Colorado University Athletics
Reid, Pletcher Awarded Athlete of the Week
January 18, 2012 | General, Skiing
Reid, a native of Palo Alto, Calif. (Henry M. Gunn/California), opened the 2012 season by winning the 5K freestyle race at the invitational. Marking the second win of her career, she has now finished on the podium in six of her seven races dating back to the start of the 2011 season. Following up the freestyle race with another podium appearance, Reid placed third in the 10K classical race. This marked her second career podium appearance in classical action, as well as her second best classical finish. Her performance at the invitational was key to the Buffs comeback attempt against Utah.
Pletcher, a native of Sun Valley, Idaho (Wood River/Sun Valley Ski Team), also had a successful start to the 2012 season, finishing eighth in the 10K freestyle race at the invitational. Pletcher then finished sixth in the 15K classical race the following day.
Last May, Pletcher sustained a life-threatening head injury after falling while rock climbing in Boulder Canyon. Falling 30 feet and suffering two skull fractures, brain contusions, and two broken wrists, Pletcher spent a week in the ICU, losing some memory and vocabulary and his sense of smell. Even after recovering, CU Nordic coach Bruce Cranmer believed that Pletcher's chances of competing this season were slim. Miraculously, Pletcher made a full comeback and by July of 2011, he started training for the 2012 season.
Also nominated for this week's award: Austin Dufault (men's basketball).
Senior Austin Dufault averaged 16.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in Colorado's 0-2 week with losses at California (57-50) and Stanford (84-64). Dufault scored a season and team-high 19 points with a career-tying three three-pointers in the seven-point loss against the Golden Bears. He also added 6-of-7 from the free throw line and six rebounds. Against the Cardinal, Dufault added another 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field with a pair of three-pointers. The senior from Killdeer, N.D. contributed one assist and one steal. Dufault led the Buffaloes over the two games with a 16.5 per game average, 4.5 rebounds, and a 44 percent field goal percentage.
