RED RIVER, N.M. – The University of Denver ski team kicked off the University of New Mexico Invite on Friday. Both teams were in action as the alpine squad skied in the first slalom race and the Nordic team skied the classic 7.5 km races. Three Pios finished on the podium including first place finishes in the slalom for Simon Fournier and Amelia Smart. Jett Seymour was the other podium finisher for DU, placing third in the slalom.

After four events Denver (261 total points) sits in fourth place, just 41 points back of first-place Colorado. Also ahead of DU Is New Mexico (268 total points), Montana State (274 total points) and Utah (280 ½ total points).

MEN'S SLALOM: Fournier, a freshman from Montreal recorded the second fastest first run of the day and followed up with the fourth fastest second run to clinch the top spot. Seymour placed just behind him in third after recording the third fastest first run of the competition. Sophomore Tobias Kogler rounded off the team scoring, finishing just .03 seconds behind Seymour to grab fifth place. Tristan Lane also raced for DU but was unable to complete his first run.

WOMEN'S SLALOM: Smart, the reigning RMISA alpine skier of the week continued the strong start to her season with the fastest first run of the day and second fastest second run to grab first place. Senior Tuva Norbye started strong with third fastest first run but fell back to 10^th place after her second run.

MEN'S 7.5 KM CLASSIC: All three point-scorers of head coach Dave Stewart's team finished inside the top 21 as Eivind Kvaale took 17^th for DU's best finish. Sophomore Lars Hannah finished two spots behind Kvaale in 19^th while Nick Sweeney finished 21^st to round out the team scoring.

"It was a perfect day for ski racing here in Red River with bluebird skies, plenty of snow and mild temperatures. We hope this won't be the last time New Mexico hosts a race here," Stewart said. "Overall we were certainly not performing our best today as we train through these races and look ahead at NCAA's."

WOMEN'S 7.5 KM CLASSIC: Senior Taeler McCrerey had the best finish on DU's Nordic squad, taking home seventh place for her fourth top-10 finish of the year. Jasmi Joensuu (16^th place) and Kristine Karsrud (23^rd place) rounded out the point-scoring for Coach Stewart's squad.

"Taeler's strong season continued with her solid seventh place finish," said Stewart. "I know she and her teammates will improve in the coming weeks of training and competition."

Next up: Both teams will be in action in the New Mexico Invite tomorrow in the second men's and women's slalom races and the men's and women's 5K freestyle races.

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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