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<p>It is hard to define a “rookie” in cross-country skiing. First year on the World Cup? First season as a senior? First year in college? First year skiing? We went with the first two – Garrott Kuzzy won the men's award in his first season racing on the World Cup. Liz Stephen is no longer a newcomer to the sport, but this was her first season racing as a senior, and she gets the nod for the women.</p>
<p><b>Rookie of the Year (men):</b></p>
<p>Garrott Kuzzy (USA). Kuzzy qualified for the World Cup races in Canmore with an excellent first two months on the SuperTour, leading the series in mid-January. In Canmore, he produce one of the most exciting races of the season, capturing a stunning 9th place finish in the freestyle sprint. Kuzzy spent the rest of the season racing on the World Cup in Europe, gaining valuable experience in both sprint and distance events.</p>
<p><i>Honorable Mention:</i> Dave Nighbor (CAN) — This was Dave’s first season racing World Cup events in Europe (he competed in 2005 when the circuit came to Canada). He was the only North American to complete the Tour de Ski, finishing 51st, including a 37th in the 4.5km classic prologue and 32nd in the 20km mass start classic.</p>
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– FS Rookies of the Year (April 22)
– FS Collegiate Skiers of the Year (April 23)
– FS Continental Skier of the Year (April 24)
– FS Performance of the Year (April 28)
– FS Skiers of the Year (April 29)
Related on FasterSkier.com:
– Babikov and Stephen Repeat; Lillefjell Surprise US 50Km Champion
– Babikov and Stephen Win at Distance Nationals
– Bringing Home The Hardware – An Interview With U23 Bronze Medalist Liz Stephen
– Babikov and Stephen Top Podium in Freestyle Race at Canadian Nationals
– Liz Stephen Takes Bronze in U23 World Championships
– Kuzzy and Strandberg Leading SuperTour With Three Races Left
– Kuzzy and Camenisch win Overall SuperTour Sprint Titles
– Interview With Garrott Kuzzy
– Joensson Captures First World Cup Victory, Kuzzy 9th
– Updated SuperTour Standings – Kuzzy, Valaas, and APUNSC still in the lead
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