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IMST, AUSTRIA. -- Members of the United States National Natural Luge Team -- who are based and train at the Negaunee Luge Club at Lucy Hill -- competed last weekend at the Umhausen track near Imst, Austria.
Junior racers Henry Anderson of Appleton, Torrey Cookman of Marquette and Kurt Bates of Ishpeming were invited to the event - a Senior World Cup event - where they met up with fellow senior team member Zane Farnsworth of Marquette.
All four raced in the Umhausen event named "The Revenge."
The first run times for Anderson, Cookman, and Farnsworth qualified them to race in the World Cup, while Bates' first run of 1:30.18 was not fast enough to qualify for the World Cup race.
Bates did, however, place seventh in the Nations Cup.
It was Bates first time competing at the senior level
"The race being a senior race was nerve-racking," Bates commented. "But, it was nice doing one this season."
Cookman placed 19th with a combined two-run time of 2:38.30. Anderson had a time of 2:44.73 and placed 24th, while Farnsworth placed 25th with a time of 2:55.87.
"During training this week, I was aiming for a sub 1:20," Cookman said. "So, when I slid a 1:18, a personal record, during the race, I was super excited. My second run was not as nice, but I was still happy with it. I am looking forward to my next race in Navis, Austria."