BOULDER, Colo.—Westminster's
Chris Hendrickson was named Alpine Coach of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association. University of Utah's Miles Havlick was named Nordic Coach of the Year.
"What
Chris Hendrickson does with our ski program is nothing short of amazing. He goes out and gets the best skiers and student-athletes possible. He works hard at recruiting and it shows," Interim Associate Athletics Director
Shelley Jarrard said. "He also has a deep sense of caring about his athletes and it shows every time they compete. He is passionate and has so much belief in his athletes that he instills confidence in them."
"Despite the edge his competitors have in the wallet, Chris makes up for with authenticity, heart, and competitiveness. No matter what, he knows his skiers always have a chance to win. I am so happy the RIMISA folks have honored Chris with the Alpine Coach of the Year award."
Hendrickson has quickly turned the men's and women's ski teams into RMISA and national contenders, a David and Goliathesque feat, while competing against several much larger institutions—University of Utah, University of Denver, University Colorado, University of Vermont. The Griffins won 10 out of 24 races this season—six on the women's side and four on the men's side. The women's team won the RMISA Championships and were second at the NCAA Championships in the giant slalom.
Westminster finished on the podium 20 times and recorded 13 more top-5 finishes than any other institution with 39.
Julia Toiviainen earned the women's giant slalom MVP with teammates Hannah Saethereng and Lana Zbasnik finishing second and third, respectively, in the voting.
Francesco Gori was named the men's slalom MVP and
Mikkel Solbakken won the giant slalom at the NCAA Championships for Westminster's first individual national championship.
"We have enjoyed enormous success this season and this honor is recognition of the hard work, effort and attitude of the team and each skier," Hendrickson said. " I am so appreciative and lucky to have such an amazing and selfless group to work with."
