DENVER - University of Denver skier Kristine Haugen (Lommedalen, Norway) was a finalist for Mile High Sports Magazine's College Athlete of the Year. Haugen, a junior, became the first skier in Pioneers history to repeat as NCAA champion in the giant slalom as she helped DU to their all-time best 22^nd National Championship last March.

Haugen, a real estate major, earned All-American honors in both the giant slalom and the slalom and won five of the 11 races she competed in, reaching the podium seven times.

As a freshman, Haugen was the NCAA champion in the giant slalom and the slalom, the first Denver skier to accomplish that feat. She finished the season undefeated in giant slalom races.

Colorado State quarterback Garrett Grayson, who led the Rams to a 10-3 record, was named Mile High Sports Magazine's College Athlete of the Year.

Other finalists for the award, besides Haugen, were University of Colorado wide receiver Nelson Spruce; CSU-Pueblo defensive end Darius Allen; Metro State University basketball standout Brandon Jefferson and Colorado State wide receiver Rashard Higgins.

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