Our Cross Country Ski Team supports student-athletes who are ready to challenge themselves through racing while embracing the power of teamwork. We focus on building versatile skiing skills, sustainable fitness, and a team culture rooted in camaraderie, mutual support, and exceptional sportsmanship. Whether you're aiming for the podium or pushing your personal best, this is a place where we elevate each other—on and off the snow.
History and a Commitment to Growth
The Colorado Mesa University Cross Country Ski Team was founded in 2008 by Tom Suplizio and later led by Dave Aschwanden until 2020. Since its beginning, the team has grown into a respected program within the USCSA, in Colorado, and in its own community—known not only for strong performances but also for its commitment to community engagement and student development. The team is currently led by Marcin (Martin) Wiesiolek.
Competing with Heart—and Results to Match
In recent seasons, CMU skiers have gone head-to-head with some of the strongest collegiate athletes in the country, showing up with grit, consistency, and team spirit. While the results speak for themselves—from sweeping events and earning top individual finishes to winning national championships in signature races and securing a second-place overall national ranking in the USCSA—our focus remains on developing well-rounded student-athletes.
Success is measured not just in medals, but in progress, resilience, and the drive to leave everything on the course come race day.
Why It Matters
Cross country skiing and racing builds more than fitness—it builds focus, resilience, and lifelong skills. It’s one of the most effective ways to stay active during the winter months while developing endurance, strength, and mental toughness. For student-athletes, it offers a positive outlet for stress, a break from screens, and a strong sense of connection with teammates and the outdoors.
At CMU, skiing is more than just competition—it’s a lifestyle that supports academic success, personal growth, and lasting friendships. Whether you're racing at full intensity or building fitness through structured training, cross country skiing offers a cost-effective, community-driven way to challenge yourself and thrive.
Why USCSA Ski Racing?
USCSA racing is a fantastic alternative—or complement—to NCAA programs. For student-athletes who may not break into NCAA competition, that often means missing out on racing entirely. USCSA offers a meaningful, competitive platform where athletes do get to race—and race often. With a fast-growing league, strong national competition, and a flexible structure, it’s ideal for those who want to compete seriously without the rigid commitments of NCAA skiing.
CMU Cross Country Ski Team competes as part of the U.S. Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association (USCSA), the governing body for collegiate team ski racing and snowboarding in the U.S. USCSA supports broad participation and inclusive competition, functioning much like Division III athletics but independently from the NCAA. Men and women race equal distances in both sprint and distance events.
Many USCSA races are held at the same venues as NCAA events. Each season culminates in a five-day national championship in early March, where top teams and individuals from each region compete for national titles.
OUR VALUED SUPPORTERS
5K Classic Race, Crested Butte, CO, Feb 4, 24
2024 USCSA Ski Racing Festival, Classic Race
2024 USCSA Ski Racing Festival, a 15 km collegiate and 7.5 km junior classic ski race at Snow Mountain Ranch, Colorado, hosted by CMU Cross Country Skiing and Grand County Colorado on January 20, 2021.
USCSA Nationals in Mammoth Lakes, CA
1st day of the USCSA National. 7 km classic race: James Roloff, CMU, 12th overall, Garret Moehring, 27th overall
5K Classic Race in Crested Butte, CO, Feb 5, 23
CMU was represented at the USCSA 5k classic race in Crested Butte, Colorado by two student-athletes, James Roloff and Garret Moehring
Sprint Relay in Leadville, CO, Feb 12, 23
USCSA Rocky Mountain mixed-gender freestyle team sprint relay in Leadville, CO, February 12, 2023
USCSA RMC Classic Sprint, Qualification Race, Laramie, WY, Feb 18, 23
30 athletes from this qualification race will advance to the elimination rounds.
Highlights, Sprint Race, USCSA Nationals, Mar 8, 23
Highlights from the 2023 U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) Nationals Skate Sprint Race in Mammoth Lakes on March 8, 2023.
The race conditions were tough with heavy snowfall, low temperatures and wind at 40 mph.