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Clarkson University Athletics

CU Alpine and Nordic Preview - at USCSA National Championships (3/8-11)

2023USCSANationals

Alpine Ski | 3/6/2023 11:00:00 AM

Despite travel delays to the West Coast, the United States Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association (USCSA) National Championships have been pushed back a day, but the Clarkson University Alpine and Nordic Ski teams are prepared to challenge for podium positions this week at Mammoth Mountain.

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The Mountain - Mammoth Mountain is part of the Sierra Nevada range in eastern California. Due to its elevation, it could create some additional challenges besides its course set up. The summit of Mammoth is more than two miles above sea level, and even the base of the mountain's operations is situated at roughly 8,000 feet. All skiers will need to get acclimated to the altitude as the oxygen levels are much lower compared to the mountains on the East Coast.

Schedule - The updated slate of events is as follows:

Wednesday
(Alpine) Women's Giant Slalom – 9:30 am
(Nordic) Men's and Women's Skate Sprint – 10:00 am

Thursday
(Alpine) Men's Giant Slalom – 9:30 am
(Nordic) Men's and Women's 7.5K Classic – 10:00 am

Friday
(Alpine) Women's Slalom – 9:30 am
(Nordic) Men's and Women's Classic Team Sprint – 10:00 am

Saturday
(Alpine) Men's Slalom – 9:30 am
(Nordic) Men's and Women's 15K Skate – 10:00 am

Clarkson Alpine - The downhill skiers could possibly have fewer issues with altitude compared to the Nordic skiers since the events are much quicker. That said, the Eagle Lodge is still at an elevation of just under 8,000 feet, so not every skier will adjust at the same pace as others. For the women, Hannah Goetz, Elyse Donaghue, Shannon Quiles, Kylie Brino, and Kyla Butler will represent the Golden Knights. Goetz was third in the MacConnell Division standings while Donaghue was seventh, and this year's team has as much depth as any of the past decade at Clarkson. The Clarkson men will have Sam Hayden, Josh Jusiak, Reed Martin, Evan Wetzel, and Zach Zientko. Three of those skiers were MacConnell Division All-Stars, with the Zientko (18th) and Martin (21st) just missing the top 15. If things fall right, both teams could be on the podium by week's end. 

Clarkson Nordic - Where the Golden Knights place in the standings will not only come down to the regular performances, but how well the Green and Gold are able to acclimate to the elevation compared to their peers. Conner Roberts, Joey Rouhana, and Kai Richter routinely placed in the top 10 in most races, while Cameron Bancroft and Noah Payne each had their specialties. Bancroft, specifically, has always excelled in the sprint events, a race where the first round or two may see regular results, but the final heats could be turned upside down as skiers get tired from depleted oxygen. For the women, Ava Schieffert and Lillian Magnus have been in the top 20 in virtually each event all season, while recent addition to the roster Ava Frost will help round out Clarkson's team scores and keep them in contention. 



 
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Players Mentioned

Cameron Bancroft

Cameron Bancroft

Senior
Lillian Magnus

Lillian Magnus

Sophomore
Noah Payne

Noah Payne

Sophomore
Conner Roberts

Conner Roberts

Junior
Ava Schieffert

Ava Schieffert

Junior
Sam Hayden

Sam Hayden

Sophomore
Shannon Quiles

Shannon Quiles

Junior
Evan Wetzel

Evan Wetzel

Senior
Zach Zientko

Zach Zientko

Freshman
Josh Jusiak

Josh Jusiak

Freshman

Players Mentioned

Cameron Bancroft

Cameron Bancroft

Senior
Lillian Magnus

Lillian Magnus

Sophomore
Noah Payne

Noah Payne

Sophomore
Conner Roberts

Conner Roberts

Junior
Ava Schieffert

Ava Schieffert

Junior
Sam Hayden

Sam Hayden

Sophomore
Shannon Quiles

Shannon Quiles

Junior
Evan Wetzel

Evan Wetzel

Senior
Zach Zientko

Zach Zientko

Freshman
Josh Jusiak

Josh Jusiak

Freshman