For Immediate release Monday March 12, 2001

MTU Skier fares well at National Championships, earns Academic-All-American Honors

This past week Chris Dehlin, a senior at Michigan Tech University, competed at the United States Collegiate Snowsports Association(USCSA) National Championships held at Bogus Basin, Idaho.

The first event he competed in was the Men's Giant Slalom on Thursday. The temperature at the hill was 57 degrees and fears of bad course conditions were apparent from many of the coaches. The course held up well for him though and he was able to finish 50^th out of 105 racers. On a long course he was only 5 seconds away from finishing in the top 15.

On Saturday the Men's Slalom was held and again the temperature was in the 50's. The high temperatures usually have a harsher affect on Slalom courses. Signs of deterioration were showing even in the top 15 racers. When Chris took his first run he was 22 out of the gate but he didn't let the course conditions intimidate him and was in 40^th after the first run. Determined to have an even better second run he turned it up and finished 33^rd.

The team winner of the event was Sierra Nevada College. They filled up 4 of the top 10 ten spots which were mostly held by current National Development Team members.

Chris was also honored with a First Team Academic-All-American Award for his 3.97 GPA. One of only 10 men in the country to receive this honor.

Submitted by:

Peter Beaupre

Head Coach MTU Alpine Ski and Snowboard Team.

Participation in this activity is partially sponsored by the parent's fund of the Michigan Tech Fund and the Student Activities office of Michigan Tech.