NMU Sports Three Stars (Feb. 11-17)

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University athletic department provided plenty of nominees this week for the NMU Sports Three Stars, however, there can only be three.

I’d love to give an honorable mention — Only one HM will ever be given. This isn’t the Winneconne (Wis.) elementary school track and field meet where everyone gets a ribbon — but there are too many qualified athletes for it this week, so I’m withholding it.

Instead, I’m only recognizing the best of the best from last week’s events. Here are the honorees. Congrats to the victors on such a prestigious award, which is chosen by such a prestigious panel — me.

Colby West, women’s track and field — The senior won the 400-meter dash on Saturday at the Northern Challenge inside the Superior Dome in 59.55 seconds. She also took third in the 200-meter dash in 26.31 seconds.

Matt Thurber, men’s hockey — The senior forward scored two goals and two assists in the Wildcats’ 5-2 victory at Michigan State on Friday. Thurber leads the Wildcats in scoring with five goals and 24 assists.

Erik Soderman, men’s Nordic skiing — The junior swept both events in Part II of the CCSA Championship meet this weekend in Minnesota, winning the men’s 10-kilometer classic in 26:14.2 and the 20K freestyle 55:25.1. The Wildcats won the 2013 CCSA title after winning the sprint weekend in Marquette and distance races in Minnesota.