Ben Buck has been named interim head coach of the Alaska Nanooks Nordic skiing team, following the departure of Eliska Albrigtsen. Buck previously served as an assistant coach for three seasons with the program.
Alaska Nanooks Director of Athletics Brock Anundson said, “We are excited to announce Ben Buck as the Interim Head Coach of our Men’s and Women’s Nordic Ski teams. As a dedicated assistant coach, Ben has brought valuable hands-on experience, steady leadership, and a solid understanding of the program’s culture and values. His strong connection with our student-athletes and commitment to their growth make him the ideal person to lead Nanook Skiing into its next chapter, both on the trails and beyond.”
During his time as assistant coach, Buck contributed to 15 All-American finishes at NCAA Championships. In his first season in 2022-23, he helped guide the team to its best-ever finish at NCAA Ski Championships—seventh place overall. That year also saw Joe Davies win an individual national championship in the men’s 10k freestyle event.
In 2023-24, three more athletes earned All-American honors under Buck’s guidance: Rosie Fordham, Kendall Kramer, and Mariel Pulles. Four skiers from the team represented their home countries on the World Cup circuit during this period.
This past season included five additional All-American awards for Philipp Moosmayer, Kramer (who also won an NCAA individual national championship in the 20k freestyle), and Ben Dohlby. Internationally, Fordham secured Australia’s first medal in international cross-country skiing by finishing second in the 10k freestyle at the U23 World Championships held in Schilpario, Italy.
Buck has also worked internationally as a coach and wax technician for various teams. He was head wax tech for Team Estonia at the 2023 World University Games in Lake Placid where Mariel Pulles earned four medals including golds in two events. At the 2024 Minneapolis World Cup, he supported Kendall Kramer as personal coach and wax tech for Team USA while assisting Rosie Fordham and Australia’s national team.
“Over the past several seasons with the Nanooks, we have built a strong foundation for the future through dedication to the development of talented young student-athletes,” said Buck. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to carry this momentum forward and solidify UAF as a top-tier collegiate ski program, and a place for athletes to take their next steps toward representing their home nations on the international stage.”
Before joining Alaska Nanooks staff, Buck coached at Clarkson University during 2021-22 after competing there as a student-athlete from 2017-20.
