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.
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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.
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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
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!
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U.S. Distance Nationals a Foreign Affair3.28.2008 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.
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Burke Wins 20K Individual at Canadian NationalsWhistler 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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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JOHN FARRA NAMED NORDIC DIRECTOR OF THE US SKI TEAMFarra 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.
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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.
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Junior Olympic Wrap-upAnchorage, 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 OlympicsAnchorage, 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.
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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.
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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.
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Maine Biathlon Championships CancelledThis 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.
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 AlaskaCaribou, 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
Click here to view the 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."
Click here to view the video
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.
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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.
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Bard Earns First Career Eastern Cup Victory2.09.2008 - 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.
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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 TeamCaribou, 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.
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Pat Cushman Memorial Festival Cancelled
The festival, scheduled for February 17th at Riverside in Portland, has been cancelled.
The festival, scheduled for February 17th at Riverside in Portland, has been cancelled.
Colby Take Chummy Broomhall Cup — Maine's Collegiate Nordic Ski ChampionshipsBlack 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.
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Bronze Medal for Leif Nordgren in Youth World Championships Pursuit; Currier records 3rd fastest ski time to place 20thRuhpolding, 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
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Leif Nordgren Skis to Sixth Place in Youth World Championships SprintsRuhpolding, 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.
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