CMU Cross Country Ski Team athlete Wes Sumner is featured in today’s Daily Sentinel as part of a story highlighting Colorado Mesa University’s club sport athletes and their experiences representing CMU.

In the Q&A, Wes talks about his path to Colorado Mesa, growing up skiing in Minnesota, and how he eventually chose cross country skiing after competing in several endurance sports. He also discusses what attracted him to CMU, including the opportunity to be part of one of the relatively few coached collegiate cross country ski programs in the country.

Wes also speaks about the support the team receives from Colorado Mesa University, from training facilities and athletic resources to the flexibility and opportunities available to student-athletes. He describes the experience of competing as a club athlete, including racing against NCAA athletes during the season, while still enjoying the close-knit and student-driven nature of the program.

The article also features the moment Wes crossed the finish line to win the 15K freestyle mass start national title at the USCSA National Championships in Lake Placid, one of the major highlights of his 2026 season.

For the CMU Cross Country Ski Team, it is great to see Wes recognized, but his accomplishments are also a reflection of the group around him. Our strongest performances come from athletes training together, pushing one another and building the team every day.

Read the full Daily Sentinel story