HOUGHTON, Mich. (csssaints.com) -- Reitler Hodgert (Bend, Ore./Summit HS ) led the St. Scholastica men's ski team on the final day of U.S. Nationals competition, finishing 37^th in the 1.5km classic sprint Saturday in a time of 3:56.88. Only the top 30 competitors advance to the head to head heats.  Hodgert fell 2.3 seconds shy of the top 30, ending the Saints' day early.

Eric Packer of Alaska Pacific University, qualified third but took the title in the finals ahead of teammate, Reese Hanneman, who won the freestyle sprint earlier in the week.  Michigan Tech's Didrik Fjeld Elset finished third after laying down the fastest qualifier.

The race was neither at CCSA nor collegiate race, but Hodgert finished seventh among CCSA skiers on the day. Chris Parr (Eagan, Minn./Eagan HS) finished 40^th overall and ninth among CCSA skiers in 3:57.94, while Joe Dubay (Coon Rapids, Minn./Andover HS) was 65^th and 21^st in the CCSA in 4:04.86.

"The guys skied solidly, but didn't have the punch we had last year in this event," according to head coach Chad Salmela.  "We had such a great classic sprint last year at Nationals that we stayed for it this year.  Reitler and Chris were in the area of qualifying for the heats, but just didn't have it today."  Salmela sees the sprints as "gravy" if the athletes do well, but is not particularly focused on them.  "We want to do well in the CCSA conference for the year and advance skiers to NCAAs.  That's what we're in the business of, and if we have good sprints at Nationals, that's fine but not atop our priority list.  It's always good to put on a number and race though."

The Saints take a small break and head to camp immediately in Cable, Wis., before racing the Minnesota College Championships on January 16^th in St. Cloud.