BIWABIK, Minn. — As if skiing alone wasn't tough enough for Michael Uffenbeck (Drummond, Wis.), the Saint Mary's University nordic skier found himself facing a much tougher challenge at the season-ending CCSA Regional Championships.

Because of the forecast of sub-zero temperatures and wind chills in the -30s, race officials decided to run both the classical and freestyle races on the same day, meaning Uffenbeck — the lone member of the SMU team all season — would get a measly four-hour break between races.

"Considering the circumstances, Michael did a great job," said SMU coach John Skemp, noting that Uffenbeck struggled at bit en route to a 45th-place showing in the 10K freestyle race (34:32), but was solid in the 10K classical, posting a time of 33:33. "When you have cold temperatures like that, the snow is much slower, it's tougher to breathe because you are taking in all that cold air — it really takes a lot out of you."

So does racing on just four hours rest.

"I thought Michael was a little off in the freestyle, but he had a very good classic race," said Skemp. "It's tough to come back in that short amount of time and race again, but everyone was in the same boat.

"Michael had a great season - he worked hard all season," continued Skemp. "It wasn't an easy situation to be in, being the only skier, but he never complained — he just went out and trained as best he could and had a really strong season."