Results

IRONWOOD, Mich. -- St. Scholastica junior Jeremy Hecker (Andover, Minn./Andover HS (Minnesota-Twin Cities)) started the regional racing season in good fashion, finishing seventh overall in the Grandview XC Challenge mens 10km freestyle in a time of 24:41.3. 

His time was good enough for fourth among collegiate skiers. Matt Liebsch of Long Lake, Minn., won overall in a time of 22:20.0.  Santiago Ocariz of Team CXC finished second in a time 22:28.1. Kjell-Christian Marksett of Northern Michigan University finished third in a time of 23:33.4,  to lead the college field.  Marksett's teammates Erik Soderman and George Cartwright helped to sweep the top three college spots for Northern Michigan.

CSS freshman Paul Schommer (Appleton, Wis./Kimberly HS) placed 19th overall and 13th among college skiers in 24:51.0.  Sophomore John Wessling (Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove HS) finished 23rd overall and 17th in the college ranks in 25:17.7, to round out the Saints' top three.

"I'm happy with the fitness of the team overall," said Saints head coach Chad Salmela.  "I never really focus to be hot in these events, so when someone pops a top ten in a field like this, it's just kind of gravy and makes you feel good that we someone is in it.  It's a good start, but today was just about process."

The Saints compete again Sunday in a 10km classic race.