University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Location: Green Bay, Wisc.
Head coach: Ken Statz (1st season)
Assistant coaches: Steve Teclaw (4th season)
Top male returners: Matt Nistler, Eddie Gurney, Jeff Cook
Top female returners: Hanne Guthrie, Krista White, Kaila Carpenter
Web site: http://www.greenbayphoenix.com/
2011 CCSA Championships: Men – 6th, Women – 4th
2011 NCAA Central Region: Men – 7th, Women – 5th
The 2011-2012 season brings with it fresh starts and new beginnings for the Phoenix, but without forgetting where the team came from. Expect to see the Butch Reimer memorial orange arm bands being worn by the athletes during competition. To many, Butch will always provide drive and determination to ski well and fast.
The Green Bay team is also embracing change with the first season of the new Head Coach, Ken Statz. Statz a Phoenix alum, has put together an energetic and focused team eager to begin the race season.
Up-and-coming athletes on the Phoenix squad have big shoes to fill, especially on the Women’s team. Carolyn Freeman finalized her collegiate career on a high note finishing at the NCAA races in Vermont 15th in skate and 34th in classic, as well as being named the CCSA Regional female skier of the year. Freeman was a role model athlete who inspired and motivated team mates on both professional and a friendship level. Lindsey Marshal is also a notable Phoenix who consistently scored high for the women’s team but was unfortunately hit with pulmonary blood clots which curtailed her racing career. The women this year are led by Senior and Captain Steph LaFrance who’s experience and seniority will provide veteran like insight to the younger athletes. Kailey Mucha came off an impressive Freshmen year finishing 15th overall in the CCSA skate race. Mucha, continuing her training this year as a red shirted athlete, is poised for the future. Notable women to look for this year include Hanne Guthrie as well as Krista White, Kaila Carpenter and Joelle Wightman.
On the men’s side the Phoenix graduated only Nick Maki who’s leadership and talent consistently scored high for the Phoenix. However, the men’s squad this season is stacked with senior athletes more than able to fill Maki’s spot. Notable skiers include Matt Nistler who has come off his redshirt year ready to score big for the Phoenix. Jeff Cook is finalizing his collegiate skiing career as well as being the last of the Cook family legacy to race at the college level. Eddie Gurney continues to be a top finisher for the Phoenix, this year as a Junior. Other senior men include Kyle Fredickson and Steven Gromatka who will also bring experience and leadership to this year’s men’s team.
