Yesterday, the U of M Nordic Ski team concluded their team trip at Telemark Resort and began their 2009 race season. The bitter cold of the last week made skiing somewhat challenging, but everyone still got out most days during the few hours the thermometer managed to get above the ten below mark. The remaining hours were spent getting to know teammates over food, cards, Dexter, blind man's bluff, hot tubbing, and the Norske Nook's delicious pie (no Coop's this year!).

Thankfully, the weather relented just in time for the U to rock the Seeley Hills Classic, where several members took home awards. In the 22km, Andy Brown broke out from the chase to grab 2nd place by over 3 minutes, while Blake Hillerson finished with the chase in 6th place. In the 42km, Dave Anderson lead for several kilometers before being passed at the end and finishing just behind teammate Bjorn Batdorf; they took 3rd and 2nd place, respectively. Mike Kosowski, Kesh Rao, and Allie Rykken all also collected age group plates.

Daily practices start this week with classes while the Noquemenon looms next weekend. Here we gooo...