By William Beacom
Marquette,MI –
The United States Olympic Education Center (USOEC) short track speedskaters started the season at the first American Cup. The competition serves as a qualifier for the first-four world cup events. Speedskaters competed on September 27th and 28th in Minneapolis. The top six-women and the top five-men make up the world team.
Northern Michigan University freshmen Kristen Biondo came in 10th overall. Senior Cherise Wilkins placed 13th, freshmen Erin Bartlett was 16th, sophomore Tamera Frederick was 19th. Marquette Senior High School juniors Sarah Burg and Kathleen Russell finished 25th and 29th. On the men's side, NMU junior Levi Kirkpatrick was 10th overall. Sophomore Kyle Carr placed 15th, freshman Barry Winslow and Dan Fiorenza came in 19th and 27th. Sophomore Levi Sinak finished 30th. The speedskaters will compete again in the second American Cup held in Columbus, Ohio.