APU wins 2013 NNF Cup
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 - By Andrew Gerlach
The NNF Cup winner for the 2012/2013 season is the Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center. The NNF Cup is awarded annually to the top domestic club on the USSA SuperTour circuit. APU showed impressive depth in its program by roughly doubling the points of Craftsbury, the 2nd place team. What was equally impressive was APU athletes gained these points with US based SuperTour racing while also amassing unprecedented results on the European World Cup circuit. Two athletes spent the full season on the World Cup, three athletes had World Cup top 10 results, and four raced at the World Championships. To top it off, APUNSC member Kikkan Randall won her second consecutive World Sprint Cup title, and also a World Championship Gold medal with Jessie Diggins (SMS/T2).
Here are some quotes from the APU skiers and coach:
“Winning the NNF cup this year was a really big honor for our team, it shows team depth. It’s really fun to be a part of such a strong team, it makes training so much easier when you see all of your teammates pushing so hard for the same goals.” – Erik Bjornsen “It has been such a special accomplishment as a team to win the NNF cup. Every individual can have their own personal achievements; but the ability to be the best as a team means the very most. It goes to show how important each athlete, each coach, and each member of this club has contributed to a larger success.” - Sadie Bjornsen
“Winning a award that is a result of a team effort is a huge honor. It speaks to the hard work everyone involved with APUNSC does every day and shows the tremendous depth our team has built over the recent years. I am ecstatic to have had the opportunity to be part of such a great club.” – Rosie Brennan
“Winning the NNF Cup is a tremendous honor and speaks to the depth and strength we’ve been working hard to build in the APU program over the last decade. It was really inspiring to see success throughout our club at every level and we are very proud to be bringing the cup back to celebrate with our whole team.” - Kikkan Randall
“It has been such a special accomplishment as a team to win the NNF cup. Every individual can have their own personal achievements; but the ability to be the best as a team means the very most. It goes to show how important each athlete, each coach, and each member of this club has contributed to a larger success.” – Sadie Bjornsen
“It is an honor to be awarded the NNF cup. This season we had numerous personal best from world champions, world cup, USSA junior club award, and super tour results. What is really special about the NNF cup is that it is a team award. I believe it takes a strong team to excel in cross country skiing. I am proud of my team for bringing home the cup!” – Erik Flora, Head Coach
NNF Cup 2013 final standings
1) APUNSC 3139
2) Craftsbury 1545
3) SVSEF 1161
About the NNF Cup
While Nordic Skiing is considered an individual sport, no athlete can do it alone. Just ask Kikkan (APU), Jessie (Stratton), or Noah (Ski and Snowboard Club Vail). Our ski clubs support our skiers and our sport from first time skiers to elite racers and masters. They are the foundation of the sport we love in communities from Boston to Minneapolis/St. Paul to Wausau, Durango and Fairbanks. The NNF Cup was started to promote competition between clubs and recognize the top club in the country though head to head racing.