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For more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu.

UWRF Student/Staff Ski the Vasaloppet; Plan for Birkebeiner

FEB. 19, 2007--University of Wisconsin-River Falls faculty, staff, students and alumni have been sharpening their skis and practicing at local cross-country ski races in preparation for the annual Birkebeiner ski race at the end of February, in which UWRF hosts an annual alumni reunion after the renowned international race.

Laura Adrian (left), a sophomore biology major from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and Assistant Professor Jim Tangen-Foster (right), of the health and human performance department, recently represented UWRF at the Mora (Minn.) Vasaloppet cross country ski race.

"It was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done," said Adrian, after completing the 35km race in two hours and 32 minutes. "I was feeling pretty iffy during the last part, like I might not be able to finish. I've never done a race longer than 10 km.   It felt so great to cross the finish line and know that I had accomplished something I never thought I'd be able to do."

A cross-country skier since high school, Adrian trained for the Vasaloppet skiing on the UWRF intramural fields. "I want to do it again next year but train harder and longer," she said.

Adrian is a member of the Snow Crunchers, a student organization that pursues winter outdoor activities. Tangen-Foster, the club's advisor and coordinator of the HHP department's outdoor education minor, completed the 58kmVasaloppet marathon in two hours and 52 minutes.

The club has hosted other events this year including ice climbing, downhill skiing and ice skating. The Snow Crunchers will join Tangen-Foster and other UWRF alumni and friends at the American Birkebeiner on Feb. 24.

Along with the club and Tangen-Foster, Peter Rayne, a professor of animal science, and Lisa Wheeler, director of information technology services, will represent UWRF in the Collegiate Cup competition of the Birkebeiner 51km race from Cable to Hayward.

After the race, UWRF students, staff alumni, friends and families will meet at a designated location near the finish line for an annual reunion. For more information on the Birkebeiner UWRF alumni reunion, contact the UWRF Office of University Advancement at 877-258-6647.

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