DENVER – The University of Denver's men's Nordic squad was at the top of the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association in 2022 and has the ability to repeat as regular-season champions this season as it returns All-Americans in sophomore Andreas Kirkeng and senior Bernhard Flaschberger.
 
Kirkeng (classic) and Flaschberger (freestyle) were named RMISA Most Valuable Skiers and were joined on the NCAA All-American list by DU junior Hanna Ray, who led the women's squad at the NCAA Championships last winter.
 
The women's squad also sees the return of seniors Emma Larsson and Vera Norli after the duo joined Ray in representing the Pioneers at last year's national championships, as well as sophomores Sidney Barbier and Bettina Burgess, who showed improvement as the 2022 campaign went along and produced solid results in the pre-season races this year.
 
On the men's side, Elijah Weenig and Jonah Steinberg displayed promise as rookies last winter and will be counted on to help provide precious points for the Pioneers as sophomores.
 
Denver added four newcomers to its Nordic team with Selma Andersen and Aurora Cramer on the women's side and Sivert Wulff and Micah Steinberg—Jonah's brother—for the men's group.
 
In his second season as the Nordic coach at Denver, Rogan Brown aims to build on the success from last year while keeping the team's long-term vision of success on the snow and in the classroom in mind.
 
Brown recently chatted with DenverPioneers.com on the 2023 season and what to expect from the Nordic Pioneers.
 
What are you looking forward to the most this season?
 
"Going into this season I'm most excited to build on what we started from last year. We've built some great momentum, and I'm really looking forward to watching our seniors close out their careers here at Denver, as well as watch the rest of the team reach their goals out on the trails. We have the return of the DU Invitational as well in February up in Minturn, so it will be a great event for the team and supporters to rally behind."
 
What stands out to you about your four-member freshmen class?
 
"The freshmen joining the team have already added a lot of motivation and new energy. They are very mature, and it will be fun to watch them progress during their time here at DU."
 
How do you view training during the NCAA season?
 
"For us, we really try and build throughout the season in order to be at our best at regionals and the NCAA Championships. Our goal for the team is to take advantage of our long winter break for quality training and focus on being balanced student-athletes during the competition season—make our final preparations, rest and recover to be our best at each of the race series."
 
What were some things that you learned during your first year as the Nordic head coach?
 
"I am looking forward to building on the momentum the team had during my first year. I learned that it's important to keep a good long-term vision of the season in mind, and the overall balance in school, skiing and life helps the team be the fastest they can be throughout the winter."
 
How has the culture of the Nordic and ski team as a whole changed since you and alpine head coach Joonas Rasanen took over?
 
"I believe Joonas and I have taken a balanced approach of building on the great legacy that the DU ski team has instilled on this university and sport, while also developing our own culture on the team. I am a student-athlete-centric coach and know the challenges and triumphs they may face along the way. It's important to facilitate the team culture the student-athletes want to build with the vision and mission you bring to the program."
 
What are your expectations for senior Bernhard Flaschberger this season?
 
"It's great to see Berni in his senior year here at DU, as he's been such a solid leader on the team and has had a great career at Denver. He is really developing his classic skiing to be at a place that is very competitive in the circuit, something he has put a lot of effort into. Berni is chasing success at the NCAA Championships, and we're really looking forward to helping him achieve his goals there."
 
Sophomores Sidney Barbier and Bettina Burgess had good finishes last season and have produced solid results in the early going, how can they help the squad this year?
 
"Sidney and Bettina have come in with a lot of confidence for their sophomore year, and it's been great to see them push the women's team in practice and be supportive teammates. I'm excited to see what they can do this season."
 
How have you seen Andreas Kirkeng develop as a skier in his last year and a half at DU?
 
"Andreas has put in a lot of great work this summer and fall and has started the season off very strong. He has a smart and balanced approach to his skiing and studying at DU, which is going to really pay off this year and beyond."

 
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