University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
USCSA Nationals
Minutewomen Bounce Back To Take Third In Slalom
March 08, 2008 | Women's Ski
March 8, 2008
SUNDAY RIVER, ME- The Minutewomen bounced back after a disappointing Giant Slalom performance to take third in the Slalom. Senior Eliza Hawkins took fourth with a total time of 1:56.39 to finish out her collegiate career. Sophomore Ashley Hawes was right behind Hawkins placing fifth with a time of 1:56.42. Freshman Jamie Taloumis rounded out the top ten in the Slalom event, crossing the finish line at 1:57.03. The women's ski team as a whole, placed third in the Slalom. The Minutewomen look to have a solid future behind the likes of Hawes and Taloumis.
UMass men's ski team celebrates as they took top honors at the 2008 USCSA National Championships in both the Slalom and Giant Slalom events. UMass had four skiers place in the top ten in the Slalom. Senior Jason Small again led the way for the Minutemen with a second place finish at 1:40.17. Andrew Hawes placed fifth with a combined time of 1:44.00 and Matthew Small placing ninth with a time of 1:45.21. Even though his time did not count in the overall score, Ian Hohmeister rounded out the top ten skiers with a time of 1:45.45. It has been 23 years since an Eastern Team has won the USCSA National Championship.
Head coach Skip Fox is proud of his team saying, "These UMass guys (and gals) are just floating on cloud 9 right now. They are so proud of themselves and to come together as a team at the right time could not have been better. It was really close with Plymouth State today, and we just edged them out. They did it, they deserve it, and I am so proud of them." This is the first time in UMass history that the men have won the USCSA National Championship. Before this year, the highest placing for the men's ski team was third place, back in 2005. The women's ski team won the National Championship back in 2003.
The presentation and banquet for the National Championships will be held tonight at Sunday River.
