Staff Writer
The popularity of skiing in Aroostook County breeds many talented athletes from the time they can walk on the cross country trails and downhill slopes. The Presque Isle High School ski team has benefited from the lineage of snow-loving athletes with a large base of skiers, and looks to exhibit similar prowess in the 2007-08 ski season. Last year’s Wildcats qualified for the state competition as a team and ranked around the middle of Maine high school teams.
“We foster a team for boys and girls overall,” said 22-year coach Eric Hendrickson.
The Wildcats train with the same passion in both cross country and downhill to make a significant impact on the state Ski Meister competition.
The 2006-07 team placed five girls and four boys in the top 10 of Ski Meister standings. Then-junior Corey Park placed 10th in the classical race and fourth in freestyle with Lucas Mathers sliding into eighth in the giant slalom.
Only three skiers graduated from the team including Amanda Underwood, Molly Hamel and Tom Barnes.
“We have several new freshmen and a number of junior varsity skiers that are looking forward to filling those positions,” said Hendrickson.
The girls’ team includes seniors Tarah Clark, Erika McKay, Kristena McKenney and Erin Thomas; juniors Anne Elish, Amber Griffin, Katelynn Hartt and Jennifer Steeves; sophomores Hallie Bartlett and Julia Brown; and freshmen Danni Anderson, Jenica Jarvis and Alecia Palmer.
The boys’ team includes seniors Adam Curtis, Park, Kurtis Perkins, Nick Shaw, Layne Waddell and Joel Whitaker; juniors Brandon Hafford, Lucas Mathers, Eric Morris and Jared Wezner; sophomore Justin Towle; and freshman Paul Elish.
“I think we are a good all-around team, and hope for the results to match,” said Hendrickson about this year’s roster. “We hope to finish in the top half at the state with skiers achieving personal goals that they set for themselves over the course of the season … skiing is an individual sport so you’re really working with them individually.”
Hendrickson’s veteran experience will lead the team in training for improved balance, agility and speed.
The team also worked with County Physical Therapy staff in pre-season training. “When they’re physically in shape they don’t get hurt,” explained Hendrickson.
With most of the team training and competing in both downhill and cross country, the Wildcats should finish strong in the Ski Meister competition at the end of the season as well as post impressive times in individual races.
PIHS opened with cross country skiing last Thursday at the Nordic Heritage Center, and competed in downhill races on Saturday at Fort Kent.
