PRESQUE ISLE - The public is invited to attend a public workshop on "The History of Making Traditional Snowshoes" at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24 in the University of Maine at Presque Isle's Campus Center. The event is sponsored by SAGE [Seniors Achieving Greater Education].
Brian J. Theriault of Fort Kent Mills will share with workshop participants the art of making snowshoes which he learned from his father, and which he asserts is an easy and inexpensive way to enjoy winter. Theriault will speak about the history of snowshoes and show a video that details this dying art form. He will welcome discussion and encourages anyone with questions about their own snowshoes to bring them along and join the conversation.
For more information about this event, contact Conferences and Special Programs at 768-9502.
Boutot 6th in Mass Start
Soldier Hollow, UT - Grace Boutot of Ft. Kent lead the MWSC women placing 6th with 4 penalties. Cleaning her first two stages Boutot was up near the front, but three penalties in her first standing stage dropped her back. A strong final stage with only one penalty left her in a race for 5th place with National Team member Sara Studebaker. Heading out just five meters behind, Boutot chased, but couldn't close the gap maintaining her 6th place. BethAnn Chamberlain of Caribou finished 7th and Hilary McNamee of Ft. Fairfield finished 9th both with 8 misses. Lanny Barnes (Durango, CO) won the Women's race with a single penalty in her 2nd stage in a time of 36:56. Denise Teela (Heber City, UT) was 2nd and Haley Johnson (Lake Placid, NY) was 3rd.
In the Men's race Russell Currier of Stockholm struggled on the range missing 10 to finish 11th. Lowell Bailey of Lake Placid, NY won with 6 penalties in a time of 41:09 ahead of Jeremy Teela (Heber City, UT) and Kevin Patzoldt of Grand Rapids, MN.
Soldier Hollow, UT - Day two of racing brought identical conditions as day one. After a lighter day of training yesterday the athletes were eager to get back to the racing.
Struggling in the first race to find the target, BethAnn Chamberlain made a point to change her results on the shooting range. Starting with bib #1 Chamberlain cleaned her prone stage and left just ahead of Thursday's winner Tracy Barnes-Colliander. On her second trip into the range she hit all but one target giving her a 90% average for the day and some motivation to push hard on the final loop. The extra work rewarded Chamberlain with a 3rd place finish in a time of 24:41. Barnes-Colliander won for the 2nd time in a time of 23:41 with two penalties with Laura Spector 2nd in a time of 24:11 and 1 penalty. Grace Boutot of Ft. Kent finished 10th, Meagan Toussaint of Madawaska 11th, Hilary McNamee 12th all with one penalty, and Andrea Mayo of Soldier Pond finished 14th with 6 penalties. Coach Gary Colliander stated, "It was good to see the four girls hit 90% today. They have all trained very hard over the past week and I expect they will give it one more hard effort tomorrow eventhough they are very tired."
In the Men's race Russell Currier of Stockholm placed 12th with 6 penalties. "Russell's strength is the uphills so today he was trying to go faster on the flats and rolling parts of the course. He has looked very good all week and is constantly improving his technique. His misses in standing were so close and such a tight group. I'm sure he'll make the corrections for tomorrow," stated Colliander.
Tomorrow concludes with the Mass Start race. Following the event two women will be named to the December World Cup Team.
Soldier Hollow, UT - Perfect fall conditions returned to Utah after a weekend of winterlike weather. Today was the first race in a three race series; acting as a test so both the athletes and coaches could guage the progress of training these races are also being used to pick the final two spots on the Women's Team for the December World Cups.
In the Women's race Tracy Barnes-Colliander showed her vetran skills hitting all 10 targets in World Class speed to win today with a time of 23:12. Finishing 2nd was Sara Studebaker with two penalties and Annelies Cook in 3rd with clean shooting just like Barnes-Colliander. Both Barnes-Colliander and Cook trained with the MWSC leading up to the 2006 Olympics. BethAnn Chamberlain of Caribou finished a strong 7th with 4 penalties, two each in both of her shooting bouts. "BethAnn skied very well today and her misses were so close," stated MWSC coach Gary Colliander after the race. Hilary McNamee of Ft. Fairfield finished 10th with 1 penalty, Grace Boutot of Ft. Kent placed 11 with 4 penalties and Meagan Toussaint of Madawaska placed 12th with 4 penalties.
In the Men's race Lowell Bailey hit 7 of 10 to claim victory with Jeremy Teela finishing 2nd with 4 penalties. Leif Nordgren hit 8 of 10 to finish 3rd; Nordgren won a bronze medal at last season's Youth World Championships. Russell Currier of Stockholm finished 7th with 2 penalties. "Russell showed really good compsure in the range today and looked very good in the skiing. He's been fighting off a cold, so his goal today was to work on his technique and rhythm in the range," stated Colliander.
The athletes have an off day tomorrow and resume racing Saturday with another Sprint race and a Mass Start on Sunday. You can follow the MWSC Biathlon Team at www.mainewsc.org and mwscbiathlon.blogspot.com.
Soldier Hollow, UT - The Biathlon Team arrived in Utah last Sunday. The team (Russell Currier, Megan Toussaint, BethAnn Chamberlain, Hilary McNamee, and Grace Boutot) is living and training around the Olympic venue from 2002 for 2-3 weeks along with members from the various National Teams. Training this week has been focused more around easier volume so the athletes can acclimate to the high altitude (over 6,000ft.). The coaches have also coordinated their plans so that everyone is at the range together creating a competitive atmosphere, while still being able to take care of each athletes individual needs.
The past two days have brought winter conditions with heavy snowfall in and around the venue and during a recent hike up into the mountains. The cold weather and snow was a welcome change for everyone.
This second week will include three time trials on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. They will act as a measurement for both the athletes and staff to assess each athletes progression. For the women, these races will help select the final two spot for the December World Cup Team. New this year will be the use of matched skis. Each athlete will race on the same brand of skis that will have been run through a speed trap to make sure they are all within a similar speed.
Presque Isle, ME - Fall foliage, good food, skill-testing single-track trails, and heart-pounding mountain bike races and tours are in store for participants in the second annual TAMC/NHSC Fat Tire Festival, October 19.
Originally scheduled for September 27 and 28 but canceled due to heavy rain from the remnants of Hurricane Kyle, organizers and volunteers have crafted a condensed version of the event. According to Event Director Chad McPherson, the one-day itinerary features many of the same activities.
"The races, the bike rodeo, the trail toursit's all still in (the schedule)," said McPherson. "Even the local bike shops and food vendors have committed to being here. We're looking forward to putting on a great event."
Taking place on the trails of the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle, activities will be centered on cross-country and downhill races for novice, intermediate and expert riders. Volunteers will lead guided tours of the trails, while a bike rodeo and the center's terrain park will be open throughout the day. Mountain bikers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate.
The Nordic Heritage Center includes over 20 miles of hand-made and machine-made single track. The trails wind through different forest types and vary from smooth and fluid to narrow and technical. Moderate to expert line options such as log skinnies, exposed bedrock outcrops, and natural drops can be found on some of the trails.
The Nordic Heritage Center Lodge, which is open to the public from 6 am to 10 pm and includes kitchen facilities, restrooms, shower rooms, and a sauna, will serve as the hub of the events.
For more information, contact Event Director Chad McPherson at cdmcpherson@maine.rr.com, or Chief of Communications Mark Shea at (207)227-7465 or via email at mark@mainewsc.org.
Job Position: Ski Area Manager With Operational Skills
Position has potential for year round employment with full benefit package. Salary based on experience.
Duties include staffing all outside operations including lifts, snowmaking and grooming.
Ski Industry Experience a plus.
For more information call 207-364-8977 ext. 104
Please mail resume to: Black Mountain of Maine
P.O. Box 296
Rumford, Maine 04276
US Disabled Ski Team Cross Country Head Coach
Job Description Revised: September 29, 2008
The USDST Head Coach is essential toward the efficient achievement of the athletic goals of the individual members of the Disabled Cross Country Team and the USSA. The Head Coach provides the leadership and direction for the team based on expertise, experience and the agreed upon athletic plan. This position must be filled with an individual who is results oriented, strives to lead, is a team player, operates with integrity and is a good communicator.
Individual's holding this position should have had experience coaching and leading programs and must possess the basic skills and experience necessary to make good athletic decisions for the team and the athletes.
Position: Full-time salaried position with benefits Reports to: USDST Program Director Office: Park City In Position: TBD
Job Responsibilities:
Execute an athletic plan that provides for winning at every level.
Team Goals
Athlete EPM's
Direct the athletes and staff to achieve the highest goals possible personally and professionally in a manner that has integrity with a focus on performance and sportsmanship.
Cross Country Team Operations and Administration
Coordinate Team logistics, including competition entries, travel and lodging arrangements.
Arrange for cash advances and coaches' per diem.
Work with Program Director to publish yearly team policies and procedures.
Coach and staff management
Staff selection and compensation
Staff review and feedback
Individual athlete goal setting
Oversee that competition plans are followed and modified as necessary to meet the individual athlete needs as well as the agreed upon philosophies and plans.
Team Selection
National Team
World Cup Team
Paralympic Teams (In conjunction with USP)
World Championship Team
Communication with Program Director
Communicate directly and continuously with the Program Director to learn of and appraise plans, and changes to plans for the Cross Country Disabled Team.
Budget Management
Work with Program Director to plan and execute an agreed upon budget that focuses resources exclusively on the execution of the Athletic Plan.
Insure that operational plans are compatible with budget plans.
Manage expense reporting systems for athletes.
Assist Program Director on special projects
Coordination of National Championships/World Cup.
Compile detailed scheduled of all camps, events, fundraising functions for season. Work with each event site to compile contact information, etc.
Required Skill:
Understanding and knowledge of people with disabilities
Attention to details
Ability to look forward and recognize work that needs to be done
Superior skiing skills with attention to technique
Strong teaching skills
Strong experience with wax selection and application
HIRING AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT ARE AT THE WILL OF USSA. USSA OR EMPLOYEE MAY TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE OR NOTICE.
Burke Goes Two-for-Two; Studebaker Hot on Shooting Range
Jericho, VT, August 6. Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY) scored his second victory of the week in the 12.5K Pursuit competition here today, while Sara Studebaker (Boise, ID) went 18 for 20 on the shooting range, jumping from third in the Sprint yesterday to the top spot in the 10K Pursuit.
Burke won today in 36:58, 1:22 ahead of Newt Rodgers (Fort Kent, ME). The victory showed Burke's experience and strength on the tracks as he had eight penalties to Roger's six. Rogers, a former National Junior Team athlete is currently part of the US Biathlon collegiate program coached by Algis Shalna. Jesse Downs (Jericho, VT) slipped to third place today, 1:30 back with seven penalties.
The top shot of the day (and for both competitions combined) was Studebaker. She missed only one shot in the first prone stage and another in the first standing stage, giving her a 90% shooting day. In yesterday's 7.5K Sprint, she had a single prone penalty. Today, she started 36 seconds behind the Sprint winner Lanny Barnes (Durango, CO) and picked up the win with her masterful effort on the shooting range. When the dust settled, Studebaker finished in 36:18, putting her 1:14 ahead of runner-up BethAnn Chamberlain (Fort Kent, ME) and 2:06 ahead of Barnes.
Chamberlain had six penalties, while Barnes had eight.
Hilary McNamee (Fort Fairfield, ME) competing in the youth women's 10K Pursuit had the second fastest overall time today, 37:32, just 1:14 behind Studebaker. McNamee had one penalty in each of the four stages, giving her a 16-for-20 day. She finished 1:56 ahead of Addie Byrne (Bovey, MN), with five penalties. Grace Boutot (Fort Kent, ME) finished third, 3:37 back, with eight penalties.
Leif Nordgren (Marine-on-St. Croix, MN) and Ethan Dreissigacker (Morrisville, VT) matched Burke by winning their respective junior and youth categories for the second day in a row. Nordgren's 38:24 was the third fastest time of the day. He had seven penalties, while runner-up Wynn Roberts (Battle Lake, MN), 22 seconds back had six. Third went to Michael Gibson (Ethan Allen Biathlon Club, VT), with 10 penalties, 2:32 back.
Following Dreissigacker was Alaskan Kelsey Boyer, with eight penalties, 2:20 back. Preston Butler (Marion, MA) with 10 penalties took third place, 2:44 back.
Despite a very wet summer and spring in Vermont, conditions for these Summer Festival competitions, as well as the concurrent training camp, have been excellent. The shooting range and trails at the Ethan Allen Firing Range are in perfect condition thanks to the ongoing maintenance and preparation by members of the National Guard Sports Program and the Vermont National Guard. US Biathlon B Team Coach Gary Colliander commented, "All of the athletes and coaches truly appreciate the efforts of partners like National Guard who provide us with great facilities and personnel. It would be extremely difficult for us to conduct events like this without their dedicated support."
He continued, "I think everyone is pretty satisfied with their training after these first two competitions of the year. There still is a lot of work and training to do before winter, but we have seen a lot of good progress from everyone so far."
The National Junior Team has another week of training before the end of this camp.
Burke and his Fellow National A Team athletes (Lowell Bailey, Jeremy Teela, Russell Currier, Laura Spector, and Haley Johnson) head to Sweden in the middle of the month for a three-week camp.
The US Biathlon website has an RSS feed, available by clicking the RSS logo on our homepage to get the address and all of the latest biathlon news.
The United States Biathlon Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of biathlon in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Biathlon Union. The US Biathlon Association supports the US Biathlon Team and development of the sport on all levels within the United States.
TD Banknorth is the title sponsor of the US Biathlon Team. Lapua, adidas®, and Exel Ski Poles are supporting sponsors of the US Biathlon Team.
Burke Takes Sprint at Jericho
Jericho, VT, August 5. Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY) in his first competition since the end of March, started a new season exactly where he left off, with a win in the 10K Sprint today at the Ethan Allen Firing Range.
Today's rollerski biathlon competitions kicked off the new season for US Biathletes.
Burke covered the 10K distance in 25:08, with Jesse Downs (Jericho, VT) 1:01 back. Burke and Downs had a good battle, with both picking up one penalty in the prone stage. Downs matched that in standing, as Burke had two penalties. Burke's overall faster skiing carried him to the victory. Third went to Zach Hall (Nikiski, AK), 1:41 back with two penalties.
Lanny Barnes (Durango, CO) took the senior Women's 7.5K Sprint in 23:47, picking up three penalties. Denise Teela (Anchorage, AK), shooting clean, finished 30 seconds behind Barnes. Sara Studebaker (Boise, ID) with a single prone penalty finished just 6 seconds behind Teela.
Leif Nordgren (Marine-on-St. Croix, MN) scored a win in the junior Men's 10K over fellow Minnesotan Wynn Roberts (Battle Lake) 27:35 to 28:59, as they had three and five penalties, respectively. Third went to Nick Petero (Ely, MN), with three penalties, 2:02 back.
Canadians Elisha Hurley, with three penalties, and Betsy Maudsley took one-two in the junior Women's 7.5K, 26:34 to 35:23.
Ethan Dreissigacker (Morrisville, VT), with four penalties, took top honors in the youth Men's 6K Sprint in 22:30. Raleigh Goessling (Duluth, MN) finished 50 seconds back, with the same number of penalties. Nick Michaud (Fort Kent, ME) finished third, 2:06 back with three penalties.
Addie Byrne (Bovey, MN) with one penalty took the youth Women's 6K victory in 24:56, 52 seconds ahead of Alaskan Sarah Cresap, with three penalties. Third went to Grace Boutot (Fort Kent, ME), also with three penalties, 1:15 back.
US Biathlon B Team Coach Gary Colliander commented, "All of the coaches were pleased with how the competitions went today. I think most of the athlete's bodies were a bit shocked at the level of intensity, as they have not had this kind of effort for several months. Overall, the women shot better today with Denise Teela going clean and several others with only one penalty. As expected, Tim Burke looked very good and Jesse Downs had a solid performance."
The competitions close on Wednesday with Pursuit competitions in all classes.
The US Biathlon website has an RSS feed, available by clicking the RSS logo on our homepage to get the address and all of the latest biathlon news.
The United States Biathlon Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of biathlon in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Biathlon Union. The US Biathlon Association supports the US Biathlon Team and development of the sport on all levels within the United States.
TD Banknorth is the title sponsor of the US Biathlon Team. Lapua, adidas, and Exel Ski Poles are supporting sponsors of the US Biathlon Team.
Training for Success Summer Camp
Come join the coach of Maine's newest college ski program, Petr Jakl, University
of Maine Presque Isle head coach, to get a jump-start on your ski season with other
high school skiers from around the state.
Place: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, ME Date: Aug 1 - 3, 2008
Coaching: Petr Jakl, Head Nordic coach at University of Maine Presque Isle and MWSC
Staff
Assistant Coaches: University of Maine Presque Isle Student/Athletes from the Coaching Degree Program and Maine Winter Sports Center athletes.
Who is the Camp for: Intermediate and advanced cross-country skiers between the ages 14-18. Cost: $100 - includes T-shirt, training camp and lunches. (Arrangements can be made for overnight accommodations if that is of interest. Rollerski's can also be rented for $8/day.)
Program: For young cross-country skiers who are interested in learning specific dry-land training techniques as essential preparation for a successful competition season. The dry-land activities will include running, roller skiing, strength, plyometrics, games and stretching.
Contact: For more information contact Petr Jakl at (207)768-9689 (Work), (207)764-4882 (Home) or by e-mail: petr.jakl@maine.edu
Deadline: Please return registration information (see the registration form below) and the $50.00 deposit by July 28, 2008 to: Sheri Sirios, 552 Main Street, Caribou, ME 04736.
Progress Update: Linking PWM Jetport with Aroostook County
FRENCHVILLE, ME. July 14, 2008 - New England Air Transport Inc. is making steady progress in their plans to link northern and southern Maine with air service.
The new service is on schedule to begin around August 26. It will restore a regular air link between PWM/Portland International Jetport with Presque Isle and the St John Valley in Aroostook County. The new service will offer two daily round trip flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. Roundtrip airfare will start at $360 with a 14 day advance booking. On demand charter will continue to be available upon request. Go to http://www.flyneat.com for more information.
For more information contact David A. Fernald, (207)-436-1379, or email at: dafernald@yahoo.com
Kids Outdoor Fitness Night at Pineland Farms
Bates ski coach Becky Woods and Mike Yeo are hosting Kids Outdoor Fitness Nights every wednesday night between July 2 and July 30. The program is open to kids 5-9 and will include games, trail adventures, relays and obstacle courses - all designed to help young kids enjoy fun in the outdoors, instead of in front of a computer.
parents are also encouraged to spend time getting their own excercise after they drop off their kids. Mountain bike, or hike or run the trails. For more informations contact Becky Woods at rwoods@bates.edu.
John Morton, Seven-time Olympian and co-founder of the Maine Winter Sports Center, named to United States Biathlon Hall of Fame.
Pineland Farms, Maine. - The United States Biathlon Association (USBA) is
pleased to announce the induction of John Morton to their national Hall of Fame. Morton
has represented the United States at 7 Olympics, dating back to the Sapporo Games in
1972, as an athlete, coach and Team Leader.
"John has modeled the spirit of the Olympic movement for generations of athletes over his 30 years of involvement with the US Biathlon Team, and set a standard for humility, integrity and success," said Larry Pugh, Chairman of United States Biathlon.
Morton was an outstanding collegiate skier for Middlebury College, sweeping all the Eastern Carnival races in 1966. He was named to the US Cross Country Ski Team in 1968 and the US Biathlon Team in 1969. He remained on the US Biathlon team from 1969 through the 1976 season (With the exception of a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1971, winning the Bronze Star). In that span of time he represented the US at the Sapporo and Innsbruck Olympics as an athlete. From 1976 through 2002 Morty served as an assistant coach and Team Leader for the US Team, including at 5 more Olympic events.
Morton's career has also included serving as the head coach for the Dartmouth ski team from 1978-1989 and being a co-founder of the Maine Winter Sports Center.
"John has been and continues to be a great source of inspiration for the biathlon community," said Max Cobb, Executive Director of US Biathlon. "As an athlete, coach, team leader, author, chief of course, and trail designer he has given something to all of us. This is but a small 'thank you' for a man who continues to do so much for biathlon."
Morton will be inducted at a formal presentation at the US National Biathlon Championships, scheduled for March 2009 in Fort Kent, Maine.
New England Ski Museum looking for Members
If some of the most memorable days of your life have been spent on skis, you might be interested in the New England Ski Museum and the projects they carry out in their mission of preserving the history of the sport. Their website, www.skimuseum.org, has articles on ski history, vintage ski photos from their exhibits, and their online Museum shop featuring gifts for skiers, many of which are developed from images in their collections. The Museum needs all the help it can get from people in sympathy with its mission and projects, and the best way to help is by becoming a member. Members receive three Journals with ski history articles per year, along with invitations to three member-only events, access to the collections, a 10% discount in the Museum Shop, and the gratification that comes with helping to preserve the history of skiing.
Colby Graduate, Austin Ross, to join MWSC Coaching Staff Caribou, Maine - The MWSC is excited to announce that Austin Ross will be joining their coaching staff. Originally from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Ross skied for the Rocky Mountain Division at four Junior National Championships and was a four-year member of the Colby Varsity Ski Team. He helped Colby earn the Most Improved Club award at the 2008 National Cross Country Championships in Houghton, Michigan.
"We are very excited to have someone of Austin's caliber join our staff," said Eileen Carey, Program Director at MWSC. "The key to our success is having coaches who can inspire entire communities to lead healthier, more active lives - Austin can do that."
As a student at Colby College, Ross was active in several facets of College and community life. He was on the executive board of the Athletic Advisory Committee, as well as being a student leader for outdoor orientation trips for groups of incoming students. Ross also brings experience in working with youth as a part of the Colby Cares about Kids program and a counselor at a summer camp.
"Austin was an outstanding leader during his four years with the Colby Ski program." Said Tracey Cote, Head Nordic Coach at Colby College. "His successful skiing background, leadership skills, and love of working with kids, will make him an excellent addition to the Maine Winter Sports Center."
"I am looking forward to living and working in a group of communities with such a rich skiing heritage," Ross said on Monday. "Nowhere else have I seen people embrace Nordic skiing with such enthusiasm. To become a part of that tradition is special."
Ross will focus his efforts on community programs in the St. John Valley as well as youth and junior development throughout the County.
Aroostook County, Maine: Summer 2008 - Folks who enjoy being active in the out-of-doors, or those interested in learning more about outdoor activities, will find myriad goings-on in the 2008 edition of the Maine Winter Sports Center Summer Calendar.
From training with elite athletes to youth adventure camps, and from human-powered competitions to family outings, the calendar is a compilation of events hosted by MWSC, local ski/sport clubs, and community-based organizations in Aroostook County and beyond.
International Biathlon Union confirms Fort Kent is out of the 2008/2009 World Cup calendar, but will be proposed for February 2011.
Fort Kent will replace 2009 World Cup with United States National Biathlon Championships/North American Cup
Fort Kent, Maine: May 28, 2008 - The International Biathlon Union (IBU) confirmed the calendar for the 2008/2009 World Cup season today in Vienna, Austria. That calendar does not include the Fort Kent event. The IBU President did state that at the Executive Board meeting in July they would propose a calendar for the 2010/2011 season that will include Fort Kent.
"This news was expected, but it is still disappointing," said Nancy Thibodeau Chairperson of the Fort Kent World Cup Organizing Committee. "We are all very happy to hear that the IBU is planning to include Fort Kent in the future. It is clear that the problem for this season was truly logistical."
The World Cup schedules are planned in four-year blocks and 2010/2011 season is the earliest opportunity to get back on the calendar. The proposal is expected to include two North American sites in February of 2011.
"The athletes and European TV are both very supportive of Fort Kent events, so I think everyone was excited to see that Fort Kent was being proposed for the very next cycle," said Andy Shepard, President of the Maine Winter Sports Center.
The 10th Mountain Center in Fort Kent will replace the World Cup with the 2009 Festival in Fort Kent. This event will be the US National Biathlon Championships and North American Cup. The organizing committee is planning to make the Championships a celebration of biathlon in Maine. Maine Winter Sports Center athletes won 12 of the 18 national championship gold medals at US Nationals in Minnesota this past season and are expected to pose an even greater challenge to the rest of the country on their home course.
Contacts:
Nancy Thibodeau, Chair of the Organizing Committee 207-436-0003
For Maine Winter Sports call Andy Shepard 207-232-3304
For US Biathlon call Max Cobb 207-939-4084
MWSC to Offer Youth Adventure Programs County-Wide
Caribou, ME - Aroostook County youth aged 8 to 14 are invited to join Maine Winter Sports Center staff for outdoor-based skills and fitness sessions with a focus on fun.
Programs will be offered in Houlton, Presque Isle, Caribou, Madawaska, and Fort Kent, and will feature activities such as mountain biking, trail running, outdoor games, roller skiing, orienteering and more.
Each location will host a six week program beginning the first week of July. There is no fee to participate.
For more information please contact Mark Shea at 227-7465 or via email at mark@mainewsc.org, or Melissa York at 227-0250 or via email at melissa@mainewsc.org.
Madawaska: Four Seasons Lodge — Mondays; June 30 - August 4 [9:00 - 10:30 am] Fort Kent: 10th Mtn. Ski Center — Tuesdays; July 1 - August 5 [9:00 - 10:30 am] Caribou: Caribou HS Ski Ctr. — Wednesdays; July 2 - August 6 [9:00 - 10:30 am] Presque Isle: Nordic Heritage Ctr. — Thursdays; July 3 - August 7 [9:00 - 10:30 am] Houlton: Community Park — Thursdays; July 10 - August 14 [2:00 - 3:30 pm]
Fort Kent World Cup Announcement
Fort Kent, Maine - May 7, 2008 - The US Biathlon Association announced today that the International Biathlon Union (IBU) is planning to revert back to a more standard nine-event World Cup calendar. This move will reduce the number of World Cup events originally planned by one. The event being considered for removal from the calendar is the Fort Kent World Cup, scheduled as World Cup #8, for March 12-15, 2009.
The IBU is responding to logistical feedback from the teams that the schedule planned for the coming season is too arduous with the World Championships in Korea and a pre-Olympic World Cup in Vancouver and a World Cup in central Siberia. Based on the experience the teams had going to Korea this past season, dealing with jet-lag and extensive travel, they asked the IBU to reduce the calendar by one event. The teams proposed a calendar that included Fort Kent but due to the impact on other organizing committees the IBU is unlikely to approve the recommendation from the teams.
"The prospect of being removed from the calendar for next season is frustrating to contemplate but I am continuing to plan for the event because we may still get it and if we don't, we'll probably have the US National Championships and a North American Cup in its place," said Nancy Thibodeau chair of the Organizing Committee. "I know we'll have a World Cup in Fort Kent again."
"We are terribly disappointed by the possibility of losing this World Cup." said Andy Shepard, President of the Maine Winter Sports Center. "Fort Kent got the attention of the world with their successful World Cup in 2004 and were geared up for an even better event next March."
Fort Kent is a favorite with the athletes because of the large, excited crowds and because they were treated with such great warmth and hospitality. "For the last two years I have been hearing from everyone in the international Biathlon community how excited they were about coming back to Fort Kent," said Max Cobb US Biathlon Executive Director. "After living in Fort Kent for two years, I was really looking forward to racing in front of all the people that made my time there so special," said Tim Burke, America's top biathlete. "Although I am very disappointed, I know the positive attitude of the people in the county, and I am confident that the World Cup will return to Fort Kent in 2011."
The final decision will be made by IBU following their meetings with European Broadcast Union in late May in Vienna, Austria. The Organizing Committee will send another release at that time.
Contacts:
Nancy Thibodeau Chair of the Organizing Committee 207-436-0003
For Maine Winter Sports call Andy Shepard 207-232-3304
For US Biathlon call Max Cobb 207-939-4084
TAMC/NHSC Fat Tire Festival Events Cancelled
Due to heavy rain and concerns about safety, the event organizers for the 2008 Fat Tire Festival at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle have decided to cancel events Saturday and Sunday September 27-28.
Maine Perspectives on Wind Power A Panel Discussion,
WHEN: Thursday, October 9th, 5:30 pm (doors open at 5:00 pm) WHERE: Black Mountain Ski Lodge, Rumford WHAT: Hear from Maine residents who are living in communities with or working on wind power projects. FORMAT: Panel discussion with four to six speakers from Mars Hill, Lincoln, and Franklin County, and an introduction from NRCM, and the host Andy Shepard. The presentations will be followed by a facilitated question and answer session. SPONSOR: Natural Resources Council of Maine HOSTED BY: Maine Winter Sports Center
Confirmed Speakers:
Travis Kearney: Travis is the General Manager of Big Rock Ski Area in Mars Hill. Established in the 1960's, Big Rock Ski Area was purchased in 2000 by the Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC). Big Rock and MWSC are committed to keeping winter sports within the reach of Aroostook County communities and their families. Travis is a resident of Mars Hill and lives with his wife, Michelle, and their two children on the Mountain Road where they have a view of the Mars Hill Wind Power Project.
Gary McGrane: Gary is a Franklin County Commissioner from the town of Jay and a board member of the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments. Gary attended Central Maine Technical College, U. Maine Augusta, and U. Maine Orono. He is currently a Project Associate in the Bureau of Labor Education at UMO and President of the United Steelworkers International Union, Local 1-014. He worked for almost twenty years at International Paper Company and served on the board of Maine Rural Partners.
Jim Shaw: Jim is a life-long resident of Mars Hill and owns a local real estate company. Jim lives on a 100-acre Christmas tree farm just west of Mars Hill Mountain. He and his wife, Debbie Shaw, own My Sunset Cabins located on the tree farm with a view of the mountain and the Mars Hill turbines. They built these four-season luxury cabins in anticipation of wind turbine tourism generated by the Mars Hill wind project, introducing people to the many outdoor activities that the Mars Hill area has to offer.
Greg Shelton: Greg was born in Ellsworth, raised in Hancock County, and received an engineering degree from Maine Maritime Academy. Until recently, he worked as an engineer for the oil/gas/chemical industry, traveling for long periods of time. The opportunity to work for General Electric Wind arose in April 2008, allowing him to stay in Maine to raise his family in the Lincoln area. He is the project site manager of the Stetson Mountain wind farm, and is responsible for the installation and commissioning of the 38 turbines. He has a permanent position overseeing operations and maintenance of the turbines.
This event is FREE and open to the public, but please RSVP your attendance to slovitz@nrcm.org or 800-287-2345 ext. 205 so we know how many people to plan for!
PRESQUE ISLE, ME -- Weather forecasters are predicting that Tropical Storm Kyle will dampen the weekend in northern Maine, but that hasn't dampened the spirits of TAMC/NHSC Fat Tire Festival event organizers.
All activities during the two-day mountain biking festival are set to occur as scheduled. Organizers are prepared to move food booths and bike shop vendors into the Nordic Heritage Lodge, if necessary.
Sitting atop Olympic Ridge, the single-track trails at the Nordic Heritage Center naturally drain very well. Depending on the amount of rainfall, riders can expect to find small pockets of standing water and slick areas along the trails.
Fort Kent Event Director Thibodeau Honored by University of New England
Portland, ME, September 23.Fort Kent Event Director Nancy Thibodeau, along with three other prominent Maine women, today received the Deborah Morton Award in ceremonies at the University of New Englands Westbrook College Campus.
The Deborah Morton Award, presented annually since 1961 by the trustees of the University of New England honors women who have achieved high distinction in their careers and public service, or shown exceptional leadership in civic, cultural, or social issues.
Thibodeau is the ever-smiling, enthusiastic driving force behind events at the Maine Winter Sports' 10th Mountain Ski Center in Fort Kent. At every event, she brings together hundreds of volunteers from her small community to create a professionally run event. Her enthusiasm and desire to create high quality events makes the Fort Kent a memorable place for athletes from around the world. Thibodeau directed the wildly successful Biathlon World Cup in 2004, as well as the 2005 Winter Paralympic Championships, as well as several National Biathlon Championships and the 2006 TD Banknorth Festival at Fort Kent, which served as a selection event for the 2006 Olympic Biathlon Team. Her work with these major events resulted in millions of dollars of economic impact for Aroostook County.
In addition to the time she devotes to winter sports, Thibodeau serves on the board of numerous organizations in northern Maine, including the University of Maine Fort Kent Foundation, the 10th Mountain Lodge, and the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. Thibodeau was previously honored with the University of Maine Fort Kent Distinguished Service Award and the Fort Kent BPW Woman of the Year award.
Additional honorees at today's ceremonies included author and community leader Martha Tod Dudman; educator and former vice president of Bangor Theological Seminary Esther Nettles Rauch, PhD; and Maine Chief JusticeLeigh Ingalls Saufley.
Congratulations to all of these outstanding Maine women and special thanks to Nancy Thibodeau from the US Biathlon Association for her support of our athletes and the sport of biathlon.
Thibodeau is the ever-smiling, enthusiasticdriving force behind events at the Maine Winter Sports' 10th Mountain Ski Center in Fort Kent. At every event, she brings together hundreds of volunteers from her small community to create a professionally run event. Her enthusiasm and desire to create high quality events makes the Fort Kent a memorable place for athletes from around the world. Thibodeau directed the wildly successful Biathlon World Cup in 2004, as well as the 2005 Winter Paralympic Championships, as well as several National Biathlon Championships and the 2006 TD Banknorth Festival at Fort Kent, which served as a selection event for the 2006 Olympic Biathlon Team. Her work with these major events resulted in millions of dollars of economic impact for Aroostook County.
In addition to the time she devotes to winter sports, Thibodeau serves on the board of numerous organizations in northern Maine, including the University of Maine Fort Kent Foundation, the 10th Mountain Lodge, and the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce. Thibodeau was previously honored with the University of Maine Fort Kent Distinguished Service Award and the Fort Kent BPW Woman of the Year award.
Additional honorees at today's ceremonies included author and community leader Martha Tod Dudman; educator and former vice president of Bangor Theological SeminaryEsther Nettles Rauch, PhD; and Maine Chief JusticeLeigh Ingalls Saufley.
Congratulations to all of these outstanding Maine women and special thanks to Nancy Thibodeau from the US Biathlon Association for her support of our athletes and the sport of biathlon.
TAMC/NHSC Fat Tire Festival
September 27th and 28th
Fall foliage, good food, skill-testing single-track trails, and heart-pounding mountain bike races and tours are in store for participants in the third annual TAMC/NHSC Fat Tire Festival, September 27 and 28. Taking place on the trails of the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle, the event has something in store for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities. On Saturday, the Mountain Bike Fun Day will feature tours of the Nordic Heritage Center Trails and a Bike Rodeo, both at no cost to participants. For a nominal fee, riders may also feed their competitive hunger by registering for the Spare Tire Fun Adventure Relay or Downhill Races. Local bike shops and food vendors will be on hand both days. Sunday's schedule will mark the finale of the Maine Mountain Bike Association's point series of races. Riders from throughout Maine will join local riders from Aroostook County and New Brunswick to determine cross-country race and point series champions in Novice, Sport, and Expert categories. For more information, or to register, please visit www.nordicheritagecenter.org , or contact Event Director Chad McPherson at cdmcpherson@maine.rr.com, or Chief of Communications Mark Shea at (207) 227-7465 or via email at mark@mainewsc.org.
Women's Fall Fitness Clinic
Saturday September 20th
Join the women of Maine Winter Sports Center for an afternoon of fitness and fun at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle this Saturday from 1pm-4pm. Attached is a flyer with more details about the event. This should be a great way to kick off the fall so spread the word to your mothers, aunts, girlfriends, sisters, and daughters! The clinic is open to everyone and no experience is necessary. Check out the flyer for a schedule of the afternoon's events. Hope to see you there!
This year marks the first annual Harvest Classic. This 40 mile bike race features a challenging two lap course starting and ending at the Caribou High School. The coursewill take the racers through the rolling farm terrain of Carson, Perham and Woodland. There will also be a 20 mile tour for those not interested in racing. Start time is 9:00AM forthe 40 mile race and 9:05AM for the 20 mile tour. Registration begins at 7:30 in the Caribou High School parking lot. All registration will be day of the event. Cost is $12.00, or $10.00 if you bring an old pair of running shoes for the MWSC shoe recycling program. All proceeds will go to the Northern Skiers Club.
A CALL TO ACTION
The Maine Winter Sports Center is dedicated to developing a sustainable model for rural communities in Maine. Our Healthy Hometowns program gets a lot of attention for our efforts to address childhood obesity and our ski venues and events get a lot of attention for our efforts to create economic engines in their communities. But we are about more than that, including working to empower communities through the development of an effective volunteer base. While these volunteers support MWSC programs and initiatives, the nature of empowerment often leads these groups to dive into other issues affecting their communities.
The biggest issue facing Maine's rural communities right now, and probably for the next decade, will be the cost to heat the homes of our most vulnerable citizens. To address that challenge the most powerful resource our State has to offer is the strength of our communities and the responsibility Mainer's feel for each other. That strength will be put to the test starting this winter.
The dramatic increase in the cost of oil has pushed the world economy, and certainly the US economy, past a tipping point. While we have felt the sting of rapid increases in oil prices before and have weathered those storms without long term effects, this crisis is different. This one is forcing us to finally deal with the consequences of our dependence on an energy system that is putting at risk our environment, our economy and our national security.
The perfect storm of tensions in the Middle East, Global Warming and the cost of oil pushing the business models of whole industries into the red are forcing people to embrace a new reality. The auto industry, the airline industry, transportation of goods, and the food industry are all unprepared to deal with oil at $120/barrel. Although there are bound to be fluctuations in the price of oil, the driving forces behind the cost will ensure that those prices stay high, therefore, the sooner we can let go of our grasp on oil dependence, the sooner we can move on to the necessary work of finding alternatives, and the sooner we can regain control of the forces that determine our economic vitality and our ability to look after our people.
We need a call to action that is a cross between JFK's 1961 pledge to put a man on the moon in 10 years and President George H.W. Bush's call for a thousand points of light. We have demonstrated so often over time that when the American people put our collective minds to a problem, that there is no problem we can't overcome.
Our first step needs to be acknowledging that oil is not a long-term answer:
For the most part, we are purchasing oil from countries that wish ill upon us and in the process we are financing their ability to do so.
Our dependence on their oil also puts too much control over our economy in their hands.
Increasing drilling within the US is not the answer because the additional capacity would be relatively short-lived and would not even enter our marketplace for at least 10 years. The Bush administration acknowledges that this additional capacity will only reduce the cost of oil by 2-3 cents per gallon when it does finally come on line. We need to be embracing a change in the fundamentals of our approach to energy now and to have moved largely beyond oil in the next 10 years.
There is also the issue of the cost. The price of oil will continue to be a roller coaster, which will only trend higher. China and India are not only the two most populated countries in the world (they represent 38% of the world population); their economies are also among the largest and fastest growing in the world. At current rates their economies will guarantee that worldwide demand for oil remains strong and expensive — regardless of any efforts on our part to either strengthen the dollar or reduce consumption. Furthermore, the countries producing the oil are not in complete control of their own production and distribution. Terrorism and local conflict are a constant threat to the oil supply. As the strongest economy in the world, we used to have leverage on OPEC to control the cost of oil. But with the emergence of China and India, that leverage is largely diminished. The days of $2/gallon gasoline are over, and probably even $3/gallon gas as well. We can expect OPEC to lower prices periodically to try to prevent the development of marketable alternative energy technology, but that will be a balancing act at best and won't offer long-term relief.
The short-term answer is to use existing technology and techniques in order to use a lot less energy. The long-term answer is to develop renewable energy that will dramatically reduce our dependence on oil from areas of the world that look to do us harm. These areas also happen to be constantly in a state of, or creating for others, political turmoil. We need to be in control of our own energy needs. The good news — and unfortunately the bad news as well — is that we are.
Finally, there is the issue of Global Warming. Even those most resistant to the idea of Global Warming can no longer deny that fossil fuel is having a dramatic, and negative, impact on our weather. Those new weather patterns are manifesting themselves in storms of greater frequency and intensity, in changing rain patterns that are causing crop failures on a massive scale and in the melting of glaciers that provide a critical source of water to millions of people around the world. It is also causing the polar ice to melt at an alarming rate, which is having a compounding effect on the strength of these new weather patterns and also threatening to flood millions of acres of low lying coastal areas around the globe.
This is not a Democrat vs. Republican issue; it isn't a pro-business vs. environmentalist issue. Fossil fuel is changing our global landscape with tragic consequences for millions of people around the world. If you are not moved to look beyond oil for the next generation of energy by the arguments of $5/gallon oil, the fact that we are financing the terrorists, or that we need to be in greater control of our own economic future, you should at least be moved by the impact oil consumption is having on our ability to survive on the planet.
The solution to our dependence on oil has always been available to us, but there has never been the combination of motivation and urgency to pursue those options. Between wind, solar, wood, geothermal and tidal power we can dramatically reduce the amount of oil used to produce electricity, heat our homes and power our factories. Electric and hydrogen engines offer realistic opportunities to eliminate gas-powered cars. The combination of renewable energy sources can insure that hundreds of billions of dollars that are currently leaving our economy to purchase foreign oil can be kept in our economy and reinvested in solving the pressing issues of our times. What we need now is the 'we'll put a man on the moon in ten years' call to action that mobilized a generation of America's brightest minds to solve the challenges of manned flight in outer space. We need to be in control of our own energy needs. Again, the good news — and the bad news as well — is that we are.
Two parallel realities are playing out simultaneously. On the one hand this is an exciting time. We are faced with an enormous challenge that will require a focused and concerted effort on the part of scientists and industry. We will have to work together as a country, but success will mean that we have largely freed ourselves from foreign control of our economy (all we need to do then is regain control of our foreign owned national debt). This can be the beginning of a new era in national vitality. On the other hand, and set against this backdrop of incredible opportunity lies the reality that there are tens of thousands of Mainers who can't wait for us to harness Mother Nature's power. The cost of fuel has made it impossible for them to heat their homes.
In the first President Bush's 1989 inauguration speech he spoke of America's "...thousand points of light...the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the nation, doing good." In times of a tight federal budget and a number of pressing social priorities the senior President Bush was calling on the country's community-based organizations to step up to meet the needs of their neighbors. "We have more will than wallet, but will is what we need." Then he went on to add, "...we will do the wisest thing of all: we will turn to the only resource we have that in times of need always grows — the goodness and courage of the American people." It is that sense of community that has defined rural communities, and much of Maine, for hundreds of years, and which we need to call on again now.
President Bush believed that we were capable of solving our greatest challenges when we came together as a country to do so. His was a call to our social support network in the same way that President Kennedy called out to our scientists; both were looking to inspire greatness in a time of great need.
We need both the scientific and social communities to step up today. We need our scientists to use America's entrepreneurial spirit and Yankee ingenuity to harness the power of renewable energy. But, we also need our social infrastructure to keep those most vulnerable from falling through the cracks in the meantime.
There is a role for the State government to play in this as well — there should be no higher priority for the State in the next six months than the welfare of those unprepared to meet the coming winter. Money needs to be made efficiently available to those most in need to help them make their homes more energy efficient. From a practical standpoint however, the work of applying for the funds, finding the resources to assess individual homeowners needs and then finally finding the contractors to order and install the replacement windows, install more energy efficient furnaces, insulate homes, etc, is more than can be expected to be completed in the next 5 months. Though this work needs to be engaged — and quickly — we need to be realistic about the fact that there will be tens of thousands of Mainers this winter that, without our help, will be forced to live in unacceptable conditions.
The real work will need to be done by communities, by individuals, by you and me. It will be neighbors looking out for neighbors. In the heat of the summer winter seems far off, but the time for us to start on this is now. Don't get paralyzed by the scope and complexity of the problem, just dive in and help those around you that need help. Be one of those thousand points of light.
Andy Shepard
President/CEO
Maine Winter Sports Center mwsc@mac.com
Presque Isle, ME - Fall foliage, good food, skill-testing single-track trails, and heart-pounding mountain bike races and tours are in store for participants in the third annual TAMC/NHSC Fat Tire Festival, September 27 and 28.
Taking place on the trails of the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle, the event has something in store for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities.
On Saturday, the Mountain Bike Fun Day will feature tours of the Nordic Heritage Center Trails and a Bike Rodeo, both at no cost to participants. For a nominal fee, riders may also feed their competitive hunger by registering for the Spare Tire Fun Adventure Relay or Downhill Races.
Local bike shops and food vendors will be on hand both days.
Sunday's schedule will mark the finale of the Maine Mountain Bike Association's point series of races. Riders from throughout Maine will join local riders from Aroostook County and New Brunswick to determine cross-country race and point series champions in Novice, Sport, and Expert categories.
The Nordic Heritage Center includes over 20 miles of hand-made and machine-made single track. The trails wind through different forest types and vary from smooth and fluid to narrow and technical. Moderate to expert line options such as log skinnies, exposed bedrock outcrops, and natural drops can be found on some of the trails.
The Nordic Heritage Center Lodge, which is open to the public from 6 am to 10 pm and includes kitchen facilities, restrooms, shower rooms, and a sauna, will serve as the hub of the events.
Maine Winter Sports Center Seeks Community Development Coach
The Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC) is looking for a multitalented Community Development Coach to join its staff in Aroostook County Maine. The candidate will be responsible for creating and implementing introductory and development ski programs to participants at all ages, but focused primarily on youth and junior community and race programs. In addition, this coach will share direct responsibility for community outreach and ski club building in remote communities around Aroostook County. These grassroots community outreach efforts may include meetings, speaking engagements, trail building, ski park design, community races and events, learn to ski clinics, learn to shoot clinics and on-snow school visits. The candidate will need to develop biathlon skills in order to run learn to shoot programs with live ammunition rifles as well as with laser rifles. Candidate will need to play a supportive role in MWSC XC and Biathlon training sessions designed primarily for youth and juniors, including biathlon range support. Candidate will have some travel responsibilities, including coordinating and transporting athletes to events and camps. Candidate will be expected to create strong relationships with local and regional coaches, Community Ski Clubs, municipal recreation directors, and the organizing committees of our two World Class Nordic/Biathlon Venues. The MWSC Community Development Coach will manage the deployment of the Healthy Hometown Ski Trailers to communities and events to provide ski equipment and instruction to people of all ages. Skilled and effective communication, creativity, initiative, self-direction, as well as inspired leadership are all critical pre-requisites for the position of MWSC Community Development Coach. A four-year college degree, experience as a coach and Nordic skier are requirements for the position. All MWSC Coaches will be involved in the initiation and implementation of other programs and events and other duties that will advance the MWSC toward its mission. Responsibilities can be negotiated depending on experience. Female coaches are strongly encouraged to apply.
This position is a full-time position to begin on June 1, 2008. Applicants should send a short cover letter and resume with three professional references to eileen@mainewsc.org or to Eileen Carey, Program Coordinator, Maine Winter Sports Center, 552 Main St, Caribou, ME 04736
MWSC's EILEEN CAREY NAMED NENSA COACH OF THE YEAR.
Eileen Carey, Program Coordinator for the Maine Winter Sports Center says one of her favorite things about coaching juniors is their energy and enthusiasm; and the opportunity for her to make an impact on their lives. Watching the programs come to fruition in Northern Maine, it appears that she is doing just that!
Eileen is a Maine native who grew up skiing in the Maine Bill Koch Youth Ski League, skied for the Leavitt High School in Turner where she became a four-time state champion, and went on to ski for Dartmouth College where she was the captain of the ski team. After graduating from Dartmouth, Eileen moved on to the Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale, Colorado where she taught Spanish and coached skiing for the school and for the Rocky Mountain Nordic Division.
Eileen was excited to return to Maine to work for Maine Winter Sports Center in June of 2006. Since that time she has been serving as a Community Development Coach for communities all over Aroostook County. In addition to coaching youth and juniors in XC Skiing and Biathlon, Eileen has been involved in all types of camps, clinics, and events that introduce new people to skiing and mountain biking. She is a dynamic leader, liked by all who spend time with her and passionate about life and the outdoors!
When asked what she likes most about Maine, her exuberance about her home state came through. "Living out west it was obvious where the big mountains and chance for outdoor adventure was. In Maine, there are also many big adventures to be had if you are willing to explore and look for them". The ocean, lakes and plentiful areas to explore and do mountain biking, kayaking, and road biking are just some of things she loves about the area.
Eileen was a member of this years JO coaching staff in Anchorage. There it was obvious that she loves being around these kids. Whether it was rocking the van with music at the gas station ( Complete with visual effects!) or prepping skiers prior to their event on race strategies, she is there in full force.
I asked Eileen why she chose coaching to pursue a career and what she would do if she was not coaching... She replied that the connection she feels to the juniors at this age and level of experience is something she thoroughly enjoys. They are at an age where they are excited about learning and are contiually developming. She enjoys being able to make a positive impact on the kids who may not have had a chance to try the sport of xc skiing, were it not for the programs in the county. Inevitably, what starts as sport, soon becomes a way of life. If she were not coaching, she would still see herself in a role where education or counseling enabled her to continue with the interaction and development of people. She is a dynamic leader, liked by all who spend time with her and passionate about life and the outdoors!
Eileen, far right at 2008 JO's in Anchorage
Congratulations to Eileen on her passion and dedication to the sport of nordic skiing, and as the recipient of the NENSA Coach of the Year award.
U.S. Distance Nationals a Foreign Affair
3.28.2008 Fairbanks, AK - It may have been the U.S. Championship, but someone forgot to tell the foreigners. The men's 30km pursuit race at Birch Hill looked a bit like a world cup, with guest athletes taking four of the top five places.
In a packed field of about 50 starters, newly minted Canadian Ivan Babikov controlled the race for most of the distance. Off the line, a large group of between 15 and 20 athletes established a front pack and took turns leading. Babikov, Norwegian Peter Eliassen and the U.S. Ski Team's Kris Freeman seemed to think that was too many. By 7km, the three had taken turns at the front and strung the group out significantly. Babikov, a Russian by birth, traded leads throughout the second half of the classic leg with Freeman. By the exchange zone, the two had nearly a 20 second lead.
The early pace proved too much for many of the lead group. Lars Flora was a casualty of the pace and dropped from the race at 12km. Even Freeman, in the end, couldn't hold Babikov, as he, too, dropped out shortly after the start of the skate leg. Babikov soldiered on alone, leading Eliassen and German Marius Korthauer to the line. Lief Zimmerman finished fourth, earning the U.S. title.
For the Maine Winter Sports Center's David Chamberlain, top gear just never engaged. After a solid start in the lead pack, Chamberlain settled back to the third group, where he remained for the race, eventually finishing 17th (13th American).
U.S. Distance Nationals conclude on Sunday with the 50km Classic.
Whistler BC, Canada, March 27 - Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY) continued to his streak of top performances that began two weeks ago in Oslo, with a victory in the 20K Individual competition at the Canadian National Championships today.
Burke had two penalties, in each of the prone stages in this first-ever major biathlon competition at the Whistler Olympic Park. He covered the 20K in 52:44.7, topping Canadian Robin Clegg (Ontario) by 2:18.2. Clegg had three penalties, as did third place finisher Brendan Green (Northwest Territories). Green finished 4:53.4 behind Burke.
Less than two weeks after his back-to-back 7th and 8th places in the final two World Cup competitions of the year, Burke once again looked strong especially in the second half of his race. He explained at the finish line, "Ever since I got home from Oslo, I have been skiing a lot, because there is so much snow in Lake Placid. Still, when the race started, I felt a little bit sluggish. In the two prone stages, I felt like it was the first race of the year. I had not picked up my rifle since Norway until I came out here on Monday. When I started the third loop, my skiing picked up and I cleaned the last two stages."
Burke was pleased with his first look at the 2010 Olympic Biathlon course today, "I really like the course here. It is pretty technical, which suits my style. I am looking forward to training and racing here in the future."
Jeremy Teela (Anchorage, AK) finished fifth today, with five penalties, 5:16.4 back. For Teela, who did not compete in the final World Cups, it was like starting up all over again. He commented, "I was very tired after I came home from Pyeong Chang, so my training was limited. Today, I tried to be conservative on the tracks and the range and I felt OK."
Walt Shepard (Bowdoin College), who won three titles at the US National Championships, finished sixth today. Shepard had another strong shooting performance, with two penalties, finishing just 10.1 seconds behind Teela. US Biathlon Development athletes Jason Ray (Pinedale, WY) and Zach Hall (Nikiski, AK) finished 16th and 21st respectively, with five and seven penalties, 10:23.8 and 12:29 back.
In the Women's 15K Individual, Sara Studebaker (Boise, ID) took third place with the best result of her career. Studebaker, also on the Development Team started biathlon last May. She had three penalties, finishing 2:32.5 behind Megan Imrie (Manitoba). Imrie, a first year World Cup competitor had one penalty in her 48:58.2 victory. Second went to veteran Sandra Keith (Alberta), with two penalties, finished 58.5 seconds back.
Studebaker commented, "I am pleased to have a race like this. I have learned a lot (about biathlon) in the past year, but I still have a long way to go."
Haley Johnson (Lake Placid, NY) started strong with two penalties in the first three stages, but missed five in the final standing stage, to finish fifth, 5:18.6 back. She said, "In the final standing stage, I started to shake and could not control it. When that happens, there is not much you can do." BethAnn Chamberlain (Fort Kent, ME) edged her for fourth place by 19.8 seconds. Chamberlain had four penalties. Laura Spector (Lenox, MA) in seventh place had eight penalties, 6:03.7 back while Denise Teela (Anchorage, AK) was 11th, with seven penalties, 9:12.4 back.
Leif Nordgren (Marine-on-St. Croix, MN) claimed his first podium spot in the junior category, with third in the Junior Men's 15k Individual. At the finish, he said, "This was not one of my best days on the shooting range." Nevertheless, his six penalties put him a very close 1:25.9 behind Canada's Tyson Smith (Alberta), with five penalties. Smith won in 47:30.4. Maxime Leboeuf (Quebec) finished second, with eight penalties, 1:07.9 back. Fifth went to Wynn Roberts (Battle Lake, MN) with 11 penalties, 4:49 back, while Russell Currier (Stockholm, ME) had 13 penalties, 5:51.4 back in sixth. Looking at the results sheet, Junior National Coach Vladimir Cervenka shook his head and said, "This was the worst shooting day collectively we (the Junior Team) had all season."
The US Junior Women did not follow the trend of their male counterparts on the shooting range. Hilary McNamee (Fort Fairfield, ME) finished fourth in the Junior Women's 12.5K, with three penalties, 2:01.6 behind Canadian Megan Tandy of British Columbia. Tandy had four penalties and a time of 42:07. Brynden Manbeck (Grand Rapids, MN) finished sixth, with six penalties, 7:04.5 back.
In speaking to many athletes, today's first impressions of the biathlon venue here at the Whistler Olympic Park were all positive. Burke added, "This is a beautiful place. The courses do not have any big climbs and it is fast."
The venue is situated high in the Callaghan Valley, an area blessed with abundant snowfall. There is currently at least 2 meters of snow on the ground and although the weather was mild (just at freezing), it snowed on and off during the competitions all day. It is located 20 kilometers south of the world-renowned Whistler Ski area.
Vancouver 2010 Biathlon Manager Max Saenger was equally happy about the first big test for the facility, commenting, "I am very pleased with how the event went today. I like the look of the event and venue. Our volunteers are to be commended with the job they did in preparation for these competitions."
Friday is a training day here, with the Sprint competitions scheduled for 10AM PDT on Saturday.
The US Biathlon website has an RSS feed, available by clicking the RSS logo on our homepage to get the address and all of the latest biathlon news.
The United States Biathlon Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of biathlon in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Biathlon Union. The US Biathlon Association supports the US Biathlon Team and development of the sport on all levels within the United States.
TD Banknorth is the title sponsor of the US Biathlon Team. Lapua, adidas, and Exel Ski Poles are supporting sponsors of the US Biathlon Team.
Shepard, Currier, Spector, and McNamee win National Championships!
Mt. Itasca, MN - MWSC Biathletes continued their strong performances in the Pursuit race adding four more National Championship titles to their record. Walt Shepard (Yarmouth) won the Sr. Men's title, Russell Currier (Stokholm) won the Jr. Men's title, Laura Spector (Lenox, MA) won the Sr. Women's title and Hilary McNamee (Ft. Fairfield) won the Youth Women's title. Both Currier and Spector continued to display strong ski form by actually winning the overall titles. Currier struggled in the first two stages missing 5 of 10, but bounced back hitting 9 of his final 10 targets. Spector followed a similar shooting style missing 4 of 10 in her first two stages and hitting 9 of 10 in her final two.
The National Championships conclude today with the Mass Start.
Three National Championship titles for MWSC biathletes!
Mt. Itasca, MN - The opening day of the U.S. Biathlon National Championships brought perfect conditions. Sunshine, clear skies and fast ski trails greeted athletes as they arrived today at the Mt. Itasca biathlon venue.
Laura Spector (Lenox, MA) displayed the strong form she had in January and February while racing in Europe. Skiing amongst the fastest Jr. racers in the world this winter, Spector used that speed to win both the Jr. and Sr. category in today's 7.5km Sprint race. Entering the range for her first shooting, Spector had already made up time on the starters ahead of her. With a steady rhythm she hit all five targets and left the range with a strong lead. Two penalties in standing would narrow the gap to second place, but again on the final lap Spector flew around the course crossing the line in a time of 21:29. Placing 2nd in the Jr. Women's race was Meagan Toussaint (Madawaska) with 2 penalties. Brynden Manbeck (Grand Rapids, MN) was 3rd with 3 penalties. BethAnn Chamberlain (Caribou) finished 7th in the Sr. Women's race with 4 penalties.
Taking time to focus on school, Walt Shepard (Yarmouth) proved that he hasnt lost his touch on the range. A former National Team Member and current member of the Bowdoin Ski Team, Shepards only mistake on the range came in his prone stage. Former MWSC Biathlete Bjorn Bakken finished 3rd with 4 penalties.
Like Spector, Russell Currier used the top form he displayed while racing in Europe to capture the title of National Champion. Currier had one miss in prone and two in standing to finish in a time of 26:16. Wynn Roberts (Battle Lake, MN) finished 2nd also with 3 penalties 30 seconds behind Currier. Finishing 3rd was Newt Rogers (Ft. Kent) with 4 penalties. Rogers currently going to school at the Univiversity of Vermont and is a member of the Vermont Biathlon Collegiate Proram in Burlington, VT.
In the Youth Womens race Hilary McNamee (Ft. Fairfield) finished 2nd with 5 penalties in a time of 20:53. Winning her first National Championship was Addie Byrne (Bovey, MN) with 3 penalties in a time of 20:10. Grace Boutot (Ft. Kent) was 3rd with 3 penalties.
In the Youth Mens race Nick Michaud (Ft. Kent) finished 7th with 5 penalties. After missing 4 of 5 in prone, Michaud shot with authority hitting 4 of 5 along side Leif Nordgren, a Bronze Medalist from the Youth World Championships in Ruhpolding, Germany this past January. Fourteen old Sam Humphries (Yarmouth) competed against the big boys finishing 8th with 6 penalties.
Racing resumes with the Pursuit on Friday. Full results and pictures can be found at www.usbiathlon.org
JOHN FARRA NAMED NORDIC DIRECTOR OF THE US SKI TEAM Farra has led development of world-class staff Caribou, Maine - The Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC) announces that John Farra has accepted a position as the Nordic Director for the United States Ski Team in Park City, Utah. Farra, a 1992 Olympian, has been with the MWSC since 2002, and Vice President since 2005.
"John has made profound contributions to the Maine Winter Sports Center since he arrived in 2002," says Andy Shepard, President of the MWSC. "His calm, empowering leadership style has been instrumental in creating one of the top programming and development staff's in the ski world. When you look at where our alumni have gone, it is clear that the industry also sees the quality of our staff. While we are sorry to see John go, we are all very excited for him in this new opportunity."
Other former MWSC staff members include: Per Nilsson - Head Coach of the US Biathlon Team, Eli Brown Head Coach of perennial NCAA powerhouse, University of Utah and Max Saenger - Biathlon Sport Manager for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Farra credits his time living and working in Maine for inspiring him and readying him for this new challenge. "Working with community members throughout Maine has proven just how resilient and dedicated Mainers can be", said Farra. "It has also shown me how magical it is when kids discover the joy of skiing and being outside in the winter, and when those kids infect their whole families with that joy. I'll take that perspective with me as I work to support the continued development of Nordic Skiing at the US Ski Team. With any luck, I will be issuing a US Ski Team jacket to some of our Maine skiers very soon!"
Farra will head up a team of 10 coaches and service professionals in the sports of Cross Country Skiing, Jumping and Nordic Combined as they help their athletes contend for Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup medals. Farra will also be involved in setting policy and direction for the Development of these Nordic Sports through the country.
As Vice President for the MWSC, Farra leaves a strong legacy of accomplishments and successful initiatives, including overseeing the growth of our Healthy Hometowns programs from 28 communities in 2005 to over 90 programs by the end of the 2008 season.
Maine Biathletes ready for U.S. Nationals Mt. Itasca, MN - Arriving in Minnesota the signs of spring appear more evident as the green grass seems to be re-claiming its territory and the snow banks disappearing. The end to the winter racing season is fast approaching, but for a group of Mainers there is at least one more week of racing to be had. The strongest team of biathletes Maine has put together arrived in Grand Rapids, MN on Tuesday; 15 athletes and 3 coaches strong the Team will compete for the prestigious titles of U.S. National Champion.
Leading the way are members of both the Jr. and Sr. World Championship Teams. Russell Currier (Stockholm) and Laura Spector (Lenox, MA) have put together their best season of racing this year. Currier had 3 top 15 finishes including a 15th place in the Sprint at the Jr. World Championships in Ruhpolding, Germany. The following next week he finished 79th in his first Sr. World Championships in the Individual. Spectors season has been highlighted with 3 top 25 finishes with a 20th place finish in the Sprint at the Jr. World Championships, a 62nd at the Sr. World Championships in Ostersund, Sweden and a 6th place in the Sprint at the European Championships in Nove Mesto, CZE. Both athletes have proven that they can compete with the best in the World.
Other National Team athletes to look for: Meagan Toussaint (Madawaska) is coming off a strong performance at the USCSA Cross-Country Nationals where she won the Skate race. Toussaint also finished 28th at the Jr. World Championships in the Sprint race. Hilary McNamee (Ft. Fairfield) had a 20th place in the Sprint race at the Youth World Championships and Grace Boutot (Ft. Kent) was also a member of the Youth World Championship Team and just returned from the U.S. Cross Country Jr. Olympics where she had a 15th place in the Skate race.
Upcoming athletes to look for: Nick Michaud (Ft. Kent) returns to Mt. Itasca where he placed 3rd at the Jr. World Team Trials back in December. Michaud arrived from the Jr. Olympics in Anchorage, AK where he achieved a 4th place in the Classic Sprint, 11th in the Skate race and was a member of the 3rd place Relay. Kaitlyn Bernard (Ft. Kent) and Molly Susla (Freeport) were recently part of the Maine State Team that won the Eastern H.S. Championships. Bernard placed 5th in the Classic race and Susla placed 7th in the Skate race.
Junior Olympic Wrap-up Anchorage, AK - When 409 cross-country skiers from all over the country arrived in Anchorage, Alaska on March 9th for the 2008 Cross-Country Junior Olympics, a lack of snow was not what they were expecting to find. But warm temperatures and lower than usual snowfall transformed the typically white landscape to one with patchy snow coverage. Race organizers spent the week shoveling, pumping standing water out of the stadium and pleading with the snow gods. Races were changed, courses were changed at the last minute, and some training days were held at other venues around Anchorage. In the end, with the help of an inch of new snow mid-week, all the races were held fairly and skiers took the rapidly changing schedule in stride.
Among the athletes competing at the event were Maine Winter Sports Center and Aroostook County stand-outs Joey Bard (Caribou) and Grace Boutot and Nick Michaud (Fort Kent). In his first Junior Olympics, Michaud had a strong showing in the J2 age class (14 and 15 year olds) and placed 4th in the classic sprint, 12th in the 5km skate, and 3rd place in the team relay. Boutot, also in her first national cross-country competition, raced to 15th place in the 5km skate and helped her team to a 5th place finish in the team relay. Bard, racing in the strongest boys' age group, sprinted to a 12th place finish in the classic sprint. The three skied for the New England team, which ended up the week in second place to the home team of Alaska. The Nordic Heritage Sport Club in Presque Isle will host this event in 2010.
Michaud of Fort Kent is All-American at Junior Olympics Anchorage, AK - Sunny skies and low snow coverage greeted three Maine Winter Sports Center skiers at the first race of the Cross-Country Junior Olympics in Anchorage, Alaska on March 10th. In the first of four races in a week, athletes from all over the country battled each other in a 1.2km classic sprint. At his first national cross-country ski event, Fort Kent sophomore and Maine Winter Sports Center skier Nick Michaud had high expectations. "I was hoping for a top ten result, but I thought it was going to be a reach," Michaud said of the sprint. In sprint racing, athletes race in an individual start qualification round in the morning. Those who finish in the top 24 earn spots in afternoon head to head sprint rounds. Michaud had the 12th fastest qualifying time in his age group, a result that advanced him to the heats in the afternoon.
In the quarterfinal heat, Michaud was on the line with five other skiers. In order to go on to the next round, he knew he needed to finish in the top three. "I wanted to get off the line fast and get a good position," Michaud said of his strategy, "then I knew I just needed to focus on relaxing and picking up time on the last uphill of the course." The plan seemed to work for Michaud, who made it through two heats to ski in the finals. In an exciting race, the six top skiers jockeyed for position at the front of the pack. Michaud skied well and ended up in a sprint for third. He was narrowly defeated and ended up fourth on the day. His position earned him All-American status and bolstered his confidence for the rest of the week of racing. "Now I know I am capable of top ten finishes," Michaud said, "I am hoping to keep getting top ten results throughout the week."
Joey Bard of Caribou, another Maine Winter Sports Center athlete, also had a great race on Monday. Bard had the 9th fastest qualifying time for his age group in the morning. In the quarterfinal rounds he was second place for most of the race and got edged out by two skiers in the final stretch, just missing the semifinal rounds. Bard ended up in 12th place. Skiers race in two more individual races and one team relay before leaving Anchorage on the March 16th.
UMAINE FORT KENT TO OFFER WINTER SPORTS MANAGEMENT CONCENTRATION FOR BUSINESS MAJORS BEGINNING IN FALL 2008 Fort Kent, ME The University of Maine at Fort Kent will offer a business concentration in Winter Sports Management beginning with the 2008 fall semester, it was announced today by University officials.
The Winter Sports Management concentration, within the business major at UMFK, will be designed to prepare students to enter positions of responsibility within the community-based ski industry.
Maine currently has many small, community-based, ski areas including two in Fort Kent (10th Mountain Ski Center and Lonesome Pine Trails) and three others in Aroostook County, alone. Although there are several current college programs throughout the country in ski area management, those are geared toward ski resort management. UMFK's program will be unique in that it will prepare students to successfully run, what are often non-profit ski areas.
"The development of the Winter Sports Management concentration at UMFK fits well with the University's mission, which embraces our proximity to Maine's wilderness and the joys of outdoor sports," said Dr. Richard W. Cost, president of UMFK.
The Winter Sports Management concentration will be the only program nationally, which focuses on small, non-profit, ski areas each with its own set of unique management goals and objectives.
The focus of the Winter Sports Management concentration will be on how to develop a business model that is sustainable. Areas to be covered include fundraising, event hosting and grant writing. The concentration also will focus on aspects such as coordinating volunteer activities, community-based programming, and the basic development and maintenance of ski area infrastructures.
"Small community-based ski facilities are an important, but often overlooked, resource especially in regard to college programs, which train individuals for the ski business," said Jeff Dubis, an instructor of Forestry at UMFK who is coordinating the development of the Winter Sports Management program.
Dubis is very involved in many aspects of Nordic skiing, including ski venue management, programming, event hosting, and instructing various youth ski programs. He is an international referee with the International Biathlon Union and will be serving as Chief of Competition for the upcoming 2009 Biathlon World Cup.
"Hopefully, the Winter Sports Management program can provide people with the skills necessary to run these small facilities. UMFK has a world-class Nordic facility practically at its door. The Winter Sports Management program will help to strengthen ties between the University, 10th mountain Ski Center, and the Maine Winter Sports Center," Dubis added.
The Winter Sports Management concentration will consist of 24 credit hours within a classroom setting and 12 credit hours in an internship capacity. Ties between the University and the Maine Winter Sports Center will create ideal opportunities for internships at any of Maine Winter Sports Centers' various alpine and Nordic ski facilities throughout the state, and especially here in Aroostook County. Those 36 credit hours are in addition to general education, business management core courses, and electives totaling 128 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree.
The concentration will incorporate three new classes specific to Winter Sports Management (Introduction to Winter Sports Management; Ski Area Equipment Operations; and Trail and Facility Design), in addition to using several cross-functional business, electronic commerce and public safety administration classes, as well.
"The sustainability of the ski industry - especially in Maine - depends on the sustainability of the community ski area." said Andy Shepard, president of the Maine Winter Sports Center.
"These ski facilities need leadership that is skilled in all areas of traditional ski area management, but the leaders also need to know how to tap into available state and federal grants, organize volunteers, and engage their communities in ways that resorts do not need to. I am very excited about this new degree program, because it will develop a new generation of entrepreneurial community ski area operators, prepared to handle today's issues, and that is desperately needed," Shepard added.
"The opportunities for our students to be involved in the major national and international events hosted by the Maine Winter Sports Center at the 10th Mountain Lodge truly are extraordinary. Look at our snow this is the perfect location of this concentration!" UMFK's Dr. Cost concluded.
For additional information on the Winter Sports Management business concentration at UMFK, please call Jeff Dubis at 207/ 834-7543.
Maine Biathlon Championships Cancelled
This weekend's Maine Biathlon State Championships has been cancelled. Two storms are predicted to hit the County with an estimated 15-20" of snow. In addition they are also predicting high winds starting Saturday afternoon. Thinking about the safety of those traveling and the ability to put on a quality event with such conditions it was decided not to hold the event.
Housing still available for this weekend's Biathlon Club Championships
The Overlook Motel in Eagle Lake (207-444-4742) and Camel Brook Camps (207-316-4742) in Fort Kent still have accommodations available for this weekends Maine Biathlon Club Championships. This is a celebration of biathlon in Maine and is for people of all abilities. Even if you have never shot a rifle before, there will be clinics and events for you. For more details click here.
County Skiers Head to Junior National Championships in Alaska
Caribou, Me - Three County skiers will represent New England at the Cross Country Junior National Championships in Anchorage, Alaska this month. The Maine Winter Sports Center skiers completed the final qualifying race in New Hampshire on February 24th to secure their spots on the New England Junior National Ski Team. Joey Bard of Caribou, and Nick Michaud and Grace Boutot of Fort Kent will travel across the country for the races, to occur March 9th-15th. Hilary McNamee of Fort Fairfield also qualified for the team but chose to forgo the event to compete at the European Biathlon Championships. As part of the New England team, the athletes will compete against the best skiers representing regions from all over the country. On the schedule for the week is a sprint race, two individual distances races and a team relay.
Park Victorious; Three County Skiers Qualify for New England Championships
Rumford, Me - March 2, 2008 a will be a day Corey Park remembers. It was on this day the Presque Isle senior won the last ski race of his Maine high school skiing career. Park and a small crew of Aroostook County skiers traveled to Black Mountain in Rumford with hopes of qualifying to race as part of the Maine Team at the upcoming Eastern High School Championships. The Maine Team, which consists of the top 24 boys and 24 girls from the state, was chosen based on the day's race results. Skiers raced a 5km classic race in the morning. The afternoon was a 5km skate pursuit style race. In a pursuit, skiers start based on their performance in the morning's race, with skiers starting in the order and time of their finish. This makes for very exciting racing, as the leader is effectively being chased down by the rest of the field.
Corey Park won the classic race in the morning, but a mere 3 seconds separated him and the second place skier. Park responded well to the pressure, and showed his competitors he was a force in both disciplines, as he extended his lead to 20 seconds in the 5km skate.
On the girls side, Kaitlyn Bernard of Fort Kent finished 5th overall. She started the skate race in 10th position and moved up five places with the 2nd fastest skate time of the day. Just behind her in 6th place was Jessica Caron, also of Fort Kent, who had the 5th fastest classic time and 4th fastest skate time of the day. Park, Bernard, and Caron will race as a part of the Maine Team at the Eastern High School Championships. Lindsey Cote and Jordan Powers, both of Caribou High School, qualified as alternates for the Maine Team. The Championships will be held in Stowe, Vermont from March 14-16 and will feature teams from each New England state.
Rangeley Lakes Loppet delayed 1 hour due to expected storm on Saturday.
The Rangeley Lakes Loppet Organizing Committee has decided to delay the start of the races on Saturday March 1, by 1 hour, to allow those with long drives a little extra time to get there. Groomers will be running constantly through the early hours of the storm in order to stay ahead of the snowpack. For full details visit http://xcskirangeley.com/Loppet.asp or call 207-864-4309.
Spector 6th at European Championships; Chamberlain and Boutot shine in NorAm
Nove Mesto, CZE - In her final individual competition as a Jr. competitor, MWSC biathlete Laura Spector finished with a bang! Starting the Pursuit race in 12th Spector gradually moved up to finish 6th. Missing two targets in her first stage Spector dropped back to 15th, but re-entered the range in her initial 12th position. She then missed just one shot per stage putting her up in 6th where she finished 3:16 behind Sprint Race Champion Marine Bolliet of France.
Russell Currier also had a strong day in his final race at the European Championships moving up from 42nd place to 27th. Currier hit 8 of his first 10 shots bringing him near the top 20. But 6 misses in his final two stages left him in 27th. Throughout the competition both Spector and Currier skied within the top 3 in the field!
La Patrie, QC Fighting off gusting winds and a very hilly course BethAnn Chamberlain out skied Denise Teela in the Sprint competition. Chamberlain struggled in the range missing 7 of her 10 shots, but still won by 14 seconds over Teela who had 5 penalties. In Sundays Pursuit, Chamberlain again dominated on the tracks clocking the fastest ski time, but the penalties kept her from re-gaining the top spot.
In her first biathlon competition since the Jr. World Championships, Grace Boutot finished 2nd to Valcartiers Yolaine Oddou who shot clean. In the Pursuit race, Boutot like Chamberlain turned in the fastest ski time of the day, but had to settle for 3rd with 6 penalties.
In her first biathlon weekend Cassidy Spencer (Ft. Kent) hit 25 for 25 in her two races in the Girls Air Rifle category.
Michaud and Bailey Nab Third Podiums at Eastern Cup
Holderness, NH - Nick Michaud and Fred Bailey made it three for three for the Maine Winter Sports Center in NENSA Eastern Cup action this weekend. Michaud, of Fort Kent, showed that he clearly belongs on the New England Team to Junior Nationals with his third podium in three races. Michaud, Bridger Tyler, of the Stratton Mountain School, and David Sinclair, of Green Mountain Valley School, came to the line together in the Silver Fox Trot 5km Freestyle at Dartmouth College's Oak Hill trails. While Michaud proved he had the best sprint, the others had gained enough time on him to bump him to third place.
Fred Bailey, of Andover, had a fierce duel with Cumberland's Sam Tarling over the men's 10km race. Tarling, skiing for Burke Mountain Academy, went out like a rocket and built a solid 22 second lead in the first 4 km of the competition. When Bailey got the news that he was trailing, he found a new gear. By 8.5km, he had cut the lead to 8 seconds. At the finish, he came up 5 seconds short, but earned his second silver medal in two starts on the NENSA Eastern Cup.
Sunday brought the NENSA field to Holderness for the Eastern Cup Finals. The race format shifted to classical mass start. Michaud showed signs of fatigue in his fourth race in a week. He finished seventh in the J2 boys race, but easily protected his spot on the NENSA Junior National Team. Bailey was out for the win, but struggled to regain contact with the lead pack after suffering not one, but two broken poles. Joey Bard, of Woodland, turned in the best men's performance for MWSC with a solid 14th place finish. Bard was competing for the third time in four days, hot off wins at both the classic and skate Maine State Class B Championships.
Bard, Michaud and Grace Boutot (Fort Kent) will travel to Anchorage, Alaska to compete at the USSA Junior National Cross-Country Skiing Championships, March 8-15.
New MWSC Promotional Video
Caribou, ME - The Maine Winter Sports Center and Cary Medical Center have released the second in a series of televised public service announcements aimed at encouraging healthy outdoor exercise. While the first announcement, which ran during the fall, targeted elementary and middle school students, this second video is focused on family winter activities.
By encouraging parents to set aside one weekday afternoon for exercise, MWSC and Cary hope to help boost the number of Aroostook County residents who reach three days per week of aerobic exercise.
"It really doesn't take as much as many people think," said MWSC Cross-Country Coach Will Sweetser. "Outdoor exercise can be as simple as taking a stroll on skis or snowshoes around your back yard. If you can find the time to set aside one hour after work, and use a bit of time on Saturday and Sunday, you'll get out three times each week."
Bronze Medal for Leif Nordgren in Youth World Championships Pursuit; Currier records 3rd fastest ski time to place 20th
Ruhpolding, Germany, January 27. Leif Nordgren (Marine-on-St. Croix MN), in fourth place just 100 meters from the finish, burst past Lukas Hofer of Italy in the final 10 meters to win the Bronze Medal in the Youth 10K Pursuit competition today at the Youth/Junior Biathlon World Championships.
The Bronze Medal is the first medal won by the US at these Championships since 2002, when the US won two medals in the Junior Women's category, the second medal ever by a US man (Jay Hakkinen Gold in 1997), and the first ever medal for the US in the Youth category.
Nordgren, after collapsing with exhaustion at the finish, got up and asked, "Was I third or fourth?" When the answer was, "third," there was a huge look of relief followed by a broad smile. He questioned the place as he had battled Hofer for the final 2K, before taking the advantage, just before the finish line. Nordgren, with four penalties, finished 1:01.4 behind the winner Ludwig Ehrhart of France, while Hofer with six penalties, was 1:01.8 back
He explained what happened on that final loop, "I left the shooting range just ahead of him (Hofer), and then he pulled ahead by a couple of meters. When we got to the first hill, I tested him a bit and pulled away easily. I knew he did not have much left. I decided to rest (and Hofer passed again). Coming to the finish, I started to go wide to pass and he was forcing me to the left even more. We were so close that our skis touched. Then I just went for the finish line. I could hardly feel my legs as we came off the last bridge. As we approached the finish line, I was doing two things; trying to stay on my feet and keep from losing my breakfast, that's all!"
The 18-ear old Minnesotan started in sixth position, 24 seconds behind the leader today. He maintained his position to the shooting range. Cleaning the firs prone stage, Nordgren moved up to fifth position. In the second prone stage, he recorded one penalty, "A high split," according to Coach Vladimir Cervenka.
He held that position coming into the first standing stage, which was surely to be challenging as the wind was blowing so hard this morning that it blew the shooting mats off the positions. Nordgren missed two targets, but only lost one position. "I came in too hardthat is all," he said, explaining the missed shots. Continuing, he added, "I felt a little sluggish today especially early in the race. I really did not start to push harder until that third loop."
Approaching the final standing stage, Nordgren was almost 30 seconds from the Bronze Medal position. With his fate in his own hands, Nordgren had a single penalty, while those in front of him had five, four, and for Hofer three penalties. Nordgren went to the penalty loop just ahead of Hofer who was on his final loop. They left seconds apart setting up the battle over the final 2K which was won by Nordgren.
As Nordgren changed clothes and waited for the flower ceremony, there was jubilation in the US Team as well as high fives, and even a kiss on the cheek for Nordgren promised by the massage therapist if he won a medal. Coach Cervenka, who felt Nordgren could have won the Sprint yesterday, if he had escaped the rifle problems, could only say, "I feel so relieved!" Nordgren accepted congratulations from his rivals and a big hug from his mother (who got the flower bouquet).
Reflecting on his big day, Nordgren said, "I more than exceeded my expectations today for "World Juniors."
A video with Nordgren on the podium at the flower ceremony and a post race interview follows.
Ludwig Ehrhart of France, the Youth Pursuit winner, had three penalties and a winning time of 33:10.1, Manuel Muller of Germany, also with three penalties finished 37.7 seconds back, with Nordgren in third and Hofer, another four seconds back.
The Junior Men's 12.5K Pursuit followed immediately after Nordgren's big day here in Ruhpolding. With Russell Currier (Stockholm, ME) starting 15th and Wynn Roberts (Battle Lake, MN) 22nd, the US prospects seemed good once again. Nevertheless, the wind continued to play havoc with many of the competitors in the shooting range. In the first stage, Currier picked up three penalties, while Roberts had one. Currier steadied himself in the second stage with one penalty as Roberts picked up two. They had both slipped to the high twenties at this stage. The two then slipped further with three more by Roberts and two by Currier. The chances for moving up were gone by this stage. Despite this, Currier recovered nicely in the final stage, with only one penalty, which combined with aggressive skiing (3rd fastest on the day!) moved him back up to 20th place, with six penalties. Roberts had a disastrous final standing stage, missing all five targets, pushing him back to 38th place with 11 penalties.
Yesterday's Sprint winner Anton Shipulin of Russia ran away with the Pursuit, winning in 39:50.9. Shipulin was the only competitor in the field of 60 to shoot clean! Florian Graf of Germany maintained his second place as in the Sprint, with four penalties, 1:37.2 back, while Victor Vasilyev, also with four penalties, took third, 1:54.4 back.
The weather continued to deteriorate for the afternoon Women's competitions, as the strong wind brought in driving rain. In the Youth Women 7.5K Pursuit, Hilary McNamee (Fort Fairfield, ME) finished 25th, with 10 penalties, 5:28.2 behind Janien Hammerschmidt of Germany. Hammerschmidt had six penalties, finishing in 34:41.1. Second went to Sophie Boilley of France, with four penalties, 20 seconds back. Incredibly, Elise Ringen of Norway finished third with 10 penalties, a mere 27.9 seconds back! Addie Byrne (Bovey, MN), 11:17.6 back, and Grace Boutot (Fort Kent, ME) 11:31.2 back, finished 55th and 57th, with 12 and 11 penalties, respectively.
"It was like doing biathlon in the summer, getting soaked by the rain and beaten up by the wind," was how 25th place Laura Spector (Lenox, MA) described the Junior Women's 10K Pursuit.
The driving rain persisted through the whole competition, won not surprisingly by Magdalena Neuner of Germany, with seven penalties in 37:22. Veronika Vitkova of the Czech Republic finished a distant second, 2:27.4 back with three penalties, while Marie Laure Brunet of France took third, 2:45.7 back with six penalties. Spector, despite seven penalties, was the top US woman, finishing 7:55.3 back. Meagan Toussaint (Madawaska, ME) had just four penalties in 34th place, 9:08.1 back, with Brynden Manbeck (Grand Rapids, MN), in 39th, with seven penalties, 10:49 back.
Monday is a rest/training day for the athletes who will need it after the trying conditions today. Competition resumes with the Individual competitions for the Youth and Junior Men.
Live streaming video coverage of all of the competitions at the Youth and Junior World Championships competitions as well as archived highlights of the World Cup season, is available by clicking the athlete photo at the top of the news column at www.usbiathlon.org.
The website also has an RSS feed, available by clicking the RSS logo on our homepage to get the address and all of the latest biathlon news.
The United States Biathlon Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of biathlon in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Biathlon Union. The US Biathlon Association supports the US Biathlon Team and development of the sport on all levels within the United States.
TD Banknorth is the title sponsor of the US Biathlon Team. Lapua, adidas®, and Exel Ski Poles are supporting sponsors of the US Biathlon Team.
Leif Nordgren Skis to Sixth Place in Youth World Championships Sprints
MWSC Biathletes:
Russell Currier (Stockholm, ME) - 15th place in Jr. Men's race
Laura Spector (Lenox, MA) - 20th place in Jr. Women's race
Meagan Toussaint (Madawaska, ME) - 28th in Jr. Women's race
Hilary McNamee (Ft. Fairfield, ME) - 18th in Youth Women's race
Grace Boutot (Ft. Kent, ME) - 54th in Youth Women's race
Ruhpolding, Germany, January 26. Leif Nordgren (Marine-on-St. Croix MN) led the US Biathlon Team here today with sixth place in the Youth 7.5K Sprint at the Youth/Junior Biathlon World Championships.
Nordgren, who had one penalty in the prone stage, finished a mere 24 seconds behind the winner, Vladimir Alenishenko of Belarus, who won in 22:53.8. The sixth place is an outstanding achievement, based on how the prone stage went for Nordgren. He had trouble bolting the rifle; then ejected the first round which he later had to hand load, resulting in at least 20 seconds of extra range time and the penalty. Coming to the standing stage, nevertheless, he made up time in the next 2.5K. After handily cleaning the standing stage, he was close to the top six. As he approached the final climb on the tough Ruhpolding layout, Coach Vladimir Cervenka told Assistant Coach Gary Colliander, "It is all in your hands! Get him over that hill!" The urging of the staff pushed the 18 year old to a state of exhaustion by the finish, but his skiing gained valuable seconds that pushed him to the sixth place finish.
Well recovered about thirty minutes later, Nordgren was recovered and smiling as he accepted a bouquet of flowers and stood with his rivals in the flower ceremony.
He talked about his day after the flower ceremony, "Coming into the race, I did not know what to expect, because last year, I placed in the fifties (54th in the Sprint). After prone, I knew I was skiing well and still thought that I could have a good race. My standing shooting has been good all week here, so I had a lot of confidence." As for the missed prone shot and the "what could have been," he added, "Misses are a part of biathlon. They just happen."
In a video interview, Nordgren explains his shooting range experience and how he felt handled the Ruhpolding Wall:
Nordgren is the only US competitor in the Youth category to qualify for tomorrow's 10K Pursuit competition. Coach Cervenka commented, as Nordgren left the flower ceremony, "Watch out for Leif in the Pursuit!"
Preston Butler (Marion, MA) just missed the 60-man Pursuit field in 62nd place, with three penalties, 3:06.5 back. He was followed by Ethan Dreissigacker (Morrisville, VT) with four penalties, in 70th place, 3:57.9 back and Raleigh Goessling (Duluth, MN), with six penalties, in 80th place, 4:59.3 back.
Normally, biathlon in Europe starts at rather sane times of the day, late morning, or mid-afternoon, to reach the widest television audience. Additionally, there are usually only one or at the most two competitions per day. The Youth and Junior Biathlon World Championships are the exception. With four categories competing in one day, today's Junior Men's 10K Sprint started at the almost unheard-of hour of 8;50 AM, which meant very early breakfasts with ski preparation and testing beginning well before sunrise.
The US men responded well to the early start and cold minus 7-Celsius temperatures. Russell Currier (Stockholm, ME) recorded his best ever finish, 15th place in these Championships. Well known as a fast skier, Currier's shooting has improved dramatically in recent weeks and today was no exception. He shot with authority in both prone and standing, recording single penalties in each stage. After the prone penalty, he was in the mid-twenties. Leaving standing, he was in 18th position. A fast last loop helped him grab the 15th place, 1:28.6 behind Anton Shipulin of Russia, who shot clean, winning in 24;47.7. Germans Florian Graf, one penalty, and Arnd Peiffer, two penalties finished 12 and 16.7 seconds back, respectively.
At the finish, Currier was on the ground, obviously spent from the effort. He talked about the course, "This course does not particularly suit my style. It was much harder than I thought and took a lot out of me on the last loop."
Finishing 25.1 seconds and seven places behind Currier was Wynn Roberts (Battle Lake, MN). Roberts also had two penalties, although both of his were in standing. Smiling, but disappointed with the two penalties, he said, "I came in a little too fast. Just a few heartbeats slower and I would have hit them." Roberts 22nd place put him 1:53.7 behind the Russian.
Mark Johnson (Grand Rapids, MN) struggled on the shooting range with two prone and three standing penalties to finish 77th, 5:01.6 back.
The Ruhpolding crowds came out for the Junior Women's 7.5K Sprint, as their new "biathlon queen" Magdalena Neuner was competing. After Neuner won three senior World Championships' titles last year at Antholz, it was thought her days in junior level competitions were over. Nevertheless, she was on the start today, for what could be called a 'tune-up" for the big dance in Ostersund in two weeks. The German star did not disappoint her fans, easily winning in 24:38.9, despite two standing penalties. Teammate Susan Konig had a single penalty to finish 41.8 seconds back, while clean-shooting Marine Dusser of France finished a distant third, 1:07.1 back.
Both Laura Spector (Lenox, MA) and Meagan Toussaint (Madawaska, ME) shot well, finishing 20th and 28th, respectively. Spector, 3:04.1 back had only one prone penalty while shooting clean in the standing stage, but took a fall in the final 500 meters that cost her some time and probably two or three places. She explained, "I was coming down the hill and went down face first. It was pretty icy. The girl right in front of me took a harder fall as she went completely off the course. I tried to be aggressive especially on the first loop today, to get a feel for the snow. I try not to be tentative when it is icy, but usually I am."
Toussaint, in 28th place was all smiles at the finish, as she shot clean. "I knew I would have to shoot clean to get a good place. I am definitely cautious when the course is like this." Toussaint caution is tempered by the fact that she took a serious fall last season at these same Championships in Martell, Italy.
Brynden Manbeck (Grand Rapids, MN) had three penalties, finishing 45th, 5:01.9 back. All three US Junior women qualified for tomorrow's 10K Pursuit.
Today's competitions ended with the Youth Women's 6K Sprint, where Hilary McNamee (Fort Fairfield, ME) added another top 20 finish for the US Biathlon Team with 18th place. McNamee, with a single prone penalty and clean standing shooting finished 1:43.6 behind Maren Hammerschmidt of Germany, who shot clean in a 20:21.6 victory. Norwegian Elise Ringen in second, 2.2 seconds stopped a German 1-2 finish by Hammerschmidt and her twin sister Janien, who finished 9.7 seconds back.
As the tracks iced up in many places, the Youth Women had problems staying upright, with approximately 25 falls in the field of 92. McNamee, who did not fall commented, "It was icy in places, but on the big uphill (which was sunny most of the day), it was actually sugary and deep."
Like the winner, Addie Byrne (Bovey, MN) shot clean, while finishing 35th, 2:37.6 back. Grace Boutot (Fort Kent, ME) finished 55th, 4:10.6 back, with one penalty in each stage. Boutot not as lucky as some others, fell twice on the same icy turn. Despite the falls, she qualified for the Pursuit field, as did McNamee and Byrne.
Today was one of the best days that the US Biathlon Team has experienced at these annual Championships, with two top fifteen finishes, highlighted by Nordgren's sixth, and Currier's 15th,as well as McNamee's 18th and Spector's 20th. Additionally, the shooting was world-class with two clean shooting performances and several athletes with only one or two penalties. Coach Colliander summed up the day, "We had a good day, especially on the shooting range."
On Sunday, the Pursuit competitions start at 10 AM CET (4 AM EST) with the Youth Men, followed by the Junior Men at 11 AM, the Youth Women at 1:30 PM and the Junior Women at 2:30 PM.
Live streaming video coverage of all of the competitions at the Youth and Junior World Championships competitions as well as archived highlights of the World Cup season, is available by clicking the athlete photo at the top of the news column at www.usbiathlon.org.
The website also has an RSS feed, available by clicking the RSS logo on our homepage to get the address and all of the latest biathlon news.
The United States Biathlon Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of biathlon in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Biathlon Union. The US Biathlon Association supports the US Biathlon Team and development of the sport on all levels within the United States.
TD Banknorth is the title sponsor of the US Biathlon Team. Lapua, adidas®, and Exel Ski Poles are supporting sponsors of the US Biathlon Team.
10th Mountain Championships
The Maine Winter Sports Center and Maine's chapter of the 10th Mountain Division veterans have jointly hosted the 10th Mountain Championships for Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing each year since 1999. These events are intended to represent the highest level of competition in these two sports for Maine's Juniors (20 and under).
Our priority is to have these Championships held in Aroostook County. If that is not practical, then we will look for a competition statewide that has an appropriately strong field. Finally, if there is no competition in Maine, we will look for the highest level of competition nationally, attended by the strongest field of Maine Juniors.
The 10th Mountain Division suffered the highest casualties of any division during World War II. They were also the most heavily decorated division in the history of the US Army. Following the war, these heroes came home and were the founders of the modern ski industry. They started ski resorts, founded ski magazines and ski companies and made skiing a lifestyle for the past two generations of Americans. The Maine Winter Sports Center aspires to carry on in their tradition in Maine and lay the foundation for the re-emergence of that tradition.
For more info on the Origin of the 10th Mountain Division click here.
Chamberlain Struck with Asthma in Canmore
1.22.2008 - It had all the makings of a breakout day for Maine Winter Sports Center's David Chamberlain, but in the end, disaster struck. Chamberlain had recovered from a difficult U.S. National Championship, and felt that he had regained excellent form just in time to attack the FIS World Cup in Canmore, Alberta. Instead, Chamberlain struggled with an asthma attack.
"I've had this very rarely in the past," Chamberlain said. "But nothing as severe as this and not in the past three seasons."
Chamberlain could tell early on in the race that he was in trouble.
"I just couldn't get a full breath. I was breathing only high up in my chest," he explained.
After hanging on and hoping for improvement through the first 3.75 kilometer lap, Chamberlain began losing time to the lead at an alarming rate. Finally, it just didn't make sense to suffer for the more than 20 kilometers remaining in the race. With Friday's 15km skate race on the horizon, Chamberlain has already put today's race in the past.
In a tactical and tightly bunched pursuit, Russia's Nikolai Pankratov came through with the victory.
Chamberlain Gunning for World Cup Points in Pursuit
1.21.2008 - Canmore, AB - Tomorrow marks the third time since the 1988 Winter Olympic Games that the FIS Cross-Country World Cup has returned to the trails at the Canmore Nordic Center. Racers from across the world are slated to compete in a continuous pursuit format tomorrow, and MWSC's David Chamberlain is ready to rumble. After a difficult U.S. National Championships, Chamberlain came home to Aroostook County to solidify his fitness. If last week's training sessions are any indication, he has not only returned to form, but is ready to match his top performances.
Chamberlain is aiming at scoring World Cup points (finishing amonst the top 30 competitors) in this opening competition. He generally performs best in longer events. And the head to head, mass-start format favors his mental toughness. Training last week was aimed specifically at giving him the ability to start fast and then settle in for the 30km race.
Carrabassett Valley Academy - Scholarships available for high school students for the 2008-09 school year.
Do you have a passion for:
Alpine racing
Mogul skiing
Freeride skiing
Snowboarding
Nordic skiing
Big Mountain skiing or riding
Scholarships to the school that helped Kirsten Clark and Seth Wescott reach Olympic success are available.
For more information about applying to CVA or applying for the scholarships, contact Dawn Smith at 207-237-4466 or dsmith@gocva.com.
The Bill and Joan Alfond Scholarship Fund provides financial aid for qualified CVA students from Aroostook County. Are you the next Alfond Scholar?
MWSC's Haley Johnson and Laura Spector named to Sr. World Championship Team!
Caribou, ME - Haley Johnson (Lake Placid,NY) and Laura Spector (Lenox,MA) were named to the five woman team that will represent the U.S. at the Biathlon World Championships in Ostersund, Sweden February 8-17. Johnson secured her spot this weekend by leading the U.S. Team and placing 12th and 19th at the European Cup in Osrblie, Slovakia. Spector secured her spot last weekend by qualifying as the top Jr. and the second woman overall from the first two NorAm events in December and the European Cup in Langdorf, Germany.
Also qualifying for the Women's Team are Tracy and Lanny Barnes (Durango, CO) and Caitlin Compton (Minneapolis, MN). On the Men's Team will be Tim Burkeand Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, NY), Jay Hakkinen (Kasilof, AK), and Jeremy Teela (Anchorage, AK).
Spector, still competing as a Junior, will take part in the Junior World Championships this month starting January 26th. She will be joined by MWSC teammates Meagan Toussaint (Madawaska, ME), Hilary McNamee (FortFairfield, ME), Grace Boutot (FortKent, ME) and Russell Currier (Stockholm, ME).
Maine's Top Junior Cross Country Skier to be crowned this weekend at Black Mountain
10th Mountain Cross Country Ski Championships will recognize the top 20-and-under skier at this weekend's Eastern Cup at Black Mountain in Rumford, Maine. The top Male and Female skier will each receive a trophy sponsored by the Maine Chapter of the 10th Mountain Division veterans. Their Division was the most highly decorated in the history of the US Army. Many went on to pioneer the foundation of the modern ski industry. Maine veterans include Chummy Broomhall (Skiing legend) and Andre Benoit (legendary Maine businessman and father of Olympian Joan Benoit).
Portland Ski Club to host Pat Cushman Memorial Ski Festival
Celebration of Pat Cushman's love of winter fun planned to include 8 Km Classic Technique Ski Race, Ice Skating, Sliding, Snow Shoeing, Equipment Demo's. There will even be a race for wooden skis! The festival is planned for February 17, 2008 at Riverside Golf Course in Portland. For more information call 207-797-3524.
Langdorf, Germany - Russell Currier scored a top 10 in today's Jr. Men's Sprint Competition hitting 9 of his 10 targets to finish 1:41 behind Arnd Pfeiffer of Germany who cleaned today's race and finished in a time of 26:58. Skiing through the "mashed potato" like conditions Currier's light ski technique matched well with the hilly course and slow conditions; his lone miss came in his standing stage. U.S. Jr. Team members Wynn Roberts (Battle Lake, MN) with 4 misses and Lief Nordgren (Marine on St. Croix, MN) with 2 misses finished 25th and 26th, 3:02 and 3:05 out.
In the Women's Competition, the MWSC's Haley Johnson skied to a 24th place finish today with 3 penalties, 2:25 behind winner Juliane Doll of Germany. Laura Spector (Lenox, MA) placed 40th in a time of 25:38. Spector shot quickly in prone hitting 4 of 5, but struggled in standing missing 3 targets. Lanny Barnes (Durango, CO) was the top American finishing 22nd with 1 penalty, her twin sister Tracy was 33rd with 2 penalties and recent U.S. X-C National Champion Caitlin Compton was 37th with 6 misses.
Currier and Spector now head to the Czech Republic for a few days of training before going to Ruhpolding. The Maine Winter Sports Center's Haley Johnson continues racing next week in Osrblie, Slovakia where she will be joined by teammate Meagan Toussaint (Madawaska, ME).
Pictures: Russell Currier and Laura Spector
Currier leads U.S. Jr. Men's Team; Spector 3rd American!
Langdorf, Germany - Russell Currier (Stockholm, ME) led the U.S. Jr. Men's Team today in his first taste of action overseas this season. Competing in the Individual Currier hit 15 of his 20 targets to place 18th, 5:06 out of first. In the Individual Competition each athlete shoots four bouts of five shots and for each missed shot they are assessed a 1-minute penalty. Currier's teammates Wynn Roberts (Battle Lake, MN) finished 28th with 7 penalties and 7:42 out of first. Lief Nordgren (Marine on St. Croix, MN) finished 43rd with 8 penalties and 9:50 back.
Competing in the Sr. category, MWSC's Laura Spector (Lenox, MA) placed 26th with 5 penalties, 8:06 out of first. Placing ahead of Spector were MWSC alumni Tracy and Lanny Barnes (Durango, CO) placing 15th and 19th with 1 and 2 penalties on the day. Spector's MWSC teammate Haley Johnson placed 36th with 8 penalties, 10:49 out.
Both Spector and Currier along with the rest of the U.S. Jr. Team will compete at the Jr. World Championships in Ruhpolding, Germany starting January 26th.
Tomorrow concludes with the Sprint Competition.
PHOTOS Top: David Chamberlain (far left) passes the lead group in qualifying at the U.S. National Team Sprint. Below left: Chamberlain leaves the tag zone during the finals of yesterday's U.S. National Team Sprint. Below right: David Chamberlain (3rd) coasts behind the lead during qualifying at the U.S. National Team Sprint.
Chamberlain to represent U.S. at World Cup
Houghton, MI - The U.S. Cross-Country Skiing Championships came to a close today with the team sprint events. The event served as the last qualifying event for those hoping to be named to the U.S. squad to the FIS World Cups slated for January 22-27 in Canmore, Alberta. Despite a poor showing here at U.S. Nationals, MWSC's David Chamberlain earned a spot on that U.S. World Cup Team.
Chamberlain entered Nationals ranked 4th on the distance point list, 3rd on the sprint point list and 3rd overall. After the first day of competition, where Chamberlain finished 18th in the 10km skate race, he said that he just didn't feel right. The feeling persisted through the week until today's relay competition--where Chamberlain and XC Oregon's Marshall Greene combined for an 8th place finish. As scoring goes to the top 20 finishers in every competition at U.S. Nationals, that first 18th place turned out to be crucial. Chamberlain earned the last spot on the World Cup squad thanks to the handful of points he scored that first day.
"I'm glad to have made the team," Chamberlain said after the awards ceremony. "It's a surprise and a relief. My season plan has really been aimed at performing well at the Canadian World Cups. I can't explain what happened this week. But I just have to put it behind me and focus on getting the right work done in the next three weeks."
PHOTO: BethAnn Chamberlain chases Kikkan Randall out of the start at the U.S. National Sprint Championships.
BethAnn Chamberlain Paces MWSC at U.S. Sprint Championship
Houghton, MI - Over 420 skiers competed today over a 1.3km skate skiing course for the title of U.S. Cross-Country Ski Sprint Champion. The U.S. Ski Team stars Kikkan Randall and Andy Newell were the favorites, and they showed why today. Both were at the top of the leader board in the qualifying round. And, despite a tumble from Randall in the quarterfinals, both easily outpaced the field in the head to head rounds.
The Maine Winter Sports Center was led today by biathlete BethAnn Chamberlain. In her first U.S. Cross-Country Nationals, Chamberlain showed that she is amongst the very best in the nation with an 11th place finish in qualifying. In the quarterfinal round, Chamberlain faced Randall and Dartmouth College sprinters Ida and Elsa Sargent.
After being boxed out of the start, Chamberlain began to move forward in the six woman pack on the first downhill. Just as she was moving up to fourth place, race leader Randall fell. Chamberlain skidded around her and pushed for the front of the pack. Amazingly, Randall regained the lead after just 300 meters. When Chamberlain moved behind to follow, she was tripped up and fell on the last steep climb. Despite failing to move on, the day was a success.
"Yeah, I've never really done this," Chamberlain said. "It was fun! I wish I got to do more, but I learned a lot."
Other MWSC finishers were: David Chamberlain, 37th, Joey Bard, 104th and Fred Bailey, 145th. U.S. Nationals concludes tomorrow with the Classic Sprint Relay.
PHOTO: Sarah Dominick, competing in the women's 5km skate U.S. National Championship
Tough Start at U.S. Nationals
Houghton, MI - The Maine Winter Sports Center cross-country squad got off to a rocky start at the U.S. National Cross-Country Ski Championships today. In the 10km men's race, David Chamberlain (Caribou) finished a disappointing 18th. The race was won by Russian Ivan Babikov, with U.S. Ski Team members Leif Zimmerman and Kris Freeman taking 2nd and 3rd. Chamberlain was just over 1 minute back of the pace.
Chamberlain currently sits 4th in the U.S. SuperTour distance rankings, but today was simply not his day. Poor skis played a role, but Chamberlain never felt that his body would respond the way that he wanted.
"It just never felt right," Chamberlain said after the race. "But, it's just one day. We've had a lot of good days already this season, and we'll have more this week."
Chamberlain's philosophical outlook was echoed by his teammates, who struggled in different ways today. Fred Bailey (Caribou), hoping for a top 5 finish amongst U23 competitors, crashed on the course and fell short of his goal. Joey Bard (Woodland), competing in the Junior division, started far enough back in the field that a severe snowstorm that picked up mid-way through the field left him slogging through more than three inches of fresh snow.
"I was hammering the whole way," Bard said, "but it didn't feel like I was getting anywhere."
Complete men's results were not available at press time. Check www.itiming.com for full results.
In the women's race, BethAnn Chamberlain (Caribou) led the way for the MWSC squad with a 37th place finish, 1:17 behind the leader. The race was dominated from start to finish by U.S. Biathlon Team member Caitlin Compton. U.S. Ski Team member Liz Stephen placed second, 24 seconds back of Compton, with Swiss skier Karin Carmenish taking 3rd.
Sarah Dominick (Stockholm), the oldest competitor in the field, finished another minute and ten seconds behind Chamberlain, in 10th place.
MWSC Athletes set to compete at US National Cross Country Championships in Houghton, Michigan this week.
Stay tuned for results as we follow the progress of Dave Chamberlain, Fred Bailey, Joey Bard and the rest of the Maine Winter Sports Center's Cross Country team.
MWSC Athlete Fred Bailey highlight in Colby College Article
The lifestyle of the elite U.S. ski racer may conjure up images of Bode Miller living the high life, appearing on magazine covers, defining aprs ski in Aspen.
For a slightly different experience, go to the list of elite ski racers at the Maine Winter Sports Center, one of just a handful of top national training programs for Nordic skiers, and read about Fred Bailey '07.
County Youth Staying Active over Winter Vacation Fort Kent, ME - Maine Winter Sports Center and the 10th Mountain Lodge hosted 16 4th though 8th graders from all over Aroostook County for the annual Youth Overnight Camp, December 27th and 28th. Thursday activities included skate skiing instruction and plenty of games. Favorites were Alaskan baseball and Sharks and Minnows! Students learned to wax their skis, enjoyed a homemade pizza dinner, and watched a movie on the big screen. Friday brought bright sunshine and a few inches of fresh snow.
The group enjoyed a morning of perfect skiing conditions before heading home after a hearty lunch. In two days the kids logged about seven healthy hours on the snow. Way to go!
Second Day of Success for MWSC
2.10.2008 - Saxtons River, VT - After a fantastic day of racing at the Prospect Mountain Eastern Cup, the MWSC XC Team traveled to Vermont Academy for a follow up race in classical technique. Yesterday's victory by Joey Bard had the team's spirits riding high, and the racers rode that spirit to a second day of success.
MWSC Elite Team member Fred Bailey charged the tough trails right from the starting gate, and looked set to earn the squad a second win in as many days. But a late charge from 2002 Olympian Patrick Weaver left Bailey in silver medal positionby far his best race of this season. Yesterday's gold medal boy Joey Bard struggled in the early portions of the race, but stormed back in the second loop to earn 11th. While he was just shy of his goal of a top 10 finish, he was 3rd amongst his age group, and 7th junior racer.
Fort Kent's Nick Michaud earned his second podium of the season, and the weekend, with a solid 3rd place in the J2 men's 5km. Michaud's finish has guaranteed him a spot on the NENSA Junior National Team.
In Bill Koch League action, three Aroostook County boys traveled to the Vermont Academy event to get a preview of the competition for the New England Bill Koch Championships. Jon Rochester, of Presque Isle, proved that he is ready to test his mettle against the best with a 4th place finish in a very tough field. Joel Shay, of Mapleton, earned 6th, and Jesse Rochester placed 20th.
Next up for the MWSC XC Team is the American Birkebeiner, the largest Nordic ski race in North America.
Bard Earns First Career Eastern Cup Victory
2.09.2008 - Woodford, VT - Two weeks can be plenty of time for a turn-around in an athletic career, and Joey Bard, of Woodland, ME, showed just that today. Racing for the Maine Winter Sports Center, Bard earned his first NENSA Eastern Cup victory with a sprint finish in the 10km Mass Start Freestyle at Prospect Mountain. Bard topped a field of more than 90 men, and guaranteed his selection to the New England Junior National Championship squad.
Two short weeks ago, Bard was on the back page of the results list at the NENSA Tour de Rumford 15km Freestyle race. He was left shaking his head and wondering what went wrong. Today, it appears that nothing was wrong but the timing.
"This is just an incredible turnaround for Joey," said MWSC Cross-Country Coach Will Sweetser. "We talked after his races in Rumford, and I emphasized that he had done all of the work to be competitive in this field. He just needed to believe it himself. I guess he showed me today!"
What is most remarkable about Bard's victory is that he still has two seasons left as a Junior competitor.
"I don't know exactly why everything just worked right today," Bard said after the race. "But it sure is sweet when you look up, and the leaders are right there, and you say to yourself, 'you know, you can win this thing.'"
Bard will travel with the NENSA Junior National Team to the USSA Junior National Championships in Anchorage, AK, March 8-15.
In another fine performance, Nick Michaud, of Fort Kent, ME, earned 3rd place among J2 boys (ages 14-15). While three races remain in the season, Michaud looks likely to join Bard on the NENSA Junior National Team.
The first annual Aroostook Women's Ski Day was a great success!
Nearly 100 women participated in raising money for the Battered Women's Project while enjoying a fun day of skiing, eating and relaxing in the lodge at the Nordic Heritage Center. A special thank you to our fabulous volunteers and sponsors: UMPI, F.A. Peabody, York's of Houlton, Katahdin Trust Company, Hayden/Perry UIG Insurance, County Physical Therapy, Alpina Sports and Wilder's Jewelry. We are already looking forward to next year!
PHOTO: Amanda Morin of UMPI leads a classic ski clinic.
Currier Named to World Championship Team
Caribou, Maine- The Maine Winter Sports Center is honored to announce that Russell Currier of Stockholm, Maine has been named to the 2008 United States Biathlon World Championship Team. Currier was named to the team based on his results at World Junior Championships this past week in Ruhpolding, Germany.
This brings the number of current Maine Winter Sports Center athletes and alumni to eight of the ten member team. "All of us involved in the Maine Winter Sports Center, from our trustees to our coaches and staff, are incredibly proud of Russell today," says Andy Shepard, President of Maine Winter Sports Center. "Russell is the first Aroostook County athlete to make it all the way through our programs to a Senior World Championships but he won't be the last."
The World Championships will be held in Ostersund, Sweden, from February 8th through the 17th. For those with a PC computer, live video stream can be seen at the U.S. Biathlon website.
Max Cobb, Executive Director of the US Biathlon Association had this to say, "It's wonderful to see junior athletes on our World Championship Team. Personally, it is very satisfying to see Russell achieve this milestone since I remember the day he began biathlon. The Maine Winter Sports Center program can be very proud of all Russell has accomplished."
Other Maine Winter Sports Center athletes competing are Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY), Lowell Bailey (Saranac, NY), Jeremy Teela (Medway, Utah),Haley Johnson (Lake Placid, NY),Lanny Barnes (Durango, CO), Tracy Barnes (Durango, CO) and Laura Spector (Lenox, MA).
Pat Cushman Memorial Festival Cancelled
The festival, scheduled for February 17th at Riverside in Portland, has been cancelled.
Colby Take Chummy Broomhall Cup — Maine's Collegiate Nordic Ski Championships
Black Mountain (Rumford, Maine) - The Colby College Men's team swept the top three places in the 15K freestyle race on Sunday to power the Mules to Maine's College Championships. Matt Briggs led the Men's team in 38:28, 26 seconds over teammate Nick Kline.
Colby's Kathlene Maynard won the Women's 10K race in a time of 30:24, 61 seconds over Bates freshman Ingrid Knowles.
The Championships showcased the depth of Maine college skiing, with the three establish NCAA programs Colby, Bates and Bowdoin all posting strong scores. The new programs at University of Maine at Presque Isle and Orono also showed strength.
The Chummy Broomhall Cup recognizes the Rumford native, who has been a force in cross country skiing, internationally, for over 60 years. Chummy is a two time Olympian, organized the 1950 Cross Country World Championships as well as hundreds of other events over the years, including countless national cross country, jumping and biathlon championships, NCAA championships and regional and State championships. He is also responsible for introducing machine grooming to the ski industry as the Chief of Course during the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics.
Owen Wells, the President of the Libra Foundation, which is the primary funding source for the Maine Winter Sports Center, helped Chummy present the championship trophy to the Colby Team.
Sign up for our e-newsletter and email list: 
This second week will include three time trials on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. They will act as a measurement for both the athletes and staff to assess each athletes progression. For the women, these races will help select the final two spot for the December World Cup Team. New this year will be the use of matched skis. Each athlete will race on the same brand of skis that will have been run through a speed trap to make sure they are all within a similar speed.
He explained what happened on that final loop, "I left the shooting range just ahead of him (Hofer), and then he pulled ahead by a couple of meters. When we got to the first hill, I tested him a bit and pulled away easily. I knew he did not have much left. I decided to rest (and Hofer passed again). Coming to the finish, I started to go wide to pass and he was forcing me to the left even more. We were so close that our skis touched. Then I just went for the finish line. I could hardly feel my legs as we came off the last bridge. As we approached the finish line, I was doing two things; trying to stay on my feet and keep from losing my breakfast, that's all!"
The 18-ear old Minnesotan started in sixth position, 24 seconds behind the leader today. He maintained his position to the shooting range. Cleaning the firs prone stage, Nordgren moved up to fifth position. In the second prone stage, he recorded one penalty, "A high split," according to Coach Vladimir Cervenka.
As Nordgren changed clothes and waited for the flower ceremony, there was jubilation in the US Team as well as high fives, and even a kiss on the cheek for Nordgren promised by the massage therapist if he won a medal. Coach Cervenka, who felt Nordgren could have won the Sprint yesterday, if he had escaped the rifle problems, could only say, "I feel so relieved!" Nordgren accepted congratulations from his rivals and a big hug from his mother (who got the flower bouquet).
The Junior Men's 12.5K Pursuit followed immediately after Nordgren's big day here in Ruhpolding. With Russell Currier (Stockholm, ME) starting 15th and Wynn Roberts (Battle Lake, MN) 22nd, the US prospects seemed good once again. Nevertheless, the wind continued to play havoc with many of the competitors in the shooting range. In the first stage, Currier picked up three penalties, while Roberts had one. Currier steadied himself in the second stage with one penalty as Roberts picked up two. They had both slipped to the high twenties at this stage. The two then slipped further with three more by Roberts and two by Currier. The chances for moving up were gone by this stage. Despite this, Currier recovered nicely in the final stage, with only one penalty, which combined with aggressive skiing (3rd fastest on the day!) moved him back up to 20th place, with six penalties. Roberts had a disastrous final standing stage, missing all five targets, pushing him back to 38th place with 11 penalties.
Yesterday's Sprint winner Anton Shipulin of Russia ran away with the Pursuit, winning in 39:50.9. Shipulin was the only competitor in the field of 60 to shoot clean! Florian Graf of Germany maintained his second place as in the Sprint, with four penalties, 1:37.2 back, while Victor Vasilyev, also with four penalties, took third, 1:54.4 back.
At the finish, Currier was on the ground, obviously spent from the effort. He talked about the course, "This course does not particularly suit my style. It was much harder than I thought and took a lot out of me on the last loop."
Mark Johnson (Grand Rapids, MN) struggled on the shooting range with two prone and three standing penalties to finish 77th, 5:01.6 back.
The Ruhpolding crowds came out for the Junior Women's 7.5K Sprint, as their new "biathlon queen" Magdalena Neuner was competing. After Neuner won three senior World Championships' titles last year at Antholz, it was thought her days in junior level competitions were over. Nevertheless, she was on the start today, for what could be called a 'tune-up" for the big dance in Ostersund in two weeks. The German star did not disappoint her fans, easily winning in 24:38.9, despite two standing penalties. Teammate Susan Konig had a single penalty to finish 41.8 seconds back, while clean-shooting Marine Dusser of France finished a distant third, 1:07.1 back.
Toussaint, in 28th place was all smiles at the finish, as she shot clean. "I knew I would have to shoot clean to get a good place. I am definitely cautious when the course is like this." Toussaint caution is tempered by the fact that she took a serious fall last season at these same Championships in Martell, Italy.
Brynden Manbeck (Grand Rapids, MN) had three penalties, finishing 45th, 5:01.9 back. All three US Junior women qualified for tomorrow's 10K Pursuit.
Today's competitions ended with the Youth Women's 6K Sprint, where Hilary McNamee (Fort Fairfield, ME) added another top 20 finish for the US Biathlon Team with 18th place. McNamee, with a single prone penalty and clean standing shooting finished 1:43.6 behind Maren Hammerschmidt of Germany, who shot clean in a 20:21.6 victory. Norwegian Elise Ringen in second, 2.2 seconds stopped a German 1-2 finish by Hammerschmidt and her twin sister Janien, who finished 9.7 seconds back.
As the tracks iced up in many places, the Youth Women had problems staying upright, with approximately 25 falls in the field of 92. McNamee, who did not fall commented, "It was icy in places, but on the big uphill (which was sunny most of the day), it was actually sugary and deep."
Like the winner, Addie Byrne (Bovey, MN) shot clean, while finishing 35th, 2:37.6 back. Grace Boutot (Fort Kent, ME) finished 55th, 4:10.6 back, with one penalty in each stage. Boutot not as lucky as some others, fell twice on the same icy turn. Despite the falls, she qualified for the Pursuit field, as did McNamee and Byrne.
Today was one of the best days that the US Biathlon Team has experienced at these annual Championships, with two top fifteen finishes, highlighted by Nordgren's sixth, and Currier's 15th,as well as McNamee's 18th and Spector's 20th. Additionally, the shooting was world-class with two clean shooting performances and several athletes with only one or two penalties. Coach Colliander summed up the day, "We had a good day, especially on the shooting range."
On Sunday, the Pursuit competitions start at 10 AM CET (4 AM EST) with the Youth Men, followed by the Junior Men at 11 AM, the Youth Women at 1:30 PM and the Junior Women at 2:30 PM.
Live streaming video coverage of all of the competitions at the Youth and Junior World Championships competitions as well as archived highlights of the World Cup season, is available by clicking the athlete photo at the top of the news column at www.usbiathlon.org.
The website also has an RSS feed, available by clicking the RSS logo on our homepage to get the address and all of the latest biathlon news.
The United States Biathlon Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of biathlon in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Biathlon Union. The US Biathlon Association supports the US Biathlon Team and development of the sport on all levels within the United States.
TD Banknorth is the title sponsor of the US Biathlon Team. Lapua, adidas®, and Exel Ski Poles are supporting sponsors of the US Biathlon Team.
Pictures: Russell Currier and Laura Spector
Both Spector and Currier along with the rest of the U.S. Jr. Team will compete at the Jr. World Championships in Ruhpolding, Germany starting January 26th.
PHOTOS
Chamberlain entered Nationals ranked 4th on the distance point list, 3rd on the sprint point list and 3rd overall. After the first day of competition, where Chamberlain finished 18th in the 10km skate race, he said that he just didn't feel right. The feeling persisted through the week until today's relay competition--where Chamberlain and XC Oregon's Marshall Greene combined for an 8th place finish. As scoring goes to the top 20 finishers in every competition at U.S. Nationals, that first 18th place turned out to be crucial. Chamberlain earned the last spot on the World Cup squad thanks to the handful of points he scored that first day.
"I'm glad to have made the team," Chamberlain said after the awards ceremony. "It's a surprise and a relief. My season plan has really been aimed at performing well at the Canadian World Cups. I can't explain what happened this week. But I just have to put it behind me and focus on getting the right work done in the next three weeks."
PHOTO: BethAnn Chamberlain chases Kikkan Randall out of the start at the U.S. National Sprint Championships.
PHOTO: Sarah Dominick, competing in the women's 5km skate U.S. National Championship
The group enjoyed a morning of perfect skiing conditions before heading home after a hearty lunch. In two days the kids logged about seven healthy hours on the snow. Way to go!
The Chummy Broomhall Cup recognizes the Rumford native, who has been a force in cross country skiing, internationally, for over 60 years. Chummy is a two time Olympian, organized the 1950 Cross Country World Championships as well as hundreds of other events over the years, including countless national cross country, jumping and biathlon championships, NCAA championships and regional and State championships. He is also responsible for introducing machine grooming to the ski industry as the Chief of Course during the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics.