Bobcat Skiers Host NCAA Western Regional/RMISA Championships

Wednesday begins an 18-day span of Montana State, Bridger Bowl, Bohart Ranch and Bozeman becoming the center of the collegiate ski world.

The Bobcats will host two NCAA qualifiers in slalom and giant slalom on Wednesday (Feb. 22) and Thursday, respectively, before beginning its championship season hosting the NCAA Western Regional/Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association championships on Friday and Saturday at Bridger Bowl and Bohart Ranch.

The Alpine races will be held on Hanton’s Hollow, just above the Deer Park Chalet.

This weekend, racers will look to improve their standings in each discipline as they pursue qualifying for the 2012 NCAA Skiing Championships hosted by MSU/Bridger Bowl/Bohart Ranch, March 7-10.

The University of Utah has been the top team during the RMISA regular-season, with defending national champion Colorado nipping at their heels. Denver, Alaska-Anchorage, and New Mexico round out the top five, while the Bobcats sit in sixth place.

The highlight of MSU’s season so far has been the men’s Nordic team, which is ranked third in the RMISA. The team is led by sophomore David Norris, who is tied for the top qualifying spot in the league. Tyler Reinking and Michael Schallinger have also been consistent top 10 performers this winter.

When MSU hosts the NCAA Skiing Championships in two weeks, it will mark the seventh time that the Bobcats have hosted collegiate skiing’s big dance. Montana State last hosted in 2008.

This Week’s Schedule of Events:

Wednesday:  
Slalom Qualifier – Men at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.; women at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Thursday:   
Giant Slalom Qualifier – Women at 10 a.m. to completion; men at 1 p.m. to completion

Friday:
NCAA West Regional/RMISA Championship – Giant Slalom – Women- 10 a.m. to completion; Men- 1 p.m. to completion
NCAA West Regional/RMISA Championship – Freestyle – Women’s 5K at 9:30 a.m.; Men’s 10K at 11 a.m.

Saturday: 
NCAA West Regional/RMISA Championship – Slalom – Men at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.; Women at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
NCAA West Regional/RMISA Championship – Classic – Men’s 20K, 9 a.m.; Women’s 15K, 11 a.m.