Johs Braathen Herland of the University of Utah has been named the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association (RMISA) Co-MVP for men's giant slalom, showcasing his outstanding performance throughout the season. Herland accumulated 152 NCAA qualification points, matching Colorado’s Louis Fausa for the most points in the conference. This season, as a freshman, he participated in all 12 races, notching 10 top-10 finishes and securing five podium spots, including a victory at the Montana State Invitational and a silver medal at the Utah Invitational.
Herland's remarkable performance positions him well as he heads to his first NCAA Championships, hosted by Dartmouth College from March 5-8, where he aims to build on his success and showcase his skills on the national stage.
Interestingly, Herland's achievement is not just personal but reflective of the competitive nature of collegiate skiing. His impressive run included scoring 152 points across various giant slalom competitions. He has recorded five podium finishes which included two victories. The Utah Ski Team is gearing up for the NCAA Ski Championships, with alpine events taking place at the Dartmouth Skiway and Nordic competitions occurring at Oak Hill in Hanover.
Herland noted, "I'm excited for the NCAA Championships and eager to see how we can compete at the national level," which emphasizes the anticipation and preparation involved as the championship approaches.
Meanwhile, the RMISA also announced its 2025 All-RMISA teams, recognizing outstanding performances across disciplines. A total of five Montana State skiers earned honors for their efforts this winter. The teams were selected based on the NCAA qualification lists, where the top five skiers for each discipline received first-team honors and the next five earned second-team spots, with ties allowing for expansion.
Among those honored from Montana State were Jamie Casselman, Tea Kiesel, Justine Lamontagne, and Anna Pryce—each making significant contributions this season. Casselman, a graduate student from Cranbrook, B.C., scored two podium finishes, including second place at both the giant slalom during the Alaska Anchorage Invitational and at the RMISA championships.
Casselman reflected, "Being named to the All-RMISA second team is a great honor, and I'm proud to represent Montana State," displaying the pride and determination of athletes at this level.
Freshman Tea Kiesel from Lake Tahoe, California, and two-time All-America performer, Justine Lamontagne from Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec, both anchored the Bobcat women's alpine squad this season, showcasing resilience and skill. Kiesel secured seven top-10 finishes, including placing third at the RMISA Championships, highlighting her podium presence.
Lamenting her achievements, Lamontagne, who was the runner-up at the MSU Invitational, expressed her eagerness for the Championships, indicating the level of dedication required to excel at such high-stakes races. Anna Pryce, another standout skier on the team, has recorded seven top-10 finishes and will be making her third appearance at the NCAA Championships, showcasing her experience and resilience.
Katey Houser, also from Montana State and competing at the Nordic level, made her mark this season with four top-10 finishes, including her best showing of fourth place at the UAF Invitational during the 10K freestyle. Her consistent performances add depth to her team's competitiveness as they approach the championship event.
The MSU contingent, including Casselman, Kiesel, Lamontagne, Pryce, and Houser, along with their teammates Isak Staurset, Gianluca Boehm, Ylva Falksete, Grey Barbier, Gavin Galyardt, and Kate Oldham, are all expected to compete vigorously at the NCAA Championships, which promise to be thrilling for collegiate ski enthusiasts.
This year's championship is not only the culmination of their hard work throughout the season but also serves as the groundwork for future opportunities for these athletes. Herland's recognition as Co-MVP emphasizes the impact he has made as a freshman athlete, setting the stage for what lies ahead as he aims to make his mark on collegiate alpine skiing. With the spotlight on them, these student-athletes are ready to showcase their talents and achieve personal and team glory.