Solidifying itself has one of the top programs all-time in the United States Collegiate Ski Association, the Clarkson University Nordic Ski team was the dominant force at the 2012 National Championships this past week in Sunday River, Maine as both the Golden Knights Men’s and Women’s team claimed the prestigious overall titles as the USCSA’s best.
With its 28th consecutive appearance in the Nationals, Clarkson enjoyed its best showing ever as the Green and Gold’s Men’s and Women’s teams both won overall championships for the first time together in the same season. For the Golden Knight Men, it was their third national title having also earned the honor in 2003 and 2004. The Clarkson Women also skied to a championship in 1999.
Clarkson and the USCSA Nationals
The Knights were strong throughout last week in Maine. The Clarkson’s Men won the 1.5k Sprint race last Tuesday, finished third in the 8.5k Freestyle on March 8, and finished first in the 15km Classic on Saturday. The Golden Knight Women finished first in the Sprint event, placed second in the Freestyle competition and won the 15km Classic. Both Clarkson teams also won the Relay race.
2012 USCSA National Championship website
Seniors Alyssa Dausman (Syracuse, NY) and Alex Benway (Queensbury, NY) highlighted Clarkson’s effort.
A three-sport athlete for the Knights, also playing soccer and lacrosse, Dausman was the USCSA 's second top overall skier for the women. She finished second in both the 8.5k Freestyle and 15km Classic along with earning a third-place showing in the Sprint race.
Coming off an NCAA Cross Country appearance (the first ever in Clarkson’s history) this past fall, Benway was the USCSA third overall skier for the men. Benway was National Champion in the Sprint and 15km Classic.
Both Benway and Dausman anchored Clarkson’s winning relay teams.
Junior Andrew Klem (Dalton, MA) had three Top-10 showings for the Knights and was Clarkson’s leading racer in the 8.5k Freestyle, finishing seventh. Klem was the fourth overall men's competitor at the Nationals.
Senior Tim Sick (Chambersburg, PA) placed ninth for the Green and Gold in the Sprint race, while junior Zach Russo (Fayston, VT) earned a ninth-place showing in the 15km Classic. Freshman Brad Denton (Honeoye Falls, NY) was a 10th-place finisher in the 15km Classic, followed by senior Bryan Rose (Honeoye Falls, NY) in 11th.
Senior Andrea Walsh (Underhill, VT) enjoyed a strong week with sixth-place finishes in the 8.5k Freestyle and Sprint races, and a seventh-place showing in the 15km Classic. Classmate Emily Garrant (Marcellus, NY) also posted three Top-10 showings, including an eighth-place finish in the 8.5k Freestyle. Senior Audrey Keene (Hilton, NY) was eighth in the Sprint race, while junior Rachel Bachman (Queensbury, NY) was ninth in the 15k Classic. Freshman Olivia Dawson (Scottville, NY) skied to a seventh-place finish in the Sprint event.
