as the team's third scoring competitor. John Parry took 25th spot, while Einar Often came in just behind in 27th position.

Behind the strength of Korthauer and Teppan, the Nanook men sprung into the overall team lead, holding 79 points at the end of the first day. Northern Michigan is currently second with 78 points, followed by hosts College of Saint Scholastica with 65.

On the women's side, Aurelia Korthauer showed her prowess in skate races, taking first place collegiately (second overall) in the women's 5K race. Linsdey Dehlin would take the overall title, but Korthauer's time of 15:55.0 was good enough for a eight-second victory among college skiers.

Anna Coulter, another particularly strong skater, would take the third collegiate place, just missing out on grabbing the second spot by half a second. Coulter would take sixth place overall in the race, while Krynn Finstad would also score points for the Nanooks, coming in 26th in the college ranks. The Blue and Gold women currently sit in third with 68 total points at the end of the first day, trailing this year's surprise story Gustavus Adolphus College by four points. CCSA powerhouse Northern Michigan sits comfortably at the top of the standings with 82 points.

Alaska faces another big day of racing tomorrow, as the CCSA championship and NCAA qualifying spots are all up for grabs in the distance classic race at Biwabik. For full results from tomorrow's race, which kick off at 9:30 a.m. Central time, stay tuned to www.alaskananooks.com.