Utah Utes skiing: Primed for big season

There is a singular feeling Utah hopes to create inside other ski teams this season. The Utes want to inspire fear of how dominant they can be once they take to the slopes.

"We want to show the other teams around that we're here to fight," said Even Sletten, the men's Nordic team captain. "We want to show them that we're ready for the season and we can do our best."

Utah can afford to entertain lofty ambitions. The Utes are in the hunt to claim a 12th national title after returning a sizable majority of their team that finished third at the 2008 NCAA championships.

The Utes return all but four of the 16 skiers who were NCAA qualifiers a year ago. That depth is especially pronounced with both alpine teams.

On the women's team, Eva Huckova looks to build on a sensational freshman season. Huckova finished second in both the women's slalom and giant slalom at the NCAA championships and was named an All-American.

Her coaches feel Huckova possesses enough talent to push herself and her teammates to even greater heights this season.

"Even though she's young, she's leading those women and setting the pace," said Eli Brown, director of skiing for the Utes. "She's a huge asset to our team for sure."

Joining her are talented seniors Mikaela Grassl and Chirine Njeim. Grassl, a three time All-American, placed fourth in the slalom at the NCAA championship. Njiem gave the Utes a third top 10 finisher in that event, placing ninth overall.

All of it contributed to the women's alpine team finishing first overall at last year's NCAA championships.

The women's Nordic team also enjoys plenty of depth. Four NCAA qualifiers return and Utah added a fifth in transfer Devon Spika.

Sarah Schweiger, a two-time All-American, is set to anchor the women's team once again. Schweiger earned six top-10 finishes in 2008 and garnered a top 15 finish in the 15 kilometer classic at the NCAA championships.

Three NCAA qualifiers return on the men's alpine team, led by three-time All-American Scott Veenis.

In three previous seasons at Utah, Veenis has never failed to reach the NCAA championships. He ended up being the only Ute men's qualifier to earn top 10 finishes in slalom and giant slalom at the 2008 NCAA championships. Previously, Veenis also won a NCAA giant slalom title as a freshman in 2006.