The Northern Michigan University Nordic ski team receives regional skier of the year honors. Junior Rosie Frankowski and junior Erik Soderman were awarded regional skier of the year awards along with head coach Sten Fjeldheim who was awarded coach of the year award for both the men’s and women’s team.
“It feels good to be recognized for all the hard work put in,” Soderman said.
Soderman earned a first-team spot by placing fourth place in the freestyle event at the NCAA Championships and earned a second-team spot by placing 10th in the classic race.
Soderman said he felt accomplished receiving the award and thanks all coaches and team members who made it possible for this season to be successful.
“It was a good season,” Soderman said. “There was a lot of good training with the team and everybody has done a great job this winter and it has shown in the results.”
Soderman won six CCSA races including three All-American statutes this season and was the top scoring skier in the region.
Frankowski earned the region’s best finish for the women’s team at this year’s NCAA Championships and received her first All-American honor this season.
“I feel honored receiving this award,” Frankowski said. “It has been a great season.”
Frankowski said she appreciates the hard work of her team members and coaches and couldn’t do it without them.
“This season went very well for us,” Frankowski said. “Our goal is to stay focused during off-season training and prepare ourselves for next season. A goal of mine is to work harder for the classic races and I would like to improve on being faster during the shorter races.”
Frankowski is the region’s top female skier this season and an all-CCSA first-teamer. Frankowski earned the conference’s top skier in four events this season, including both the freestyle and classic events at the U.S. Nationals.
“I am extremely proud for Rosie and Erik,” Fjeldheim said. “They have worked hard and put a lot of effort into this season.”
Fjeldheim said he appreciates the dedication and hard work Frankowski and Soderman have put in this season.
“Rosie was a walk on freshman and has made it all the way to the region’s top female skier,” Fjeldheim said. “She has turned things around and has become one incredible athlete.”
Fjeldheim received both men’s and women’s coach of the year awards this season.
“Erik is a tremendous athlete and contributes a lot to the team,” Fjeldheim said. “He works hard and is dedicated to his work.”
Fjeldheim said he is proud of the women’s and men’s team and the efforts they’ve made to make this season special.
The ’Cats men’s and women’s team combined is ranked 5th overall in the nation.
