Michigan Tech’s Adam Witkowski competed last weekend in World Cup action in Livigno, Italy. He placed 42nd in the skate sprint on Saturday. (Photo coutesy of Michigan Tech University)

LIVIGNO, Italy — Senior Michigan Tech Nordic Skier Adam Witkowski competed in his first World Cup, representing the United States in Livigno, Italy, last weekend.

The Victor, New York, native competed in the skate sprint on Saturday and paired with Logan Diekmann to form the United States II team for Sunday’s team sprint.

In the skate sprint Saturday, Witkowski placed 42nd among a field of 55 skiers in a time of 2:32.53.

“It was a great experience skiing against the best in the world, there are so many positives that I can take away from this weekend and the biggest one is that I belong with the best in the world,” Witkowski mentioned. “I had two good races this weekend that I am very proud of but I made a few mistakes each day that cost me a few seconds and ultimately a chance at qualifying for heats on Saturday.”

Head coach Tom Monahan Smith expressed his excitement about Witkowski competing in the World Cup.

“There are so many positive take-homes for Adam from his first World Cup weekend, but the one that stands out the most was hearing him say, “I can definitely ski with these guys!” That is a huge statement, and one we know Adam would not say if he did not truly mean, and believe he is capable of skiing with the best in the world,” Monahan Smith said.

“Adam scored World Cup points with his 42nd place finish in the individual sprint, and he was just over a second out from making the top 30 heats. That is such an awesome showing in his first World Cup race.”

On Sunday, Witkowski teamed up with Logan Diekmann to compete as the United States II team. Overall the duo placed 17th overall and placed seventh against the field’s II teams.

“I am grateful for this opportunity and the support I received from my family, coaches and friends and I cannot wait to get back over to Europe to do it all again soon,” Witkowski added.

Monahan Smith showed his excitement about Witkowski’s return and his opportunity to share his experience with the rest of the team.

“We couldn’t be happier for him to have this World Cup race experience that he has been working so hard to achieve, and we are really proud of Adam for seizing this opportunity to compete on the highest competitive stage of our sport.

“We look forward to welcoming him back home and having him share his World Cup experience with the Nordic Huskies,” Monahan Smith added.

Up next

Witkowski will join the rest of the Tech nordic skiers as the team enters the back half of the competition season, heading back to Minnesota, Duluth, this time for the GANC CCSA Invite on Feb. 4-5.