BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Bowdoin nordic ski team qualified a program-best five skiers for this year's NCAA Championship held in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Sophomore Jordan Grialou makes a second straight appearance on the national stage and is joined by teammates Emma Crum, Morgan Richter, Zachary Ennis, and Carson Williams, all of whom are making their debut on the national stage. 
 
Polar Bear Preview
On the women's side, consistency has been key as both Crum and Grialou have turned in top-ten finishes almost every weekend. Richter has stayed steady throughout the season to earn an NCAA bid as well. Crum blew past expectations from weekend one with a podium level qualifying time in the classic sprint at the UVM Carnival and continued the trend through the remainder of the season.
 
The banner weekend of 2024 for the Polar Bears was the Harvard Carnival where both Cum and Ennis skied to podium finishes in the 15k classic race. The team spent considerable time focusing on training for the long classic events and the results have reflected the attention to increased strength and endurance. The 20k mass start classic event on Saturday benefits a Polar Bears squad that sees strong results when skiing together or near each other during races, competing with a team focused approach.
 
The Polar Bears have faced complex snow conditions in the northeast throughout the season and have proven adaptable, whether the temperatures sit in the icy single digits or slushy 50's. Bowdoin faces a perennial competitor this year with the altitude in Colorado. The return to a western racing venue required the Polar Bears to incorporate heat training into their pre-race regime as well as an early departure to allow for an adequate acclimatization period.
 
Race Schedule
Racing begins on Thursday, March 7, with the 7.5k individual freestyle. Skiers return to action on Saturday, March 9 in the 20k mass start. Follow the action on Thursday and Saturday.