Ski Camp Return

The campers were 60 miles north of Bangor at 3:23.  It looks like that is 2.5 hours from Desert Rd, so parents should plan on a 6:00 pick-up.  This will be the last time update posted, so apologies if anything changes between now and then that delays the return.

Race suits will be handed out today at Desert Rd (thank you Lisa!), so don't leave until your skier has their new race suit.

Be sure to read the post below this one with information about this Saturday's Telstar race - just two days away.

Happy New Year!

Telstar race this Saturday - January 2

Surprisingly, the Telstar race in Bethel  (at the Telstar High School) is on for Saturday.  They received sufficient snow such that, along with some well placed shoveling, they can hold a race this week.  This race is a 3K skate race with the first race starting at 11:00.  Some of our skiers will participate in the relay portion of the event, while others will ski in the individual section.  We will have a van (or

Report from up north

I spoke with Sarah Pierce in Fort Kent today and she reports the skiing is great and everyone is having a good time.  It sounds like it was well worth the trip to travel to the snow.

I will post a notice on the blog tomorrow afternoon with our best guess for arrival time back to Desert Rd.

Safe and sound up north

Letting everyone know the campers arrived safely in Fort Kent, skied this afternoon, and are nicely settled into their new home.  Enjoy the snow!

Ski Camp Weather Update

In case you haven't been keeping track of the weather, conditions look terrific for ski camp.  While Fort Kent did have warm temps and a little rain the past couple days, earlier this week they received 3-5 inches of new snow and the forecast says they are expecting 5-8 inches of snow on Sunday and another 5-8 on Tuesday - hurray!  It looks Fort Kent will be the perfect place to be!

Ski Camp 2015 - Info and Packing List

SKI CAMP 2015 - Note from John, Camp Info and Packing List ...

The school has a new name and a new class of freshman who are bringing lots of energy to the Maine Coast Waldorf Nordic Team.  Our fall block of training has been an extended dryland session compared to the last few winters. This type of training has many benefits and keeps everyone hungry for the real thing - on SNOW.  The ski camp in Fort Kent should provide the skiing everyone has been looking forward to.  The trails in Fort Kent are world class and they have hosted World Cup Biathlon competitions, as well as regional XC events.  A portion of the trail system is lighted so we will have plenty of opportunity to ski into the afternoon.  A check of the forecast indicates that snow is likely Sunday and a cool down is expected next week.

click on the "Read more >>" button below to open up the rest of this post

Ski Camp

Update - Fort Kent ... Here we come!!!

We have secured lodging at the Overlook Motel and Cabins in Eagle Lake, about a 15 minute drive from the nordic center in Fort Kent.  More details will follow shortly, with info about what to bring, when we'll be leaving, etc., so stay tuned.  For now, know that the team will be leaving early Monday morning and returning late in the day on Thursday.

Thanks to everyone for their patience as we figured this out.

Team fee

The team fee for this ski season has been set at $225 (same as last year).  Those skiers getting a family pass will be charged $180.  Team fees will be billed by the business office.

Please let Susan know if you have any questions about the fee.  If paying this team fee is difficult for your family, please talk to Susan.

Wax Clinic

Thursday, December 17 - 6:30-8:00 at the Pineland Outdoor Center.  There will be a Swix rep on hand for waxing demos, questions, etc.

Pineland Pass Forms

We still are awaiting Pineland pass forms from many skiers.  Please bring your completed pass application form tomorrow -OR- tell Susan if your family will be getting a family pass.

If your family will be getting a family pass, your ski team fee will be reduced by $45.  Information on family passes can be found here:
http://www.pinelandfarms.org/outdoor-recreation/skiing.html
Once you go to this page, move your cursor over the lower right area titled Skiing and Snowshoeing (under the photos), then scroll within that area.  There you will see information and pricing for day passes and season passes, which may help you decide whether your family might be interested in a family pass.

In case you misplaced your paper copy of the Pineland pass form, here is a link to find it again:
http://www.pinelandfarms.org/pdf/pineland-farms-season-pass-application2015-2016.pdf

Ski Camp and Start of Season

The dates and location for Ski Camp have been set.  Ski Camp will be at Rangeley and will take place on Monday, December 28 through Thursday, December 31.  Lodging will be at the Pierce condo at Saddleback.

Anyone interested in Ski Camp needs to tell Susan by Wednesday, December 2 that they wish to attend.

Also, ski practice begins when we return from Thanksgiving break on Monday, November 30.

L.L. Bean Nordic Night

L.L. Bean is hosting a Nordic Night this Thursday from 4-8pm at the Ski and Bike store in Freeport.  Their invitation reads:

"...Learn from expert-led clinics on the hour, including: Ski Waxing with Bruce Diehl from Swix, Strength Training with Joel Hinshaw (Freeport HS Coach and Bean Wellness Specialist), and Advanced Skiing Techniques with ski coach Michael Yeo."

Ski Info Letter Sent Home

A (large) note was sent to interested ski families on 11/4 with lots of information about the upcoming ski season.  If you are interested in the ski team and didn't receive this note, let Susan know asap.

Welcome!

If you are reading this post - WELCOME - you've found your way to Maine Coast Waldorf School's nordic team blog, formally Merriconeag!

It's still early, but folks are already thinking about the upcoming ski season.  There are many ski swaps taking place in the next couple months.  For a complete listing, *Click HERE for ski swaps*

Not much else is happening yet, but there are a few dates to note for the upcoming season ...

First practice - Monday, November 30th

States - Thursday and Friday, February 18th and 19th, at Black Mountain in Rumford.

End of season gathering - Monday, March 7 at 7:00 pm

Also, we hope to again have a Christmas Camp.  Details and dates will be forthcoming in November.

Merriconeag skiers in the news!

Hot off the presses ... Today we learned that four of our nordic skiers were named to the Maine Sunday Telegram's All-State Team!  They are Fiona Ahearne, Samantha Pierce, Forrest McCurdy and Tucker Pierce.  And to really cap off the season in the best way, our own John Tarling was named Girls' Ski Coach of the Year.  See the articles HERE and HERE for more information.  Wonderful news and congrats to all!

Also, Samantha Pierce and Fiona Ahearne were recently featured on mainehighschoolskiing.  Click on the links below to see their articles.
Samantha on mainehighschoolskiing
Fiona on mainehighschoolskiing

U16 Championships

This past weekend four of our skiers headed to Fort Kent as part of the Maine U16 Nordic team.  Congratulations to Olivia Skillings, Eli Gundersen, Nick Neveu and Tucker Pierce for being part of this elite group of skiers.  Cheers to Olivia (1st Maine girl in skate) and Tucker (1st Maine boy in skate, classic and sprint) for being part of the 3rd place relay team in the final event on Sunday.  Hats off to all our skiers - the Maine team placed second overall for the weekend championship!

End of Season

The team aspect of the high school nordic season is officially over.  Passes are still good at Pineland and there is still lots of snow, so everyone can keep skiing!

Late van service has ended for the season, so skiers will need to find their own transportation home.

Congrats and thanks to all for a great, fun season!

U16/EHS Qualifier Race Info

Race times tomorrow are:

5K Classical, individual start   10:00am Men 11:30am Women

5K Freestyle, pursuit start 2:00pm Men 3:00pm Women

***Bring a check in case you qualify for and intend on going to a championship weekend***

Some kids may qualify for both the U16 and EHS championships.  Those skiers will need to decide whether to attend one of both of these championship weekends.  Attending both means paying fees for both ($275 and $300).

Season notes from John

It was a memorable trip to Presque Isle for the 2015 State Class C Nordic Ski Championships. Thank you to the school and parents who have stepped up to support the team.  Due to the extreme weather, we ended up spending more time in PI than expected and likely stressed the budget.  I know the team is grateful and realize their efforts and successes have a solid foundation.

Ski Team Party

~ Updated Monday, February 23 ~

We have much to celebrate, so a reminder that we have a party coming up!

When:  Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Community Hall.
Why:    It's been a great ski season!
Food:
      We originally asked for folks to bring a dessert to share, but the new plan is that cake will be provided for all.  For the sake of diversity, if anyone wants to bring another dessert to share (maybe something gluten-free?), please do.
       Lemonade and tea will also be provided.

All you really need to bring is yourself!

See everyone on Thursday!

U16/EHS Qualifier Info

First, remember we are having a team party this coming Thursday, February 26 (see post below).

This coming Saturday, February 28, the race at Black Mt in Rumford counts as the U16 and Eastern High School qualifying event.  Kids can also ski this as just another race, without intending on qualifying for the U16/EHS events.

First, a little info about what these qualifier races mean, followed by some specific details about these races.

U16 means kids born in 1999 or 2000.  The races this Saturday will determine who will be on the U16 Maine team, and will then attend the U16 Championships March 13-15 in Fort Kent.  The 21 fastest U16 boy skiers and 21 fastest U16 girl skiers (based on afternoon pursuit finish) will be eligible to make this team (and then 22, 23, etc. if any of the original 21 decline).  Skiers that make this team (and want to attend the championship weekend) will need to have a check THIS SATURDAY for $275 to pay for the cost of the championship weekend.  There is also the option to purchase a Maine team jacket for an additional $100 (payable this Saturday).  Know that the $275 includes everything (food, lodging, transportation) while in Fort Kent, but does not include transportation TO Fort Kent.  Click on this link to see more info about the U16 Maine team: U16 Maine Team Info

Eastern High Schools is a similar event to U16s and is for any high school skier regardless of age.  The races this Saturday will determine who will be on the EHS Maine team, and will then attend the EHS Championships March 20-22 at Black Mt in Rumford.  The 24 fastest boy skiers and 24 fastest girl skiers (based on afternoon pursuit finish) will be eligible to make this team (and then 25, 26, etc. if any of the original 24 decline).  Skiers that make this team (and want to attend the championship weekend) will need to have a check THIS SATURDAY for $300 to pay for the cost of the championship weekend.  There is also the option to purchase a Maine team jacket for an additional $100 (payable this Saturday as well).

Both these championship weekends (U16 and EHS) involve teams from all over New England, with each state having their own teams of 21 or 24 girl and boy skiers, with each team trying to secure the overall championship.  Though not cheap, they are very fun for the kids attending.

Saturday Race Info:
On Saturday there will be two races, and everybody skis in both.

5K Classical, individual start 10:00am Men 11:30am Women

5K Freestyle, pursuit start 2:00pm Men 3:00pm Women

Registration:
This year there is an online registration for skiers (see link below).  Everyone (even kids skiing these as just another race, not as a qualifier) intending in skiing in these races must do two things:

• Complete the online registration (Click here for skier registration) - be sure to put Merriconeag in School/Club when registering.
• Tell Susan (email or in person) by Friday morning that you will be racing.  We will then send in one Merriconeag list of racers.

When you are filling out the online registration, you are asked to specify what you are qualifying for (U16, EHS, both, none), so that's how they know what to consider each skier for.  Online registration is live until 10:00 pm on Friday, February 27.

Transportation:

We will be taking a van to this race.  Anyone wanting a ride on the van must tell Susan by Friday at 5:00 pm.  Do not count on a ride unless you have connected and confirmed with Susan.

The van will leave early, exact time TBD, but probably around 6:30.  Skiers finding their own transportation should plan on arriving at Black Mt.:

8:00 - boys

9:30 - girls

Cost:

There is a fee of $16 for these Saturday races, which will be covered by the school.  We will bring a check on race day to cover cost for all our racers.

Race Day:

It will be very crowded at Black Mt., so be considerate of others with your gear in the lodge.  When you are not in the lodge, stash ALL your gear in the cubbies or corners of the floor.  Do not leave your things taking up space on tables or chairs, as tables/chairs should be available for others to use when you are not there.  You may also use use the first floor of the wax building.

A last note:
While not mandatory, everyone is welcome and encouraged to ski in these races on Saturday, whether or not you have interest in the qualifiers.  Most of the team was planning on skiing in the Sassi race, and since this is the Sassi replacement, come on out for a last race together!

Some kids may qualify for both the U16 and EHS championships.  Those skiers will need to decide whether to attend one of both of these championship weekends.  Attending both means paying fees for both ($275 and $300).

Final Results from States in Presque Isle

Just returned home (9:00 pm!) from a full day (and evening) of skiing, racing and awards.  Merriconeag boys and girls BOTH took first place team awards for Class C and, in a real bonus, the Merriconeag boys and girls were both awarded the Good Sportsmanship Award for Class C.

More info later, dinner first!

Congrats to all the skiers, coaches, parents and support crew, at home and on the road!

Results from Presque Isle!

Check the Race Results tab to see what happened in Presque Isle today.  It was very cold and VERY windy, but everyone was a good sport and survived the elements!  Looking forward to tomorrow :-)

ALSO NOTE: Tuesday's race times have been to 4:30 - BOYS and 5:30 - GIRLS.  Everyone will be skiing under the lights!

We're here!

Mission accomplished - we all made it safe and sound to Presque Isle and beat the snow.  We had dry roads the entire trip and it is just now beginning to snow.  Everyone is happily hunkered down in our new home :-)

Saturday update

We are still on for leaving at 1:30 today.  The post below titled "States-Presque Isle Info" was updated today with a couple things added, so be sure to read that entire post prior to leaving (especially What to Bring and Electronics info).

Nordic team leaving on Saturday

It looks like the weather gods have decided that Presque Isle needs us on Saturday instead of Sunday.  Saturday night and Sunday are expecting heavy snow and blizzard conditions, with over a foot of snow on our travel route.  We will now be leaving on Saturday, February 14 at 1:30 from Desert Rd.  This should put us in Presque Isle by dinnertime, keeping us ahead of the snow as we travel.

We are expecting that all skiers will be riding on the vans with the team, unless they or their parents tell me otherwise.  Skiers are welcome to ride up with their family if they prefer, but they must arrive by Monday morning and also must let Susan know their plans.  We will also need to arrange a way to connect in Presque Isle.  As of now, we are expecting all 19 skiers to ride the van.

Obviously, there is no longer a need to come dressed for skiing or to keep your classic gear handy.  The blog post (below) with packing info has been updated, so be sure to check that again.

See you all Saturday at 1:30 and thanks for your flexibility.

States-Presque Isle Info

Updated Saturday, 2/14.  Prior to leaving on today, please reread the What to Bring and the Electronics note.

Be sure to read posts below this one, as there has been much information posted lately.

Now, on to business - Here’s everything to know about the upcoming trip to Presque Isle for States.  If you still have questions after reading this, contact Susan.

Races:

Monday, February 16 - Classic Race
Boys Start - 2:30 PM
Girls Start - 4:00 PM

Tuesday, February 17 - Skate Race
Boys Start - 2:30 PM
Girls Start - 4:00 PM
Awards to follow

Transportation:
We are taking two vans and one car to Presque Isle and are expecting that all skiers will ride with the team.  If anyone is getting their own ride, you must let Susan know by Friday.

Leaving – Arrive at Desert Rd by 1:30 on Saturday, February 14.

Season notes from John

From John …

This ski season has been very memorable on many levels -- our team of twenty is the largest group I can recall, and the conditions have ranged from very limited snow to as much snow as we have seen locally in decades. Although we have lost a few practice days due to snow days, we were able to contest the scheduled WMC races (except the relay race at Starks Hill). As noted, we will still get to do the Sassi race on 2-28-15 (two races now – classic followed by a skate pursuit), and this race will now serve as a qualifier for both the NE U16 Championships and the Eastern High School Championships.

I am feeling good about all the hard work put in by the whole team through the year. Despite a number of injury and illness issues that have affected many, everyone has stayed focused on getting healthy and ready to compete.

A number of individual and team performances have highlighted our season as the team gets ready for the Class C Championships next week in Presque Isle. For the Girls’ team the results have been very strong and noteworthy - Samantha and Fiona A have been among the leaders in the WMC all year. Sam won the first WMC CL race and, despite working through a nagging injury, managed to finish the season with a strong performance at the WMC championship pursuit, leading the girls team to a very impressive tie for first with an exceptionally deep and strong Yarmouth team. Fiona A skied a very strong FS race in the WMC final with a season best 2nd place finish. Olivia and Louise had very solid freshman year results. Olivia started the year with a very impressive third place in the opening WMC race and was solid all year - she saved one of her best results for the WMC FS Pursuit finishing six. Louise was consistently the girls fourth skier earning valuable points, she also managed to edge a Falmouth skier in the WMC FS Pursuit by less then a second to secure the tie for first. Our other two Fionas also had solid years, FL and FCD both were dealing with injury all year but managed to make the start line in most races and added needed depth for the girls. Ava joined the team after the break and managed a very solid top 30+ race in her only start before cutting the season short, hopefully she will be recovered next season. Emma and Calla also were struggling with injury or illness much of the year but did manage to get in a number of starts, Calla actually only missed one start but did ski while not being 100% for much of the year. Like Ava, lets hope these two are back next year healthy and ready.

The boys also have had strong results thus far, ending the WMC Championships in a tie with Freeport for first. This team is the strongest and deepest team I have been around at Merriconeag. Despite missing two of our top skiers they still managed to tie for first at the WMC pursuit FS- this speaks to the depth and quality on the boys team. Our Captain Graham has been unable to compete most of the year due to a back issue, however he has stepped up and provided needed wax help and organizing at the races he was not racing. Forrest, Tucker and Zach have lead the team all year - Forrest has managed no less than a second in the races contested,Tucker did not miss a race and managed to finish first in the WMC pursuit FS to help the boys tie for first. Zach has made great strides in his high school career and may have had his best finish when it counted, passing a group of Freeport skiers at the line to help secure the result at the WMC final. Nick and Eli were very important contributors as freshman, scoring valuable points. Lars is finishing a solid high school experience by skiing at his best at the end, his 13th place CL race at WMC championships was one of his best races, and by holding back a skier in the pursuit by less than a second secured the tie for first. Dylan started the year with a top 13 place and was consistent all year, Davis and Thomas also provided the added depth that made the boys team so strong, on most teams they would be lead skiers but I am sure their time will come. Our exchange student from Germany has been a great addition to the team as well, working hard all year. Jannis is clearly a good athlete and alpine skier, still, jumping into a nordic race while learning to ski is very impressive. It was great seeing him get comfortable skiing nordic,I hope he gets to continue when he returns home.

Presque Isle – here we come!!!

Save the date!

The end-of-season nordic team party will be Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 PM in the Community Hall.  See everyone there!

U16/EHS/Extending the seaosn

Usually the ski season ends once the States races are complete.  Each year a few skiers extend their season by participating in the U16 or Eastern High School qualifiers and subsequent weekend festivals, but they do so as individuals.  Because the original U16 qualifier (Sassi) was cancelled this year, John Tarling will continue to work with the team (thank you John!!!) up through Saturday, February 28, the day of the combined U16 and Eastern High School qualifying race at Black Mt in Rumford.  For skiers intending on skiing in the February 28 race, there will be afterschool practice the week after February vacation (along with a late van) and John will be available to wax for Merriconeag skiers on race day.  As the date gets closer, we will need to know which skiers intend on extending their season for this race.

Here's a little more info about this qualifier race.  Nothing unexpected for the older kids, but news for the U16s ...

The U16 kids will ski in the same races as the older Eastern High School kids, so they'll do the 5k classic in the morning and the 5k freestyle pursuit in the afternoon.  They will pull the results apart by age-class after the race.  This will allow the U16 skiers the opportunity to qualify for both the U16 Championship Team and Eastern High School Team simultaneously and will also allow the organizers to pick a more balanced team by testing both their skate and classic ability.

Rides on Saturday

If you need a ride to Fryeburg on Saturday, you must let Susan know by 5:00 PM on Friday.  If you are driving yourself or with your family, boys should arrive by 9:00, girls by 9:30.  The van leaves at 7:30.

New U16 and EHSQ race dates

Just posted ...
The U16 qualifier race AND the Eastern High School qualifier race will be combined and will take place on Saturday, February 28 at Black Mt.  More info as it comes out ...

Looking ahead to Saturday at Stark's Hill in Fryeburg

The second leg of the WMC Championship will take place this Saturday, February 7 at Stark's Hill in Fryeburg.  The boys race is at 10:00 and the girls race at 11:00.

Transportation:
We will take a van to Fryeburg, departing Desert Rd at 7:30, returning around 2:30.  Anyone wanting a ride on the van must tell Susan by Friday at 5:00 PM.

As everyone hopefully knows by now, Stark's has porta-potties but no indoor facilities.  Skiers and spectators should come well prepared for spending 4 hours outside, bringing warm clothes, water and food.  Folks that want to sit may want to bring a foldable chair.

Today's news re: Sassi

Updated at 2:45 PM ~

See post below re: new start times for tomorrow's Sassi race.

Transportation:
We will have a van departing Desert Rd at 7:45 AM.  If you want a seat on this van, you must let Susan know by 5:00 PM today.  If you haven't touched base with Susan about a ride, do not count on a seat on the van.

Skiers driving themselves or getting a ride with their family should be at Black Mountain 2 hours before their start time.  When you arrive, look for John in the wax building.  Start times can be found here under Sassi Memorial Start Lists and Course Map:
http://mainehighschoolskiing.com/

There may still be snowy roads for travel tomorrow.  Any skier (or their parent) that is not comfortable traveling on the van in the snowy weather is welcome to ride with their parents or to not attend the race at all.  If you are scheduled to race and want to scratch, let Susan know as soon as you know.

Tomorrow is expected to be cold and windy, so be sure to dress for the cold.  Extra layers under the race suit are a good idea, as well as face and eye protection.

Indoor spaces will be very crowded at Black Mountain tomorrow, as this is a huge race and a cold day.  Remember there is also indoor space on the first floor of the wax building.  Any time you are NOT inside at a table (either in the main lodge or the wax building), move your gear to a cubby or tucked away on the floor.  We cannot keep our gear on a table or otherwise in the way, as other people will need to use the table and space when you are outside.  Black Mountain thanks you for this.

Enjoy the snow day!

Sassi Info

Start times for Saturday's Sassi race have been pushed back.  Race times are now:

12:00noon U16 Boys

12:45pm Men

2:00pm U16 Girls

2:45pm Women

We plan on taking one, possibly two vans to the race, and will leave Desert Rd between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. (exact time TBD on Friday, based on weather).  Any skiers wanting a ride on the van must email Susan by Friday at 5:00 p.m.

Any skier (or their parents) that is not comfortable traveling on the van in the snowy weather is welcome to ride with their parents or to not attend the race at all.  If you are scheduled to race and want to scratch, be sure to let Susan know as soon as you know.

Most transportation and race info will be posted as we have it.

Race at Libby Hill today

Sorry for the late hour in confirming plans for today.  We were waiting for confirmation about the race and for info about tonight's play.

The race is on as originally scheduled - boys race at 3:30, girls race at 4:00.  Everyone should plan on being at Libby Hill at 2:30.  Mr. Barham may be in touch directly with certain 9th and 10th graders if he wants them at the Community Hall before 6:00 call.

Susan will be driving one van from Desert Rd to the race, leaving Desert Rd at 1:55.  It is our hope that some parents will be driving kids to the race and that we won't need more than one van.  If you want a ride on this van to the race, you must email Susan by 1:00 today.

Susan will also be driving the van back to Desert Rd as soon as the races finish.  We have 6 students that let us know previously that they want a ride on this van.  These are: Davis, Fiona L, Emma, Calla, Ava, Fides.  If you are one of these 6 and no longer want a ride, email Susan asap.  If you are not one of these 6 and now want a ride, email Susan by 1:00 today.  Also, if you are riding the van back to Desert Rd, be ready to go immediately after the race is done.  We need leave promptly.

We are still planning on providing pizza and salad for dinner for those skiers that placed orders.  If any plans have changed about that (you previously ordered pizza but no longer want it -or- you didn't order earlier and now want pizza), email Susan by 1:00 today.

So, you may have gathered that Susan needs to know everything about transportation and pizza by 1:00 today :-)  Otherwise, we'll see everyone at Libby Hill at 2:30!  Thank you all for your patience and flexibility in waiting for all the info to be known.

January 28 skate race at Libby Hill

Happy snowy day!

So far it looks like our race is on for tomorrow.  GNG will be working hard to get the course ready for the race Wednesday.  Check the Wax Info tab for, you guessed it, wax info.

In the event of school cancellations on race day, stay tuned for race updates as we might still be able to race if the weather breaks and roads clear.  The current plan is wave starts of 12 – one skier from each team.

Boys start at 3:30, girls start at 4:00.

Also, Sassi Race update:

We have all of our skiers registered for Sassi this Saturday except Graham, Ava and Calla.  Most race and travel info will come later this week.

Expected logistics for Monday's race at Stark's Hill

See Race Schedule tab for specific race details.

Transportation - Two vans will be headed from Desert Rd to Fryeburg and back.  At this point, we expect to depart Desert Rd around 8:00 a.m. and return around 3:00-3:15ish.  Skiers can call home from the road when a more exact return time is known.

We are expecting all skiers to ride on the van unless they tell Susan they have their own ride.  Having your own ride is fine, but you need to let Susan know (send email to highschool@merriconeag.org).

Be sure to check the blog on Sunday evening in case anything has changed regarding transportation or race info.

As everyone hopefully knows by now, Stark's has porta-potties but no indoor facilities.  Skiers and spectators should come well prepared for spending 4 hours outside, bringing warm clothes, water and food.  Folks that want to sit may want to bring a foldable chair.

Merriconeag Hosts WMC Race on Wednesday!

Hope everyone can come out to Pineland (Oak Hill section) on Wednesday afternoon (January 14) when Merriconeag hosts the weekly WMC race.  Other teams include Yarmouth, Falmouth, Freeport and Scarborough.  Come cheer on all the skiers!

Clarification of start times for races

So that everyone is clear on the start times of the weekly races, for this week and for Wednesday, January 28, the BOYS will start at 3:30 and the GIRLS will start shortly after the last boy starts off.  This means the girls will start before 4:00.

Early season note from John

The team had a very productive four day ski camp after Christmas in Rangeley.  Thanks to the Pierce family and Pat Phillips for hosting.  Also a thanks to all the families for support with food and transportation and to Jason for helping out coaching.  Although the conditions were not as good as last year, the trails were good enough that we were able to get in plenty of skiing and finished off the camp with a time trial that got the team ready to start the racing part of the season.

We traveled to Bethel on Saturday at the end of vacation week and competed in the Telstar Relay. This year the course was moved to the Gould Academy Trails and, thanks to lots of work by the host, they were able to provide a challenging course.  Due to caution Samantha sat out the race to rest an injury.  This provided Olivia the chance to ski in the A heat with the first team.  She, along with Fiona A., Graham and Forrest, posted the fastest time of the day.  Our second A wave team of Tucker, Nick, Fiona L. and Louise were a strong 10th out of 34 teams.  Zack had the fastest time in the individual race, and Eli and Jannis also had strong results in their first high school races (for Jannis I believe it was his first  race ever!).

The team contested our first WMC race on 1-7-15 against the strongest teams in the conference, Yarmouth and Falmouth, as well as Fryeburg.  Due to first race organizational snafus, Fiona A. and Samantha were late to the start.  Sam was able to ski right on in the nick of time to her appointed spot and won the race.  Fiona was slotted in at the end of the race but it appears the timers failed to give a finish - too bad as she did ski a hard effort.  Olivia skied a great first WMC race and finished 4th, Louise and Fiona L. rounded out the girls scoring.  The boys had a great race as Forrest, Tucker and Zach went 2,3,4 and Eli finished 12th.  The boys were one point back of Falmouth for a 2nd place team score.  Congratulations to Olivia, Louise and Calla for their first WMC races, to Thomas for his first WMC race wearing the MWS colors, and to all the skiers for their fine efforts, regardless of whether or not they were scorers for the team.

Merriconeag will host a WMC race Wednesday 1-14-15 at Pineland - come out and cheer the team on!

John

Race tomorrow at Pineland

The race is on for tomorrow, January 7, at the Oak Hill area of Pineland.  Boys start first at 3:30.  There will be another high school race taking place at Pineland at the same time over near the Y, so don't get confused and go to the wrong race.

Remember that we do not provide late van service back to Desert Rd after a nearby race such as this.  Anyone having problems finding a ride for after the race should contact Susan asap, and we'll work to figure something out.

Check the Wax Info tab for race wax information.

Go team!

More Telstar Info

Telstar is on for tomorrow, Saturday, January 3, and we have 14 skiers planning to race.  A few things to know about this race ...

1.  The venue has changed from the usual Telstar High School location.  CLICK HERE for new venue info.

2.  There are no indoor facilities at this new location, so everyone should bring plenty of warm clothes, food and water.  There will be porta-potties.

3.  There is no spectator parking at this location.  Click on the link in #1 (above) for shuttle info, as well as checking here: CLICK HERE for parking and shuttle info.

4.  Race times are shown below.  We expect to have skiers in all three races.
11:00 - A Relay wave
12:00 - B Relay wave
1:00 - Individual waves

5.  Transportation - There will be two vans going to this race, departing from Desert Rd at 8:00.  All skiers should be on the van unless they have let Susan know they have alternate transportation plans.  We expect there may be a few extra seats on the vans, so if a parent wants a ride, please contact Susan today to check if there's room.  Anyone finding their own transportation should plan to be at the race site before 10:00.

6.  Wax - Wax recommendation can be found under the Wax Info tab on the blog.

7.  Start lists - CLICK HERE for start lists