Patterson Siblings Sweep Classic Titles
HOUGHTON, Michigan (January, 3 2016) – The U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships, presented by L.L. Bean, began Sunday on the aggressive Michigan Tech Trails. Titles in the 15/10k individual start classic event went to siblings, Scott Patterson (Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center) and Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury Green Racing Project) who have both frequented top podium spots already this season during Period I of the SuperTours.
Once again, Scott Patterson of Alaska Pacific University Nordic Center proved his abilities and strength as he skied to a first place finish just a head of Kevin Sandau (Alberta World Cup Academy). Adam Martin (Northern Michigan University) had an impressive race, finishing third overall, and first in the U23 class.
Scott Patterson won U.S. Cross Country Ski Championship title in the 15k individual start classic event Sunday in Houghton, Michigan. Kevin Sandau was second, followed by Adam Martin in third.
“It took me about 3k to really find my grove in the race and at the bottom of the course I convinced myself I could fight,” Scott Patterson said. “I know my fitness is good and I hammered it as hard as I could. The course doesn’t exactly play to my strengths but I think I have the fitness to work anything right now, so that’s what I went out and did.”
Caitlin Patterson’s significant lead over teammate Kaitlynn Miller showcased her fitness as she claimed her third podium finish of the season. Chelsea Holmes (Alaska Pacific Nordic Ski Center) showed consistency in her race, placing third overall. Holmes has also placed in the top podium spots earlier this season during Period I of the SuperTour.
“I really tried to work the course and ski all of the downhill’s and transitions really well, to get as much speed out of every part of the course as possible, and it turned out to work really well,” Caitlin Patterson said.
Competition continues Monday, January 4 at 10:00 a.m. EST with a classic sprint.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Both Scott Patterson and Caitlin Patterson earned their third podium finishes this season since the beginning of Period I of the SuperTour.
- The U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships mark the beginning of Period II of the USSA SuperTour.
- In the men’s competition: Scott Patterson was the top Senior overall, Adam Martin was the top U23, finishing third overall, Brian Gregg (Team Gregg/Madshus) was the top Master Skier in fifth overall, Ian Torchia (Northern Michigan University) was the top U20 in seventh overall, Gus Schumacher (Alaska Winter Stars) was the top U16 overall in 44th and Hunter Wonders (Alaska Pacific University Nordic Center) was the top U18 in 45th.
- In the women’s competition: Caitlin Patterson was the top Senior in first overall, Katherine Ogden (Stratton Mountain School) was the top U20 with in overall, Hannah Halvorsen (Sugar Bowl Academy) was the top U18 in 11th overall, Kelsey Phinney (Middlebury College) was the top U23 in 14th overall and Ezra Smith (Summit Nordic Ski Club) was the top U16 in 33rd overall.
- Follow classic sprint action live on Monday through live streaming coverage, courtesy of Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC) and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.
QUOTES
Scott Patterson – Alaska Pacific University and 15k Classic National Champion
Usually I go out really fast in the races but today, I just wasn’t quite there going out of the gun and it took me about 3k to really find my grove in the race and at the bottom of the course I convinced myself I could fight.
Charging up the hill I just said to myself ‘okay I got this’ and by the time I came into the lap, I gained a little bit of a lead and tried to work that, and work every second of it on the second lap and pushed it in.
I know my fitness is good and I hammered it as hard as I could. The course doesn’t exactly play to my strengths, but I think I have the fitness to work anything right now so that’s what I went out and did.
Caitlin Patterson- Craftsbury Green Racing Project and 10k Classic National Champion
I really tried to work the course and ski all of the downhill’s and transitions really well to get as much speed out of every part of the course as possible, and it turned out to work really well.
I felt strong throughout and was really happy with the race and really happy with the start of the week.
