This story was written by NMU Sports Information

WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK, Canada - The NMU Nordic Ski Teams wrapped up their season competing in the 2022 Canadian Ski Championships and US Supertour Finals on Mar. 20-27, 2022.

"This past week's racing here in Whistler at the Spring National Championships for the US and Canada has maybe been the most successful for this specific event that we have had since I have been coaching here at Northern," NMU Coach Andy Keller said. "Sometimes things can be a little hit or miss this time of year after such a long season. I felt like my team pulled together a strong Championship with great results against top-level competition."

"The highlight of the week was getting both our Men's and Women's teams into the A Final of the Skate Team Sprint, which is no easy task. Our men coming away with a podium finish speaks to how well both Kristoffer and Kjetil were skiing."

Men's Interval Start 10K Skate

Kjetil Baanerud had great success finishing fifth in the U23 and Senior Men Race. He came across the line at 23:31.1, earning him second among college athletes. Xavier Mansfield also raced at 24:41.7. 

Men's Interval Start 15K Classic

Kjetil Baanerud led the 'Cats once again finishing the race at 42:05.6 and earning 11th place. Only looking at college athletes, Kjetil placed fourth. Xavier Mansfield followed crossing the finish line at 46:15.7. 

Men's 1.4K Classic Sprint

Kjetil Baanerud saw a 10th place finish in the Classic Sprint placing 5th in his Semi-Final heat. Kristoffer Karsrud ended his day in 16th place, placing 3rd in his Quarterfinal. They were both respectively sixth and eighth among college athletes. 

Women's 1.2K Classic Sprint

Merle Richter led the team in her respective race. She finished 19th overall and fifth against college athletes placing 4th place in her Quarterfinal heat.

Men's Team Sprint

Kjetil Baanerud and Kristoffer Karsrud made up the Sprint Team. The team placed third overall with a collective time of 11:16.71. The men finished second amongst college teams, and Karsrud was the second overall fastest in the morning qualifier. 

Women's Team Sprint

Merle Richter and Katerina Hyncicova represented NMU. The Wildcat Women grabbed 10th place in the Women's Team Sprint, and placed fourth among college athletes. The women had a collective time of 13:19.91. 

Men's Mass Start 45K Skate

Kjetil Baanerud led the Wildcat Men with a time of 1:43:17.3. He placed fourth among college athletes and 15th overall. Kristoffer Karsrud was the next in for the men crossing the line at 1:50:05.1. Xavier Mansfield rounded out the Top-3 for the team. He clocked in at 1:50:19.7. Kristoffer and Xavier respectively placed 44th and 46th. 

Women's Mass Start 45K Skate

This was the longest race of the season for the team. Hilde Eide was the first across the line for the 'Cats at 2:12:32.2. She respectively placed 19th. Merle Richter followed right behind in 20th place in a time of 2:13:47.1. They both placed fifth and sixth amongst college athletes. 

"I am extremely happy that our Women's team bounced back after a tough NCAA Championships and came away with some great results to cap off their seasons," Keller said. "I know all three of our women that came here to Whistler worked hard all year, and it was rewarding to see them race well and feel accomplished. Hilde's 45km Skate race was inspiring to watch as that was the last race of her career here at Northern and for her to go out with an awesome result was fun to watch."