MTU Nordic Ski Team fundraiser big success

Fri, Jan  22, 2010 - By MTU

HOUGHTON, Mich. - More than 100 people turned out for the inagural Keweenaw Nordic Ski Festival Sponsored by The Library Restaurant and Brew Pub Jan. 16-17. The event served as a fundraiser for the Michigan Tech Nordic ski teams.

“Overall things ran really smooth,” said head coach Joe Haggenmiller. “The weather was great, which made for an enjoyable day for skiers and spectators. We hope to grow the event and make it a good preperation for skiers in the Midwest who race in the various ski marathons.”

The two-day festival shifted into high gear Saturday (Jan. 16) with a number of races. Youth skiers were the first out on the trails with 39 skiers competing in a series of races ranging from three to 10 kilometers. The afternoon races gave skiers the option of either a 13- or 26-kilometer freestyle race.

A skijoring race was also held on Saturday. Skiers and their dogs competed in either a five or 10-kilometer race. The longer race also gave teams the option of one dog or two.

Sunday’s classical competion was held at the Chassell Trails. Races were contested over, two, five and 10 kilometers.

The Library Restaurant served as the title sponsor for the event and provided a delicious, hot-cooked meal for all of the racers.

Plumb Creek, Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, Michigan Tech Sports and Recreation and Self Propelled Communications also sponsored the event.

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors, and I hope that they will sponsor the event again next year,” said Haggenmiller.

Results and information for next year’s event can be found at http://www.keweenawtrails.com/KeweenawNordic/index.htm.