May 25, 2007

FAIRBANKS, AK - Alaska Nanooks head skiing and cross country coach Scott Jerome announced that international transfer Andreas (Andy) Schnitzer of Stainach, Austria has signed a National Letter of Intent to ski for the Nanooks beginning in the 2007-08 season.

"I am excited that Andy has chosen to continue his studies in Alaska and ski for the Nanooks," said Jerome.

A transfer from Leopold Franzens University Innsbruck, Schnitzer comes to Alaska with six semesters of university level courses completed. He plans to continue pursuing his degree in Biology and has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining to compete for the Nanooks.

"Andy is a solid recruit for our program," said Jerome. "Not only will he be a strong asset in the upcoming 2007-2008 season, but we also needed another man to help us in 2008-2009 following the graduation of Marius (Korthauer) and Vahur (Teppan)."

An accomplished skier internationally, Schnitzer took third place at the 2007 Austrian National Skiing Championships in the individual sprint. He also notched a ninth place finish at the 2007 World University Games in Pragelato, Italy in the individual sprint.

According to Jerome, the sprint event is skiing more closely resembles the 1500 meter event in track and field. It can be very tactical and mentally taxing.

"Andy's success in Europe shows maturity as well as skill, strength, and fitness," he said. "This leads me to believe that he will find success in NCAA skiing as well."

Schnitzer is currently ranked 247th in the world in sprinting, placing him higher internationally than two current Nanook skiers. Seniors to be Korthauer and Teppan are ranked 490th and 413th, respectively, and junior to be Henri Soom is slated at 601st.

Estonia natives, Teppan and Soom, were Jerome's top two sprinters this season. They each qualified for the 2007 NCAA National Championship, in just their first season skiing for Alaska. Jerome will look to Schnitzer's international caliber to add depth to the program.

"This ranking is a good indication of Andy's abilities," he said. "I expect him to be one of our top five immediately."

Schnitzer joins Robert Pakk (Tartu, Estonia) as the second men's skiing recruit to sign with the Nanooks for the 2007-08 season.

"We have ten skiers penciled in for the men's squad in 2007-2008 including four walk-ons," Jerome said. "Making the top five will not be easy, but I suspect Andy has what it takes."

Schnitzer will also compete for the men's cross country team beginning this fall.