Gogebic Community College skiers fared well at the Central Collegiate Ski Association meet in Minneapolis this weekend. Ray Sabo from the University of Alaska Fairbanks won Saturday's 10K skate race in a time of 24:45. Freshman Ben Noren lead Gogebic finishers, placing 30th in 27:26. Other Gogebic finishers included Freshman Leif Gilsvik (40th in 28:53), Sophomore Micah Ohman (57th in 31:01), Freshman Sam Kolesar (63rd in 35:02) and Kyle Weber (66th in 37:31).

In Sunday's 15K classic race, Northern Michigan University's Martin Baanerud finished first in 39:43. Gogebic finishers included Noren (34th in 45:16), Gilsvik (49th in 48:13), Ohman (57th in 51:46), Weber (63rd in 1:00:54) and Kolesar (64th in 1:01:56).

As part of the nation-wide Super Tour race series, the weekend's event was also used by junior skiers pursuing a spot on the regional Junior Olympic squads. Gogebic's Ben Noren and Leif Gilsvik are both competing for these slots. In the Junior Olympic division, Noren placed an impressive 11th on Saturday and 15th on Sunday, and Gilsvik finished a strong 20th on Saturday and 27th on Sunday.

"Skiing against the best college teams in the country, including national championship teams like Northern Michigan University and other top-rated teams from across the Midwest and even Alaska, gives our young skiers great exposure and experience at the next level", said Gogebic coach Will Andresen.

Gogebic travels to Houghton this weekend for another two-day Collegiate and Super Tour meet.

Photo: Gogebic's Micah Ohman from Orono, MN, competes in Sunday's 15K Classic race