Jarrett Miller Returns to Alaska to Play for Nanooks

“Jarrett's previous collegiate experience will provide additional leadership for the UAF basketball program,” said Johnson. “He is returning to Fairbanks after playing two years of competitive basketball on the junior college level. The California junior college conferences provide numerous Division I players; therefore, the ability to compete and have any level of success is commendable.”

Miller attended Ben Eielson High School from 2004-08 and was a member of the Ravens’ men’s basketball team. As a senior, Miller came back from an ACL injury during his junior year to garner Second Team All-State honors and Aurora Conference MVP. His other prep highlights include earning all-conference and all-region team honors in 2005 and 2006. He was also a member of the 2007 ACS Pepsi Invitational All-Tournament team.

“Jarrett is also a scorer and an adequate defender at his position. He feels comfortable in making the adjustments needed to be successful on the DII level. As a coach I am seeking the foot speed he displayed in high school and the toughness with scoring he developed at West Hills Community College. The current players and coaching staff are excited to have Jarrett join us.

At-Large Academic Team Honors

The College Sports Information Directors of America picked men’s hockey senior Dion Knelsen for the University Division District 8 First Team, while women’s skiing senior Julia Pierson was chosen to the College Division District 8 Second Team. Men’s skiing transfer Lex Treinen was also listed on the College Division District 8 First Team.

Skiing Adds UAA Transfer Lex Treinen

Alaska Nanooks skiing head coach Scott Jerome announced that two-time All-American Lex Treinen of Anchorage, Alaska and the University of Alaska Anchorage will transfer to the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the fall and ski for the Blue and Gold next season. He will enter UAF as a junior and has two seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Treinen, who missed half of his sophomore season due to an iron deficiency, came back strong and closed out the year at UAA, earning his second career All-America honor by placing ninth in the men's 20K freestyle event in 49:41.6 at the 2010 NCAA Skiing Championships. His effort helped UAA to a seventh place finish at the event. Other accomplishments during the 2009-10 campaign include making the 2010 National Ski Coaches Association All-Academic team.

Nanooks gain German Skier Marion Ruf

Ruf, who has been training and racing for several years in attempts to make the German national team, has competed internationally for her country at the World Junior Championships and Under-23 World Championships. Despite falling short of her bid for a spot on the national team, Ruf has seen much success at high levels of international skiing including four top-ten finishes at German national championships over her career. She has the ability to make a big impact on the Nanooks’ program, which in turn will give her the opportunity to extend her skiing career.

Volleyball lands Tereza Bendlova and Ilicia Weissenbuehler

Alaska Nanooks head women’s volleyball coach Phil Shoemaker announced the signing of Tereza Bendlová, a 5-9 outside hitter from Prague, Czech Republic, and Ilicia Weissenbuehler, a 5-5 setter from Emmett, Idaho, to National Letters of Intent. Bendlová will enter the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a graduate student with one year of NCAA eligibility remaining, while Weissenbuehler will be a freshman with four seasons to play.

Rifle Signs Ryan Dunham-Bender

A senior at Delta High School in Delta Junction, Dunham-Bender has shot competitively for five years with the Delta Rifles club team. The Rifles have garnered the National Scholastic Team Championship title at the National Rifle Association’s National Championship four times since 2007.

Dion Knelsen Signs with Norway

The Norwegian Elite League, or Get Ligaen, is the highest tier of professional hockey in Norway and it is there that Knelsen will develop his professional hockey game throughout the 2010-11 season.

"I am thrilled to be playing with Sparta for the upcoming season,” said Knelsen. “I know they are an excellent organization, playing out of a passionate hockey-town in a competitive league. They are giving me a great opportunity early in my pro career, and I will do everything I can to help them win a championship. I am looking forward to learning the European game and having a very successful season with the Warriors."