Male Skier of the Year – Zak Ketterson (NMU)
Zak Ketterson has been voted as the Male Skier of the Year for the CCSA. Ketterson was one of the most consistent skiers during his entire Junior year season. Coming off a strong 17/18 season where he finished as the 4th ranked CCSA skier, he moved up to take the top spot in the CCSA, over 9 points in front of the next finisher. Ketterson started the year off strong, claiming the top collegiate spot in both of the classic races at the US Senior National Championships in Craftsbury, VT. He continued on his dominant form during the regular season, winning every CCSA race he started. Ketterson capped off his season with two separate All-American performances at the NCAA National Championships finishing 10th in the individual start skate race and 7th in the mass start classic race. With one more year of eligibility remaining, Ketterson will have high hopes for the 19/20 ski season!
Female Skier of the Year – Abigail Jarzin (NMU)
Abigail Jarzin had a breakout freshman year with the Wildcats. Coming in from the Ashwaubenon Nordic Ski Team based in Green Bay, WI, Jarzin was expecting to be one of the top competitors in the region. She met and surpassed those expectations by being the top-ranked CCSA skier for the entire season. After a slow start to the season, Jarzin began to pick up momentum through January and February winning 3/6 qualifier races that she entered and finished on the podium in all 6 events. That torrid pace did not stop at the NCAA National Championships as she earned her first All-American accolades. She finished 7th in the individual start skate race. Jardin has a bright future in front of her and will one to watch for the remainder of her collegiate career.
Male and Female Coach of the Year – Sten Fjeldheim (NMU)
Sten Fjeldheim has also been named as the CCSA Coach of the year for both Men and Women. This is Fjeldheim’s 32nd season at the helm of the Nordic Team. Both the men’s and women’s team dominated the central region, consistently have athletes in both the men’s and women’s events atop the podium. Notable team accomplishments from this season include winning the College Cup at the US National Championships and finished as the 4th place Nordic team at the NCAA Championships. Fjeldheim also achieved a big milestone after the NCAA championships. The Wildcats finished with 6 All-American performances, which pushes Fjeldheim to 103 total All-Americans. Congratulations to a future Hall of Fame coach for another outstanding season.