STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. -- Williams College senior Marc Talbott represented the Ephs on Day 1 of the NCAA Championships hosted by the University of Colorado on Wednesday.

 

Williams coach Kelsey Levine praised Talbott's top 15 finish in the first NCAA Championship of his career.

 

"Marc skied so well," Levine said. "He stuck to his tactics while picking an aggressive line. NCAAs is a tough stage to be on, especially for the first time, and Marc embraced the challenge. I was excited to see him move up in the second run."

 

Finishing in 14th place with a combined time of 1.51.26, Talbott was 2.04 seconds behind the winner, Brian McLaughlin of Dartmouth College. The podium was rounded off with another Dartmouth skier, Tanguy Nef, in second, and the University of Colorado's Ola Johansen in third. Commenting on the strong Eastern showing, coach Levine noted, "It was also awesome to see Dartmouth go one-two for the men. It means our Eastern field is strong as most of these top guys have been on national teams and even the World Cup. I am very proud of Marc."

 

On the women's side, Amelia Smart of the University of Denver took home the win. Katharine Irwin of the University of New Mexico was second and an Eastern school was represented with Paula Moltzan of the University of Vermont taking the bronze.

 

Tomorrow, the Nordic skiers will have their first race, with Braden Becker representing Williams in the men's 10-kilometer classical race. Talbott will race the Slalom for the last day of Alpine competition on Friday.