July 7, 2008
SALT LAKE CITY - A week in Alaska highlights the 2008-09 skiing schedule as the Skiin' Utes prepare to contend for their 12th national title in 2009.
In Alaska, the Utes will compete in both the Colorado Invitational and Alaska-Anchorage Invitational, which will span from Jan. 3-11. The 2009 U.S. Cross Country Championships will also be held at the same Nordic venue during the week.
The next three races will be held in Colorado, beginning with a Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Skiing Association (RMISA) Alpine Qualifier (Jan. 16-17) in Eldora. Western State hosts its invitational in Crested Butte from Jan. 23-24 while the Denver Invitational will be held in Winter Park and Devils Thumb from Feb. 6-7.
The NCAA West Regional and RMISA Championship will be held in Truckee, Calif., Feb. 20-21, while the season wraps up at the NCAA Championships in Maine.
"We are looking forward to the 2008-09 season," Director of Skiing Eli Brown said. "While it's disappointing to not have a home meet in the rotation this year, we are psyched to start the season off with two meets in Alaska. Alaska comes down five weekends a year most seasons and this year it's our turn to go up there. Starting the season at low altitude and "eastern" type snow will be good preparation for NCAA Championships in Maine.
"I lived in Maine for two years and am looking forward to the Championships there. While the skiing is much different out east, our athletes are good at making those adjustments. It should be a good season."
The Utes finished third at the 2008 NCAA Championships. The top returning skier is Eva Huckova, who finished second in both the women's giant slalom and slalom events.
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