Hanover, NH – Today's NCAA race once again attested to the strength of today's collegiate skiing. Dartmouth after impressive facility improvements hosted a riveting day of racing. Oak Hill Outdoor Center successfully weathered New England's recent slew of warm weather and rain that hails the championship season. Of the entire EISA circuit, only 17 skiers of each gender get the chance to race against the rest of the country as the 40 best collegiate skiers in the country face off the way they know best at the NCAA Championship.
Today this meant a 7.5k individual start classic race that was three laps of the 2.5k race course. For those athletes from eastern schools, this wasn't new as they had raced the exact course and distance not four weeks before. The race was a warm one with many athletes racing in short sleeves and some forgoing the shirt entirely and donning just a bib.
The Ephs were represented by their senior captain Keelan Durham who was racing on his home course from his days of high school racing. Durham was in the middle of the starting order, and even though this can mean heavy traffic, was still able to put together three stunning laps. Each consequent time through the stadium meant a faster time relative to the field as he made up places during the final minutes of his race. Durham's final lap was 23rd fastest when compared to the field and landed him a 26th place finish, an exceedingly impressive race for the Eph and a great way to start off the NCAA Championship. Looking forward to the second race of this week, Durham looks to be in a promising position as his training reveals this purple cow's strength.
Tune back in Saturday for Durham's final race, a 20k skate mass start, one that is expected to be fast, fun, and full of heroic performances.
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