Complete Results

IRONWOOD, Mich. – Saints junior #Waylon Manske# (Jr.-Bemidji, Minn.) started the regional racing season off with a strong finish in the men's 10km freestyle at the Grandview XC Challenge, finishing third overall and taking the top spot among collegiate skiers.

Duluthian Adam Swank won the race in a time of 25:45.4 seconds. U.S. Junior National Champion, Joe Dubay of Coon Rapids, Minn., finished second in 26:08.6 seconds.

Manske edged Gustavus Adolphus junior Jens Brabbit by two seconds to take the final podium spot and top college spot. It is notable that conference powerhouses Northern Michigan, Michigan Tech, and a good portion of the UW-Green Bay teams were not present.

CSS junior #Mason Bacso# (Jr.-Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) posted an eighth place finish overall edging his younger brother, freshman #Kasey Bacso# (Fr.-Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata), by 8.2 seconds to finish third among college skiers. Kasey also finished second in the Older Junior category-used for picking the Midwest Junior Olympic Team. Dubay won the category.

“This was a solid first race for the team,” said head coach Chad Salmela. “We are in good shape, but not great shape, so the results, for where we are physically, are encouraging. Some skied well today, but some felt flat-pretty typical for an early season race. But with all guys in the top 30, it's a nice start to the season. It shows our depth already”

Both Bacso's met Saints qualification standards to compete at the U.S. National Championships in Anchorage, Alaska, January 2-6.

The Saints compete tomorrow in the 10km classic in Ironwood.

Grandview XC Challenge
Men's 10km Freestyle
Ironwood, MI
12/12/09
1. SWANK, Adam, Duluth 0:25:45.4
2. DUBAY, Joseph, Minneapolis Ski Club 0:26:08.6
3. MANSKE, Waylon CSS 0:26:33.1
8. BACSO, Mason CSS 0:26:47.9
9. BACSO, Kasey CSS 0:26:56.1
21. MORGAN, Jake CSS 0:28:12.0
22. DUNFEE, Kelin CSS 0:28:14.4
26. HUPPERTS, Stefan CSS 0:28:28.5
27. LEACH, Kirk CSS 0:28:34.6
28. NISTLER, Matt CSS 0:28:42.6
30. WRIGHT, Ryan CSS 0:28:46.6