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For successful athletes, academics and sports merge
By Dave Geringer and Jamie Schanback

Jonas Tetlie • Cross Country Skiing

[PHOTO: Jonas Tetlie][PHOTO: Jonas Tetlie racing at the Inaugural Alaskan Nordic Cup ski race]]Jonas Tetlie is a junior from Kabelvaag, Norway. He's working on a bachelor of business administration degree in finance, and, like Johanna Turunen, began skiing as a youngster.

"In Norway, everyone learns to ski," said Turunen. "In elementary school, you have to ski once a week."

UAF's schedule this year included the United States Collegiate Cup and the NorAm Super Tour. Those meets came at the beginning of the second semester, and forced members of the ski team to miss the first week of class.

[QUOTE: It's all about structure and discipline. If you have the structure and discipline, you can do well in school.]"When we get back, we try to catch up," said Tetlie. "You are behind at the beginning of the semester, and you just have to do the homework and talk to your professors. The professors here are usually very good about giving you the syllabus in advance, so we can start the assignments early and do the readings. We take textbooks when we go on the road, and try to keep up with the reading. It's easier to go to class when you get back if you don't have to spend too much time on what you need to know."

Tetlie said that if you can manage your time well, you can be successful in college. "During the semester, there isn't much free time," said Tetlie. "It's all about structure and discipline. If you have the structure and discipline, you can do well in school. You have to use your time effectively rather than just sitting in front of the TV."

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All UAF photos by Todd Paris unless otherwise noted.