FORT KENT, Maine – Fort Fairfield’s Hilary McNamee, newly returned from biathlon competition, proved her international skiing potential in the freestyle cross country skiing event at Lonesome Pine Trails on Tuesday, Dec. 11. McNamee slid past the finish first in the high school girls’ race in 11:54.
Fellow Tiger Rose Mary Williams finished fifth in 13:58. With only two skiers FFHS placed third of the five participating schools.
Fort Kent claimed first place for team scores with 16 points, followed by Caribou with 36.
Central Aroostook’s two competitors had a successful race without recorded times.
Panther Aryn Bernier strapped on the skis for her first competitive high school race. Her experienced teammate, Brooke Smith offered to follow the tracks at her side.
“When you’re brand new on skis and your skiing side by side with McNamee it’s intimidating,” explained Central Aroostook ski coach Mia Pangburn.
The new recruits progress has pleased Pangburn. “She came in last but she kept her skis moving. She has a lot of heart.”
Fort Fairfield’s athletes included Noah Rush-Mawbry (16th, 13:50), Nathan McLaughlin (18th, 14:27), Patrick Kinsey (21st, 15:06), Ian Towle (23rd, 15:24), Joe Colburn (31st, 21:41) and Shane McGillan (32nd, 25:13).
Central Aroostook skiers included Ethan Garrison (13th, 13:42), Matt Graves (14th, 13:45) and Greg Cousins (27th, 17:48).
