Two in a row for DeWitt and Fjeldheim

CCSA

Wed, Apr  7, 2010 - By NMU

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Three members of the Northern Michigan University women’s Nordic ski team have been honored by the Central Collegiate Ski Association (CCSA).  Laura DeWitt was named the CCSA Female Athlete of the Year while Sten Fjeldheim and Jenny Ryan shared CCSA Female Coach of the Year honors.
 
DeWitt picked up her award for the second consecutive year.  The Rhinebeck, N.Y. native recently participated in her third NCAA Ski Championships where she placed eighth in the 5K classic race and 12th in the 15K freestyle race.  Her eighth-place finished garnered her NCAA All-American honors for the second time in her NMU career.  She was the top placing CCSA skier in each race at the NCAA competition.  DeWitt captured the 5K classic race at the NCAA Central Regional Championships to lead an NMU sweep in the event.
 
Fjeldheim, who picked up his second consecutive CCSA Coach of the Year accolades, is sharing the award this year with long-time assistant coach Ryan.  Fjeldheim began coaching at NMU in 1986 and except for a brief stint (1994-97) as the national assistant team coach/junior development coordinator for the United State Ski Team has been a constant figure at NMU.  During his career with the Wildcats, Fjeldheim has coached 66 NCAA All-Americans and four national champions.
 
Ryan has been a part of the NMU cross country and Nordic teams since 2000 serving as the head cross country coach since 2007.  During her tenure with the ‘Cats, she has helped produce over 10 NCAA All-Americans and a national champion in Nordic skiing.