MARQUETTE, Mich. — It was the final tune-up for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships — and Michael Uffenbeck (Drummond, Wis.) made the most of it.

The Saint Mary's University nordic skier turned in his best performances of the season Saturday and Sunday at the Northern Michigan Invitational, placing 28th in the 15-kilometer classic race, then adding a 33rd-place effort in the 10K freestyle. Uffenbeck crossed the finish line in 1:06.44 in the classic race, while his time in the freestyle was :38.46.

"Michael had two solid races," said SMU coach John Skemp. "The snow up there wasn't all the great, but Michael adjusted and was solid. This was his final tune-up before the conference meet and I think his performance definitely has him pointed in the right direction."