Back Row (from left): David Stewart, Adam Cole, Havard Selseng, Ian Lochhead, John Stene, Dan Clark, Taylor Sheldon, Kyle Ahern, Chris Berg Third Row: Andy LeRoy, Zach Slater, Mike Hinckley, Seppi Stiegler, Francesco Ghedina, Harald Lovenskiold, Rene Reisshauer, Hennie Kashiwa
Second Row: Molly Ryan, Stefanie Wunderle, Karine Falck-Pedersen, Annelise Bailly, Katie Ronsse, Antje Maempel, Ron Grahame
Front Row: Clare Abbe, Jenny Lathrop, Courtney Saario, President George W. Bush, John Buchar, Lauren Eder, Jenny Tank, Lindsay McClure
The NCAA champion University of Denver ski team visited the White House today, meeting President Bush with 19 other teams celebrating titles from the past collegiate season.President Bush: "The University of Denver Men's and Women's Ski Team competed with one fewer skier than their rivals, making them only the second ski team in NCAA history to win the title shorthanded. And we congratulate you. (Applause.)
After a tour of the White House, the President met with DU's coaches and student-athletes in the East Room, posing for a picture with the team. Additionally, the team presented the President with a custom-made belt buckle, commemorating the 2008 national championship.
All of the 20 teams were introduced on the South Lawn, where President Bush addressed the athletes, paying extra tribute to the Pioneers which won the skiing title despite having only 11 of the maximum 12 possible skiers competing.
"We are grateful that President Bush found time in his busy schedule to welcome the DU ski team as well as the other Division I NCAA champions to the White House," said DU alpine head coach Andy LeRoy, who previously visited the White House as a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1998.
"It was inspiring seeing so many great teams that won championships in their respective sports," DU Nordic head coach David Stewart said.
"We are proud that the President honored the accomplishments of our ski team along with those of the other champions."
Earlier in the day, Senator Ken Salazar met with the team after his staff gave the Pioneers a tour of the Capitol.
"It was a big year for Colorado skiing – big snows, big competition, and a big-time come-from-behind win from the Pioneers to set a new record for NCAA skiing championships," Senator Salazar said.
"I am very proud of the DU Ski Team and with the tenacity, hard-work, and discipline that they showed in their race to their national championship. It was a pleasure to meet with them and I wish them continued success as they rack up the championships and make history."
Although Denver has won 19 NCAA championships in skiing, this was the first time the team had been honored at the White House.
"Everyone on the team is thankful to everyone who made this trip possible," LeRoy said.
"Every student-athlete contributed to the championship, and I am proud that they were all recognized for their efforts."
All of the 20 teams were introduced on the South Lawn, where President Bush addressed the athletes, paying extra tribute to the Pioneers which won the skiing title despite having only 11 of the maximum 12 possible skiers competing.
"We are grateful that President Bush found time in his busy schedule to welcome the DU ski team as well as the other Division I NCAA champions to the White House," said DU alpine head coach Andy LeRoy, who previously visited the White House as a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1998.
"It was inspiring seeing so many great teams that won championships in their respective sports," DU Nordic head coach David Stewart said.
"We are proud that the President honored the accomplishments of our ski team along with those of the other champions."
Earlier in the day, Senator Ken Salazar met with the team after his staff gave the Pioneers a tour of the Capitol.
"It was a big year for Colorado skiing – big snows, big competition, and a big-time come-from-behind win from the Pioneers to set a new record for NCAA skiing championships," Senator Salazar said.
"I am very proud of the DU Ski Team and with the tenacity, hard-work, and discipline that they showed in their race to their national championship. It was a pleasure to meet with them and I wish them continued success as they rack up the championships and make history."
Although Denver has won 19 NCAA championships in skiing, this was the first time the team had been honored at the White House.
"Everyone on the team is thankful to everyone who made this trip possible," LeRoy said.
"Every student-athlete contributed to the championship, and I am proud that they were all recognized for their efforts."
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