Nanooks all over the country for NCAA Championships
By Gabriele Rigaudo
Photo courtesy of Lexi Pline
Fordham celebrates her win in the final few meters of the 20 kilometer skate race on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Soldier Hollow, Utah.
Over the weekend, athletes from the University of Alaska Fairbanks ski, rifle and swim teams took part in the NCAA Championships. With four All-Americans and two individual titles, the Nanooks presented a successful end of the NCAA season.
The skiing NCAA championships were hosted by the University of Utah after being moved from Montana State due to poor snow conditions. Soldier Hollow, Utah is a popular competition venue, hosting the Winter Olympics in 2002 and again in 2034 for nordic skiing. The town managed to preserve enough snow despite the adverse climate conditions.
Photo courtesy of Ben Buck
UAF men’s ski team and coaches after the 20km in which they posted the best score. From left: Max Beiergrohslein, Ben Buck, Philipp Moosmayer, Blake Hanley, Ben Dohlby, and Noah Payne.
The Nooks ski team started strong and finished even stronger. Senior and Olympian Rosie Fordham claimed the individual classic title on Thursday and the 20 kilometer skate title on Saturday.
“It was by far the best classic race I've ever done,” Fordham said. When asked about her 20 kilometer skate race, she said she went ahead “completely by accident, but it worked.”
Saturday proved to be a great day for the Nanooks, with the men posting a strong team performance, winning the university standings for the day. Ben Dohlby placed 5th after a sprint finish, joining the All-American first team, and Philipp Moosmayer arrived 7th to join the second All-American team. Blake Hanley wrapped things up for the team finishing 13, just 10 seconds short of the top 10.
The Nooks ski team finished third overall for nordic skiing, behind the University of Utah and the University of Colorado. Utah won its 18th NCAA skiing championships after a close battle with Colorado. Utah’s freshman Mons Melbye’s decisive win in the 20km skate ahead of Dartmouth senior and Olympian John Hagenbuch, allowed Utah to gain a 10-point advantage over Colorado to claim the title.
In Evansville, Indiana, junior Dorka Dancsok participated in the DII NCAA swimming championships for the Nanooks. As the first Nanook to qualify since 2023-24, Dancsok posted strong performances, finishing 25th in the 200-yard IM, 34th in the 100-yard breaststroke, and 29th in the 200-yard breaststroke. The highlight of her championship came in the 400-yard IM. In this event she advanced all the way up to the consolation final, ending 16th and earning an All-American second team accolade.
Photo courtesy of 800 Meter Sports Photography
Dancsok in action during the NCAA championships.
In Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio State University hosted the NCAA Rifle Championships. After a close battle throughout the season to get the NCAA Championship pass, the Nanook rifle team finally managed to secure its spot during the last home meet against the University of Texas at El Paso.
The Nooks placed 8th overall in the smallbore competition, with sophomore Lucie Kissenberger leading the way with a 15th place. During the air rifle competition the next day,the team placed 6th with Kissenberger again scoring the best result with an 11th place individual, just missing out on the top 10, and freshman Noah Meierotto following closely, posting a 13th place result.
Photo courtesy of Eric Engman
UAF’s Rifle team competing at Ohio State.