Monday, March 7, 2016

Team end-of-season gathering tonight!

Reminder - we are having our end of season team festivities tonight in the Community Hall at 7:00 pm.  See everyone there!

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Season notes from John

The Maine Coast Waldorf ski team completed a successful 2016 season at Black Mountain over February vacation, winning both the Girls and Boys State Class C Championships.  The team also had a fine result earlier in February at the WMC Championships at Starks Hill in Fryeburg.  This season was highlighted by a new school name, new uniforms and five enthusiastic freshman, along with a solid group of returning racers.

The team benefited from the experience of team leaders Fiona A. and Tucker, and both were among the top skiers in Maine and led by example all year.  Fiona had an exceptional year, winning both races at the Class C Championships as well as other races, including a win at the Sassi.  We all wish her well as she heads to Bowdoin College and racing on the NE college circuit.  Tucker also won both races at the Class C Championships to go with  winning the WMC Championship Skate race.

The team was very solid in addition to Fiona A .and Tucker.  Olivia had a great second HS season - highlights were a second in both Class C races and 4th at the WMC Championship Classic and Skate races.  Louise was always near the top of the results and along with Fiona, Tucker and Olivia, was named to the ALL WMC Team.  Eli was dealing with health issues most of the year but still managed to score points in the important races, helping the boys achieve a solid 3rd at the WMC Championships and a win at States.  Dylan, Thomas and Davis all had great results - Dylan scoring a top 20 at WMC and 15th at States, and Thomas and Davis saved their best for last with a 15th and 20th at the Classic race at States, sealing a team win.

Fiona L. also had a strong finish to the season.  She battled injury all year but was able to get healthy and finish 12th at both the WMC and Class C Championship Classic races. Emma and Ava were both able to get to race at the State Championships, gaining valuable experience for next season.

Our five freshman were a great addition to the team this season.  All were comfortable racing WMC races and gained new skills in a sport with many challenges.  Wilson improved greatly, racing to an impressive 25th at the WMC Championships, as well as a 24th at the State Classic race.  Calvin and Nash also were starters in the Class C Championships and gained championship experience.  Our two State Team alternates, Avery and Quinn on the girls side, missed racing at States due to the strength of the Girls team, but both made large skill gains this season that should help next year.  Again this year we were fortunate to have an international exchange student join the team. Rules prevent exchange students from most races, but Tim was always ready for practice and did get to show off his high energy at the Telstar relay race.

A new positive for the team this year was the addition of  coach Sam Kapala.  His great energy and knowledge were an important part of the team success.  Also, as in past years, a sincere thank you for the support from the school and parents for making the team success possible.