Sports

Nation's Top Skiers Converge on Bohart Ranch

Posted: Dec 2, 2012 4:21 PM by Mark Freeman
Updated: Dec 2, 2012 9:27 PM

Nordic World Cup Qualifier Hosted by Bohart Ranch

Bohart Ranch Cross Country Ski area was back on the national stage this weekend as the Bridger Ski Foundation hosted the Nordic Super Tour World Cup qualifying races. It was a little reminiscent of the NCAA Championships held at Bohart back in March of this year as talent from across the country, both professionals and Division 1 ski programs hit the hill.

"These are top athletes. Top skiers in the world," said Bridger Ski Foundation Nordic Program Director Dragan Danevski. "And some of them have already had world cup experience and competed at the world championships too. They are some of the best in the country definitely."

Included in those top athletes, last year's NCAA national runner up, Montana State's own David Norris. The Junior is beginning his quest for a national championship along with the rest of the Montana State Ski Team in attendance.

"On both men and women I think we have a lot more depth," said David. "Chad and Bernie are doing a great job as the new coaches. And our team has a good atmosphere. Everyone gets along well so training hard is easy."

Norris not the only local product in attendance. Erika Flowers, who we last say at Bohart racing for Darmouth as a Senior at the NCAA Championships earlier this year. A Bridger Ski Foundation alumn, Flowers is now starting a career as a professional racer.

"It's been awesome. It's mostly great because I can come back and all the BSF folks like Dragan, the coach, and all the kids are like hey Erika how's it goin, and I can go ski with them. Everyone is so supportive, and racing up here, all the volunteers I've known since I was super little. So it's really fun to see all of them and they're doing a great job out here."

Unfortunatley, Mother Nature wasn't on the racers' side as the course had to be moved several times because of poor conditions. Lack of snow forced officials to improvise a new course. But no complaints of course, as ski season is finally under way.