The University of Nevada, Reno ski team is hosting the first collegiate alpine ski competition in the Reno area since 2011. The Nevada Invitational started on Saturday, January 31, at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and runs until this Tuesday, February 3.
Head coach Cameron Smith said he worked hard to bring competitive skiing back to the Truckee Meadows.
"I really advocated for us to host, because I know how much it means to the team, how much it means to this community and the athletic department, to get ski racing back in Reno," Coach Smith said.
The Nevada ski team folded after the 2010-11 season due to budget cuts. It returned ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Local fans say it's great to see their team at home again.
"We're excited to have them back. and hopefully this is a long tradition that can keep going," said Anton Standteiner.
Tamara McKinney said, "it's great to see the team coming back with Division I status."
"It's awesome to be back having the NCAAs here. Hopefully we can do it again soon," said Glen Poulsen.
Poulsen's father Wayne started Nevada's ski team in 1936 and would go on to help found the first local ski resort.
"He and his partner convinced the road department to open the road up the hill originally," the younger Poulsen said, "and that's the area that's now known as sky tavern."
McKinney was the first American woman to win the overall title in the Alpine Ski World Cup in 1983.
"My earliest memories are skiing here at Slide Mountain. So, it's great to share this with these great college racers," she said.
Standteiner says he owns a small business in California which made a small but notable part of the event possible.
"I have a blacksmith shop in Truckee, Mountain Forge," Standteiner said. "And another local guy, Ryan Herusky's dad, has a stone shop. So, we collaborated to make the awards.">
speaking of Ryan Herhusky, the Nevada skier says he's looking for redemption the rest of this week.
When asked about his performance Sunday, Herhusky said, "I'm a little disappointed. I think my run was okay, but, unfortunately, I was disqualified."
On the women's side, Charlotte Clément said she's already made progress this weekend.
"My first run I got like 17th, which is pretty, pretty good. better than yesterday," Clément said.
On Saturday and Sunday, teams competed in slalom on the Winters Creek side of Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. For Monday and Tuesday, they'll return to the track for giant slalom.
The team said they've gained some positive momentum as of late and hope to keep it going through the season.
