Jackson, N.H. - The first Nordic races of the 2021 NCAA Skiing Championships saw blue skies, bright sun, and warm temperatures... and yes we are talking about the East Coast.  While the conditions might be closer to what one might expect when the Western Region hosts, it was actually the Jackson Nordic Center in New Hampshire that was the site of the race.  The Colby Mules, sporting a full team of three men to go along with their lone woman, finished the day as the second-ranked eastern school only behind the University of Vermont.  

"We were incredibly happy with our performance today," said head Nordic ski coach Tracey Cote.  " All our skiers finished in the top-30 scoring points for their team, and several definitely had the best races of their careers."  

The men's 10K Classical race kicked off at 10:00am and the Mules were paced by senior Mark Young (headline photo) in 24th.  "Mark skied great today, finishing as the second best eastern skier," said Cote.  Teammates William Solow and Andy Rightmire finished in 27th and 30th respectively.  To lend perspective, the difference between Young's 24th place and Rightmire in 30th was a mere 37 seconds.  

Senior Kirsten Miller (pictured left) represented the Mules proudly as the only Colby female to compete, completing her 5K Classical race in 22nd place.  "Kirsten finished as the third skier from an eastern school, only 20-seconds out of the top-15.  This field is full of former national team members, future national team members, and future Olympians.  I am so proud of our Mules."  

Currently sitting just outside the top-10 (11th) for Nordic teams, Colby is back in action Saturday for the second and final day of Nordic competition.  

To view the MEN'S RESULTS, CLICK HERE.  

To view the WOMEN'S RESULTS, CLICK HERE.