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).
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).
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