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World Champion Tom Wallisch Turns University of Mary’s Campus into a Freeskiing Canvas

Tom Wallisch

Tom Wallisch
Frost forms on Tom Wallisch’s face as he gets ready to jump at the University of Mary in December

BISMARCK, ND — Giving Tom Wallisch a tour of University of Mary’s campus is a lot like that old cliché: a kid in a candy store. One moment we’re having a conversation and the next minute I’m talking to myself, because he’s stopped a ways back to check out what many of us take for granted—the “perfect lines,” and “stunning architecture” as he calls it. When he stops and stares at facades with snow packed in their nooks and corners, it’s not hard to see him crack a grin while mapping out in his head how he’s going to conquer this urban obstacle course and just as important—make it look good on camera. 

North Dakota’s 50-plus inches of snow and blizzard conditions in December created a palette for Wallisch’s creativity and the University of Mary quickly became his canvas for daredevil flips, jumps and wall-scaling tricks.

Kyle Decker
Kyle Decker heads indoors to warm up after photographing Tom Wallisch jumping at the University of Mary campus in subzero temps

Wallisch, a World Record Holder, X Games Gold Medalist, World Freeskiing Champion and Olympic Hopeful, spent about two weeks in Bismarck and on the University of Mary campus filming content for the Real Ski Series video competition on XGames.com and World of X Games broadcast on ABC. 

“Video came together great,” commented Wallisch via text. “[There are] lots of shots of the University of Mary in there. It turned out awesome. [We’re] excited for everyone to see it.” 

Tom Wallisch overlooking the Missouri River Valley at Mary
Tom Wallisch overlooks the Missouri River valley while helping move snow for his jumps at the University of Mary

And see it they will. Last year, Wallisch won the fan favorite portion of the competition. Here’s what fans, students and North Dakotans should look out for in the coming days and weeks in order to help him win it two years in a row. Like past Real Series competitions, the ski portion will premiere Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, on XGames.espn.com where fans can watch and vote for their favorite. The video parts will be judged by a panel of industry experts and the medalists will be revealed in a one-hour World of X Games show Saturday, February 25, 2017, on ABC. 

While on campus, Wallisch not only made like a superhero and scaled buildings in a single bound, but he also took time out to visit with Mary students in the classroom, local media and made lots of fans with his outgoing personality and down-home grin. 

Wallisch’s video is just hours away from dropping on www.xgames.espn.com. Be sure to check it out and vote. And be sure to visit the University of Mary Facebook and Twitter pages for Wallisch updates, photos and videos.

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