NEDERLAND, Colo. – The University of Denver ski team kicked off its 2019 season on Wednesday with the RMISA Qualifiers. On Wednesday, the men and women competed in the Giant Slalom Qualifiers. Skiing for DU was Tobias Kogler, Jett Seymour, Nick Santaniello, Tuva Norbye, Amelia Smart, Katie Hensien and Storm Klomhaus.

Four of DU's seven skiers finished both of their races as two men and two women finished. Although three skiers did not finish the race, these results will not affect the team score but will count toward NCAA Qualification for the individual skiers.

MEN'S GIANT SLALOM: Kogler stood out on the men's side, finishing second with a time of 1:52.97. His first run was second fastest of the day (54.40) as he improved on his third place finish from a season ago. He has now reached the podium in his first two RMISA Qualifying events as a Pioneer. Seymour, Denver's other men's finisher had the third best time of the day (54.73) but dropped back to the pack with his second run (1:00.01) to finish seventh overall. The junior from Steamboat Springs improved on his finish at last season's RMISA Qualifier where he took ninth place. Santaniello, a junior from Vail finished his first run (55.29) but was unable to complete his second.

WOMEN'S GIANT SLALOM: Norbye was Denver's best performer of the day, taking home the top spot with a time of 1:56.67. The senior from Oslo, Norway has now finished fifth (2x), third and first in her four appearances at the RMISA Qualifiers. Smart, the defending individual national champion in both alpine events took ninth place with a time of 1:58.63. Senior Storm Klomhaus and freshman Katie Hensien did not finish their first races.

Next up: Denver will return to action tomorrow when the University of Colorado Invitational officially kicks off. Slalom action will continue on Friday and the Nordic teams are competing in Steamboat Springs on Saturday and Sunday.

DENVER ATHLETICS TICKETS: For all Denver Athletics ticket inquiries, call 303-871-GOAL (4625), or visit DenverPioneers.com.

RIDE THE SKI TRAIN: Join the defending National Champion Denver Ski Team for a day on the mountain on January 26th. The train leaves Union Station at 6:45 am and will arrive at Winter Park Resort at 9 am where the National Champion DU Ski Team will be your expert guides on the mountain offering choices of freeskiing, snowcat tours or snowshoeing. The train will return to Union Station at 6:40 pm on the evening of the 26th.

PIONEER MOVEMENT: Fans interested in making a donation to the skiing program can do so by clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence. 

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