Cat Central

MSU Skier has Great Finish at World Championships

Posted: Jan 24, 2013 4:20 PM by Ted Dawson

Montana State sophomore redshirt Sawyer Kesselheim finished 29th overall and was the second American to cross the finish line at the FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships, Wednesday in the junior men's 10-kilometer freestyle.

Kesselheim, Bozeman, finished the course in 25:05.3. Forrest Mahlen was the top United States finisher, placing 27th overall in 25:04.7.

"The opportunity for Sawyer to redshirt this year, and now ski at the world junior championships against the best will only provide him the foundation for future skiing success both at Montana State and internationally," said MSU head Nordic coach Chad Andersen. "Sawyer will continue to evolve as a skier through experiences like these, paired with his personal desire and commitment to being the best skier he can be, every day."

Russia's Dmitry Rostovtsev won the men's individual title in 23:32.5.

Montana State All American David Norris is also competing in Liberec. On Thursday, the native of Fairbanks, Alaska, placed 50th overall in the U23 10K freestyle in 39:20.4.

"The result is very disappointing," Norris told Fasterskier.com. "I wanted to be top 20 at the very least. Based on fitness and how hard I pushed the race I am confident this is my best race yet this season, but with such awful skis you just can't compete in such a strong field and wish to look good on paper.

"I out climbed those around me and was very pleased with my fitness, and it is important for me to remember that I was skiing well when the result looks so bad," Norris said.

Russia's Sergey Ustiugov won the race in 35:44.4.

Both Kesselheim and Norris will compete again this weekend, before returning to Bozeman.