Phoenix Nordic Skiing Teams Open Season at Grandview XC Challenge

By: Ryan Hartwig (@RyanHartwig)
GreenBayPhoenix.com

IRONWOOD, Mich. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) - The Green Bay men's and women's Nordic skiing teams got one of their first chances to race in the snow over the weekend at the Grandview XC Challenge in Ironwood, Mich. The Phoenix squads competed in the freestyle events on Saturday before wrapping up with the classic races on Sunday.

Matt Nistler (Bemidji, Minn.) had a great weekend for the Phoenix men, pacing his team with a 15th-place finish in the 10K classic (27:33) on Sunday after crossing the line in 20th in the 10K freestyle (25:03) on Saturday. Matt Nichols (Wausau, Wis.), a 17-year-old freshman, also had a strong showing in Ironwood, finishing 21st overall in the classic race (27:53) and 26th in the freestyle (25:34).

Eddie Gurney (Brookfield, Wis.) turned in a pair of strong performances as well, placing 22nd in the 10K freestyle (25:15) and 27th in the 10K classic (28:11).

Hanne Guthrie (Chanhassen, Minn.) led the Phoenix women in both races over the weekend, placing 24th in the 5K freestyle event (15:00) on Saturday and 26th in the 10K classic (34:19) on Sunday.

"Hanne Guthrie is having a breakthrough season," Phoenix head coach Ken Statz said. "Her hard work throughout the summer is starting to pay off. She is as tough as nails and is a very hard worker. Look for her name at the top of the results for years to come."

Next on the schedule for the Green Bay Nordic skiing teams is the US Nationals, held in Rumford, Maine from Monday, Jan. 2 through Friday, Jan. 6. Competing at the US Nationals for the Phoenix will be Nichols, Nistler, Gurney and Guthrie.

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