Location: Northfield, Minn.
Head coach: Mark Skildum, 2nd season
Top male returners: Jr. Tom Jorgenson, So. Brandon Piechowski
Top female returners: Sr. Caitlin Marine, So. Hillary Boyce, So. Sarah Fleming
Top newcomers: Brandon Piechowski, Anders Nienstad, Sarah Fleming, Hillary Boyce
Web site: www.stolaf.edu/athletics
2008-09 standings: Central Region: 8th
(Men), 8th (Women)

2009-10 outlook: Coach Mark Skildum returns for his second year at the helm of the St. Olaf’s Nordic ski teams, each of which finished in 8th place in the CCSA last year. Skildum, a 2003 St. Olaf graduate, was the head ski coach for five seasons at Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, Minn. He also founded the Cowboy Nordic Ski Club in 2005.
The men’s team will be looking to consistently compete for a spot in the middle of the pack of CCSA teams, and return some of last year’s stronger skiers. Junior Tom Jorgenson is the returner with the most collegiate success last season, and hopes to see competition from within his own team. Sophomore Brandon Piechowski could be the Oles’ second skier, and the third spot on the team is likely up for grabs. Sophomore Anders Nienstaedt, Junior Ian Gunsolus, and first-year Will Wright are among those who could contend for the team’s final scoring slot.
On the women’s side, the Oles have a strong crop of young skiers to go along with a few established returning skiers. Senior Caitlin Marine is the only upperclassmen on the women’s roster and will likely be the top competitor this season. Sophomores Sarah Fleming and Hillary Boyce should also be key contributors to the DIII squad, and lead a roster that is more than half first-years.

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