March 19: Locals do well, earn gold in ski nationals

Ashland Daily Tidings

TAHOE, Calif - Rogue Valley nordic skiers made their mark recently in the Masters National Championships at the Tahoe cross country and Royal Gorge cross country ski areas.

Dan Bulkley of Phoenix became the national champion in every event he entered, earning five gold medals for first-place efforts in the 10-kilometer classic, 10k pursuit (classic, skating and overall) and the 15k skate race, all in the 85-plus age group.

Torsten Heycke of Ashland picked up a silver medal in the 40-44 age group 15k classic race, and a bronze in the classic leg of the 10k pursuit.

Reider Petersen, coach of the Ashland High cross country ski club, posted top-10 finishes in every event he entered and topped off the week with an age group (60-64) victory in the prestigious 50k Gold Rush race at Royal Gorge.

Despite tough weather conditions, Petersen finished the race in 3:39.31.

Together, Bulkley, Petersen and Heycke were part of a commercial team sponsored by Sunnyside Sports of Bend that finished second based on the results in their individual age groups.

The event attracted skiers from all over the country and included several former Olympic team skiers, including one from the Nagano games.