Anderson, Mallams shine at nationals

The Daily Inter Lake

Whitefish cross country skiers Erik Anderson and Ian Mallams both turned in top 10 finishes at the Senior Nationals Cross Country Championships in Houghton, Mich., last week.

Skiing in the J-1 men's division (ages 16-17), Mallams' best performance was a runner-up effort in the 15k freestyle/skate while Anderson placed fourth in the 1.3k classic sprint.

Competing at nationals were the top cross country skiers in the U.S. along with members of the U.S. National Team, the U.S. Olympic Team and the top NCAA racers. There were 260 junior and senior men competitors.

Anderson and Mallams both qualified at this event for the U.S. Junior Cross Country Team, which will compete in The Scandinavian Cup in Sweden next month.

Mallams finished fourth and Anderson sixth in the final standings at Houghton. Only six skiers can qualify for the junior team.

Both skiers are raising for money their upcoming trip to Sweden. Individuals wishing to help on the financial end can do so by making checks payable to the Nordic XC International Travel Fund for Juniors. Checks should be sent to the Whitefish Credit Union, Box 37, Whitefish, 59937.

Anderson, a junior at Whitefish High School, and Mallams, a senior, are both 17. Last year they competed at the Junior Nationals Championship in Houghton, Mich.

Results for the two skiers at last week's nationals are listed follow:

10k Classic

Anderson - sixth in J-1 and 80th overall

Mallams - ninth in J-1 and 90th overall

15k Freestyle/Skate

Anderson - seventh in J-1 and 80th overall

Mallams - second in J-1 and 58th overall

1.3k Classic Sprint

Anderson - fourth in J-1

Mallams - eighth in J-1