Historic Victory for CMU: Iver Skaarseth Wins Gold, Men’s Team Secures First-Ever USCSA National Championship Title in 15K Classic Race
Photography by David James, 303photography.com 📷 Follow on Instagram: @djphoto04
The CMU Cross Country Ski Team made history at the USCSA National Championships, as Iver Skaarseth delivered a stunning performance to claim gold in the men’s 15K classic mass start. His dominant finish in 48:49.7 secured not only an individual victory but also CMU’s first-ever team championship win in any event at Nationals.
Wesley Sumner also delivered a standout performance, finishing 4th in 49:29.9, solidifying CMU’s dominance. Meanwhile, freshman Jack Lackman placed 11th, securing the team’s victory and positioning himself as a future podium contender.
With these top-three finishes, CMU’s men’s team amassed enough points to claim the national championship title—a historic first in CMU’s 17-year history of ski racing!
The 15K classic race featured exciting pack racing, where athletes worked together, rotated leads, and maintained a strong pace throughout. The battle for the top 15 was as exciting as it gets!
Top 5 Results – Men's 15K Classic Mass Start
- Gold: Iver Skaarseth (Colorado Mesa University) – 48:49.7
- Silver: Kaleb Simonson (University of Wyoming) – 48:56.7 (+6.98)
- Bronze: Philip Matthews (Paul Smith's College) – 49:20.4 (+30.63)
- 4th: Wesley Sumner (Colorado Mesa University) – 49:29.9 (+40.21)
- 5th: Diego Lobatos (University of Wyoming) – 49:37.3 (+47.55)