NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
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Algoma University and the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club are excited to host the 2025 OUA Nordic ski championships from Feb. 20-23 at Hiawatha Highlands.
“We are thrilled to partner with Soo Finnish Nordic to host the top Nordic ski competitors from across Ontario,” said Logan Bach, head coach of the Algoma Thunderbirds Nordic ski team.
“The team is excited to compete on our beautiful home trails and showcase everything our city has to offer.”
Athletes from 11 university teams across Ontario will compete, including the Carleton Ravens, Guelph Gryphons, Lakehead Thunderwolves, Laurentian Voyageurs, McMaster Marauders, Nipissing Lakers, Ottawa Gee-Gees, Queen’s Gaels, Toronto Varsity Blues, Waterloo Warriors, and the host team, the Algoma Thunderbirds.
Representing Algoma University at the championships are Ruby Cheeseman, Trysten Kahtava, Tori Grasley, Tea Lane, Keon Shafiee, Anna Reich, and Emma Malone.
“We’re excited to co-host the 2025 OUA Nordic Ski Championships,” said Don Nixon, chief of competition.
“Our volunteers are proud to welcome varsity skiers from across the province to these historic trails, originally built for our community in partnership with the Kinsmen Club of Sault Ste. Marie. Cross-country skiing is a lifelong sport, and we are honoured to support these athletes on their journey.”
With higher-than-usual traffic expected at Hiawatha Highlands, trail users should be aware of the following adjustments during race weekend.
The race courses will be set on the Crystal five-kilometre and Kinsmen two-km trails, which should be avoided during the competition.
Recreational users are encouraged to use the Pinder or Red Pine trails.
Parking will not be available at the Crystal System lot; attendants will direct visitors to the North and South Pinder lots.
The community’s cooperation is appreciated, and spectators are encouraged to come out and support the Thunderbirds as they compete against some of the top Nordic skiers in the province.
For more details, please contact Athletics Operations Coordinator Matt Kane at [email protected] or (705) 989-2412.
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