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Mansfield Nordic Skiathlon

Huge Thanks to the Mansfield Nordic Club and Sleepy Hollow for hosting such a fun event for all ages.

Results

Another gorgeous February day graced this year’s Flying Moose Classic.  Inland Woods + Trails put in a lot of overnight grooming effort to give skiers the best possible classic tracks for the day.  Members of the Bethel Outing Club showed up in force to help host the event in collaboration with Nonstop Nordic who brought live timing to the event for the first time.  The event felt like a really community gathering that seemed to go on all day.  Kids could be seen playing on the side of the trail while junior and adult skiers socialized throughout the day.

The day kicked off with the younger BKL skiers doing a 1km race that zigzagged its way around the scenic upper fairway at the Bethel Inn.  Next came the lollipop race, followed by the Middle School 3km.  It was great to see young skiers from across the region participating!

The self-seeded 25km & 12.5km mass start races took off simultaneously.  A much larger field of skiers made their way around the course this year, more than double last year’s entires!  There were lots of positive comments from the athletes and smiling faces at the finish as well as team photo-ops.  Some of the younger athletes added an element of fun to their race by skiing in ridiculous costumes.  The event was capped off with a nice outdoor awards ceremony at the finish followed by an after party at Carter’s XC on nearby Intervale Road.

 

Results

Darn Slover Photos

NENSA photos

 2023 New England Team
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Junior Nationals Championships
Fairbanks, Alaska — March 10th – 17th, 2023

JN Athletes / Parents / Coaches,

Congratulations on being named to the 2023 New England Junior National Team.  Thank you for your communication leading up to this point – to make the best experience for this Championships we kindly request you complete the following steps by February 22nd.  

1. Please Update your NENSA Profile HERE.
2. The 2023 Trip Cost is $3165 – including airfare. Preferred payment method — bring a check to Team Naming on Sunday, February 19th.  Pay via credit card ($3279.96) HERE.
   Questions: [email protected] 

Trip Dates: Friday March 10th – Thursday March 17th.

Logistics & Travel:
Team members are expected to travel on the Team’s reserved tickets. Departing Boston at 11am on the 10th and returning the 17th at 4pm. JN staff will be on these flights and chaperone athletes.  Once in Alaska our Team will utilize OC transportation, from the airport in coach buses, and throughout the week on school buses to and from the venue. Team NE has also secured four minivans to supplement travel.  Flight specifics will be communicated via email after acceptance.

New England Team Housing:
Wedgewood
212 Wedgewood Drive
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
Tel. 888-727-5554

Please bring cash (and/or credit card) for meals/snacks on travel days.  NE Team hotel reservations and food service start with a Taco Dinner on 3/10 when the team arrives at Wedgewood (around 9:30 pm, 3/10).

Our first team meeting will be after breakfast on Saturday 3/11.  Leadership will then break into age groups, and course previews.  There is also an outdoor Opening Ceremony this afternoon.

 Venue Location:  Birch Hill Recreation Area. Fairbanks, Alaska.

 Event websites: Official event Website.

Team naming will be after the races at Dublin on the 19th – we will take a Team Picture, collect checks and answer any questions there.  Alternates will also be named at this point and those athletes/parents/coaches are encouraged to attend Team Naming.

Trip Health Information:
NENSA is committed to making this the safest trip – New England plans to bring a full team size of 42 athletes (plus autos) and 14 staff.  We will be traveling as a Team, lodging together in a hotel, eating, and training together.  With that in mind, we want to share our Health (and COVID) mitigation plans with everyone.

Please note that all participants on the 2023 New England JN team (athletes and staff) are highly encouraged to be  vaccinated (including booster). All participants will upload their vaccination cards HERE.

We encourage best Health Practices, and conscientious parent interactions during the event, including wearing masks when appropriate.  If you are not feeling healthy please use best judgment when interacting with your athletes as it will effect the greater Team.

Due to the prevalence of COVID we do ask that all athletes and coaches provide a negative test 72 hours prior to travel and have an open line of communication with Team Leaders ([email protected]) throughout the Championships.

KN95 face masks should be worn at all times while traveling, and in team vans. Encouraged in indoor buildings (except in your own personal room).  

 We ask that each athlete bring 2 COVID test kits with them, in the event they develop symptoms.  Any testing will be done only after talking with team leaders and or your age group coach.  

If your child/athlete gets COVID during this trip we will quarantine the athlete and support them until travel arrangements can be made.

**********************

A note from Matt Boobar – New England JN Head Coach

Dear Team New England,

Welcome to Team New England 2023 — heading to the wilds of remote Alaska, America’s last frontier!  We are super psyched to send our top athletes to defend the Alaska Cup and bring it home after a week of lung and leg searing battles on the tracks.

I do consider AK to be like entering the wolf den of racing venues and the pack will be hungry.  So that means bring your own inner predator!

The schedule is tight and packed with action. Go in with a plan to be prepared to manage that.

Let’s also be super smart and safe with travel and large group buses and meals. While we like to think Covid is over, it is not, and neither are a multitude of other germs and viruses. Protect yourself and teammates by masking and keeping your hands clean during all travel. It is a long trip, travel rested and relaxed, hydrated. You should continue to mask on the shared buses to/from the hotel and venue.

We want everyone on the trip working as one cohesive unit. Our greatest strength is that our entire region comes together for a massive collaborative effort.  Justin and I have the coaches backs, the coaches have your backs.  In return by being polite, prepared, positive and pumped up, you are proving you have the coaches and our entire region’s backs. If we all have each other’s backs, that is how we bring the AK Cup BACK!

The coaches and service team are there for you. They will be an awesome resource for support and education. Ask them questions and use their knowledge to better prepare and improve yourself.

One team, one goal: make everyone around you better.

As you do your final preparations remember what got you to this point. Have confidence in that process and the outcome will come to you. The important thing to do now is show up organized, rested, and ready to bring back the Cup!

Finally, Congratulations, you made the team in the nation’s strongest and deepest division!

Matt Boobar
Head Coach, Team New England

New England JN Staff:

Trip Leader	Justin Beckwith	802-345-6720	[email protected]
Head Coach	Matt Boobar	570-594-7555	[email protected]
Head Tech	Colin Rodgers	802-398-5122	[email protected]
Head Glide	Jefferson Tucker	207-616-6143	[email protected]
Kick	Jacob Volz	907-727-7437	[email protected]
Glide	Sara Falconer	907-575-9712	[email protected]
Glide	Cate Brams	617-955-6083	[email protected]
Service	Annika Martell	651-280-8491	[email protected]
U16G	Erin Waters	603-219-5528	[email protected]
U16M	Steve Bruner	406-224-8909	[email protected]
U18W	Audrey Mangan	585-519-3506	[email protected]
U18M	Evan Kendall	207-650-4381	[email protected]
U20W	George Forbes	802-379-3467	[email protected]
U20M	Will Solow	802-923-6788	[email protected]

Event Logistics:
All athletes are required to stay with the team throughout the entire competition.   In case of emergency, call Justin, Trip Leader (802-345-6720) and/or Matt, Head Coach (570-594-7555).

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be served at the Wedgewood, bag lunches or event banquets.  Special dietary requests will be accommodated and should be requested in your NENSA Profile Update.

Transportation:
Transport for all athletes will be primarily facilitated by the Fairbanks OC.  Coach buses will transport us to and from the airport to the hotel (with NE Team staff support with four minivans).  During the week the OC will transport teams from the Wedgewood to the venue with school buses – it is highly recommended that all athletes and staff wear N95 masks in group transit. 

Coaching:
The coaches for your age group will work with you on all aspects of this competition week, including organization, strategy, and waxing.  

The age group coaches will work with the head coach and team leader in a variety of different roles to meet the needs of the group.  

A daily schedule will be shared electronically and posted to a white board/bulletin board at our hotel.  Each nightly team meeting will focus on both general race preparation and specific information for the next upcoming event.

Tips on traveling and working with a large team:
Organization is based on age groups, please understand that with over sixty athletes and coaches on our team, being on time is very important!  All athletes and coaches should have a watch in addition to a phone.

What to do in preparation for racing:
A well rested body is important leading up to a competition week. Work with your coach – and any personal learnings – to figure out the best balance of reduced volume and intensity to arrive at peak fitness. Increase the volume of fluids consumed. Increasing the amount of carbohydrates during competition week has been proven to assist in both recovery and energy levels.  Also, very important – ski EASY on training days. With all of the energy and excitement of having friends and competitors around, it is easy to go too hard on your easy days.  Have confidence in your level of fitness and YOUR plan and stick to it.  Use the couple of days prior to racing to help you get comfortable with your new surroundings and the venue race trails.

 Parents & Home Coaches:
Parents and home coaches are encouraged to spectate, to participate, and to support the team. Parents, who will be in Fairbanks and wish to help, contact Trip Leader Justin Beckwith – [email protected].   

Packing & Living:
In the time between now and departure, be sure to get lots of rest, follow the plan you have set with your coach, and get all your homework assignments ahead of time so that you won’t be behind when you get home.

Dress Code:
Bring a nice shirt or sweater, pants or a skirt, and your team jacket for the awards.  Proper dress at an awards ceremony displays team pride.

Free Time:
While we have a condensed race week, there will still be some down time.  Be sure to bring homework, books and/or music to fill quiet free time. The age group coaches will be checking out some of the local sights and points of interest ahead of time, to share with you during your week in Fairbanks. There will also be study hall periods built into the schedule.

Packing List Suggestions:
Skis, Boots, Poles  – Fairbanks is unique in that they consistently have dry old snow.  To get the best from your Service Team try to limit the number of skis you travel with.  Questions to Age Group coaches (above).

JN Team uniform (SWIX tights and jacket mandatory) – if ordering new this year they will be shipped to Beckwith and handed out at the departure gate in Boston 3/10.

KN95 Face Masks – (10 total) two separate ones for both airline travel days (to be disposed of after traveling) as well as plenty of fresh masks to wear throughout the week.  Masking is required on all Public Transportation and highly recommended in indoor spaces, besides your own hotel room with your one roommate.

2 COVID tests (to use if you develop symptoms – with supervision of NE Staff)

Additional ski suit and warm-ups

Hats, gloves, buffs, eye wear, sunglasses

Sun block & lip balm

Polypro underwear

Extra race day layers – base layers, gloves, socks etc.: (You warm up, sweat, wait, cool down, then if you race with wet layers = not good).  

Wool socks

Running shoes for morning warm-ups

Respectable clothes for awards (see above)

Warm winter coat, hat, gloves, and boots

Toilet kit 

Some things to read 

Homework

Drink Belt (water bottles)

A sharpie (for putting your name on your new uniform and belongings!)

Personal wax/tools for training days (see note in wax section below)

Money for food on travel days (3/10 and 3/17) and any snacks or items you want to purchase during the week

Extras:

Ear Plugs:  Will your roommate snore…?

Team Uniforms:
NE JN Team members are expected to wear the new NE tights in all races, and a team jacket to wear at all awards ceremonies.  New England uniform tops are optional to purchase, and you are welcome and encouraged to wear your home club racing top.  Information for ordering your Swix NE Team uniforms on-line, is listed in the forms section of this packet. You must order your Swix team uniform by no later than Monday 2/27 at 12pm.  Athletes will receive Team Items: Toko Drink Belt and Swix Team Hat at Team Naming. Ordered uniforms will be handed out in Boston at flight check-in.

Skis:

• skis should be clean and free of any kick wax or klister, with kick zones well marked, for both hard wax and klister zones (keep it simple!)
• each pair of skis is identified (“classic hard wax” “classic klister” etc.) (grind tags are great)
• Tips of skis marked with your name for identification purposes. 

 

With typical Fairbanks cold and consistent conditions you will likely be using a “cold” or “universal” ski.  If you have two pairs of race skis for classic and skate you should be fine for warmup and training. The wax staff will likely be working on your skis right up until your start time on most days. There is no need to bring “rock” skis. Do not bring “extra” skis beyond one pair of practice skis (skate and classic) that you would not race on.

This year’s schedule is unique in that the first race is classic and the next two events are freestyle – after the race on Monday the 13th the wax staff will ask if you will be classic skiing anymore during the week.  If you wil,l we will leave a pair of your skis waxed, if not, we will clean and send your classic skis back to the Wedgewood with you.

 Many skis will come with grind tags which will help us determine what conditions the ski is meant for – it would be very helpful if you do not have a grind tag, to write a quick note about a ski on the tip: for Skate (cold, warm, wet) and Classic (dry or kick wax, klister).  If you own zeros, bring them!  

 Suggestion for preparing skis:
Hot scrape skis with warm paraffin (ie. Swix PS 8, Toko BP Red).  Then finish the skis with a cold wax (Swix Marathon) to harden the base.  This is completely adequate.

1.     Apply wax with appropriate iron temperature @ 130, then immediately scrape the groove and surface of the ski.  Switch ski, letting the first cool, repeat.
2.     Brush ski surface, then apply cold wax to harden the ski (Swix Marathon if possible), iron temperature 145.  Always make one continuous pass with the iron (no back and forth). 
3.     Regardless of which preparation you choose, all skis should have the same final layer of glide wax to make ski-testing decisions easy and minimize work for the wax staff. Swix Marathon, PS 4/6 or Toko BP Blue (would be ideal and marked as such).

 If you feel your skis should be running faster than they are, consider using a reputable stone grinding service that specializes in Nordic racing skis to get fresh base material exposed. If your black ski bases get white or gray patches when you ski on them, re- saturation at a minimum is required, though this usually means it is time for a new grind.

 We will be applying hand structure to skis frequently, so a basic “universal” grind is the best grind for the first pair of skis. If you have a second pair of skis for cold conditions, a cold grind is a good supplement.  Ensure that you re-saturate your skis with wax if you have them ground.

 Personal Wax/Tools:
NENSA and the Service Staff cover race day wax and service.  Athletes and age group coaches are responsible for their own wax on training days.  We will have irons and wax remover for you there.  Please pack a small variety of fluoro-free wax inside your luggage – a few multi range kick waxes, a cork, and a personal scraper should suffice. Please put your name on all your ski and wax equipment.

 NENSA CODE OF CONDUCT for Junior National Trip and REG Camps:
NENSA looks to maintain values of fairness and honor in all aspects of cross-country skiing. To these ends, NENSA expects licensed athletes, coaches, officials, and members of NENSA-sponsored teams to maintain high standards of honesty and sportsmanship by, among other things: 

1.     Respecting the health and safety of other competitors.
2.     Respecting the rules of competitions. 
3.     Respecting the role of race officials, volunteers, and spectators. 
4.     Respecting the guidance of coaches and trip leaders on NENSA-sponsored teams and trips.
5.     Refraining from disruptive behavior while on a NENSA-sponsored team or trip, including, zero tolerance on underage drinking, use of illegal drugs, tobacco, vaping, rowdiness, or repeated non-cooperation.
6.     Abiding by the rules of NENSA sponsored trips (JN’s, REG camps, U16 camps) set forth for that trip, including team lights out time (bedtime), remaining in your own room, and not having visitors in your room after team lights out time.
7.     Zero tolerance on the use of banned substances in cross-country skiing, racing, and training (See USOC list of banned substances). Subject to the procedures below, serious violations of these standards of conduct can lead to sanctions including suspension or loss of competition license, and in turn may result in being barred from NENSA sanctioned events or suspension or dismissal from NENSA-sponsored teams. Inquiry into any potential violations and sanctions will be made by the NENSA Judicial Committee, in consultation, where appropriate, with coaches, and leaders of NENSA teams. 

 It is a privilege to be on the New England Junior National Team and we expect all athletes to behave as such.  The coaches and wax techs are volunteers, many using their vacation time to be a part of this team with you all.   We expect everyone to be kind teammates,  and set a great example to the rest of the nation.  

Disciplinary Procedures:
Applicable procedures depend on the type of sanctions in question. “Non-competition sanctions” encompass any form of discipline that does not preclude the person involved from participating in future competitions but may affect participation or placement in a competition or trip during which a sanctioned violation occurs. 

 Any violation of the above, but especially #5, #6 & #7 above will result in being immediately sent home from the team trip/camp, or potential loss of your spot on a future camp or trip.

 

Please update your personal on-line data on your NENSA membership profile, acknowledge waivers and pay by no later than Wednesday, February 22nd at 9pm. 

1. Log into your NENSA membership profile to complete / edit all required information including: 2023 NEW ENGLAND JN TEAM (roommate preferences, medical / allergies, insurance information), PARENT/ ATHLETE INFO ( emergency contacts).
2. Trip COST is: $3165. 1) Make payment by check at team naming – or 2) Pay via credit card ($3279.96) HERE.
3. Fill out google form to submit Vaccination Card.
4.  Order your SWIX Team uniforms!  (access code: swix) *Order your uniforms before the Monday 12pm 2/27 deadline – all team uniforms will be shipped to Beckwith with distribution in Boston 3/10 at flight check-in (or in AK).
5. Fill out google form to submit Negative COVID test (72 hours prior to travel)

 

*Registration for EISA skiers who may qualify for NCAAs and are waiting on the last races, or EISA skiers who may qualify via the EISA Junior Quota.  Deadline for acceptance and paperwork for these college athletes (top 5 juniors on East NCAA list and those who may have an option to go to NCAA’s), is Sunday February 27th, at 5pm with Payment due at that time.  Those skiers should be in touch with Matt Boobar AND Justin Beckwith immediately.

As always NENSA will make a temporary exception for “surprise qualifiers” or athletes with specific hardships.  NENSA’s Competitive Program Director, Justin Beckwith, [email protected], must approve all exceptions.

While it may only be February, it feels like spring is in the air.  And among us nordic types spring usually brings thoughts of late season racing at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center.  This year will not disappoint as we will be joined by the nation’s best for SuperTour Finals from March 22-26th.  This series includes Freestyle Sprint, Relay and Marathon national championship races.

Those of us that are not elite level racers can also participate – including the New England Club Relay Championships. What better way to end your race season than with some team camaraderie, be it with goofy team names, outrageous costumes, or just some good fun in the sun with your friends.  Additionally, NENSA will be handing out their end of season Zak and Club awards on relay day!  For registration and more information on SuperTour Finals & New England Club Relay Championships please click on the link to see Craftsbury’s event page.

The following write-up is from former NENSA Executive Director Amie W. Smith who, among many other roles, is now on the Prospect Mountain Association Board and working to bring local elementary school students to Prospect Mountain to ski. Photos courtesy of Shaftesbury Elementary School principle, Jeff Johnson. We’re grateful to Amie and our other coordinators who are working to bridge the gap between the school-based Nordic Rocks programs and additional local programming offered at ski centers!

Over the past 7 years, The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) Nordic Rocks program, a school based introductory learn to ski program, has brought the joy of cross country skiing to several thousand kids all over the Northeast.  

NENSA’s Nordic Rocks program is generously funded by the Share Winter Foundation and the Killington World Cup Foundation and was developed to introduce children in grades K-6 to the excitement of cross country skiing. Nordic Rocks provides elementary school students with an opportunity to experience cross country skiing during the school day with their teachers and classmates, and to learn the health and lifestyle benefits associated with exercise and outdoor fun. The overarching goal of this program is to provide all children with an opportunity to ski.

This winter, the Prospect Mountain Association (PMA), the volunteer lead nonprofit that runs Prospect Mountain Nordic Center in Woodford Vermont, has taken this opportunity one step further.  PMA has reached out to elementary schools in the Southwestern Vermont Supervisory Union (SVSU) who have Nordic Rocks program in place, to offer them the opportunity to ski at Prospect Mountain on their 8 half-day Wednesdays during January, February, and March.  This winter, students from Shaftsbury Elementary, Monument Elementary, and Pownal Elementary are taking advantage of this free program.  PMA has offered these schools free rental equipment, free trail passes, and free instruction for 2 hours on these Wednesday half days.  The kids have just loved this program and the opportunity to ski on full sets of equipment at a real cross country ski venue and have lessons from the wonderful group of PMA coach volunteers.  

The goal of Nordic Rocks has always been to be an introductory ski program, with the goal of kids having the opportunity to “graduate” to other ski programs in their area when appropriate.  The Prospect Mountain Wednesday half day program fulfills this Nordic Rocks goal and is right in line with Prospects mission to provide opportunities for kids to learn to ski and embrace and enjoy our Vermont winters.  Amie W. Smith, PMA Board member, has been spearheading this new half day Wednesday winter program at the Prospect Mountain Nordic Center.  She, and the PMA Board, feel strongly about having the local school kids learn to ski, and experience our wonderful local resource that is Prospect Mountain!  The PMA Board’s goal is to one day have every elementary school in the SVSU be a part of this program and offer XC skiing to every child who wants to learn.

Another local option for youth to learn to ski is the Bill Koch League (BKL) Youth Program which is also offered at Prospect Mountain on Tuesday and Thursday after school.  Both progression and opportunity are important in learning to ski.  Progression is the age and skill level movement to more advanced opportunities. Opportunities are now available for our local Southern Vermont community youth in the Nordic Rocks programs found in some of our elementary schools, in the Prospect Mountain Association half day Wednesday learn to ski program, and in the BKL program offered at Prospect Mountain.

A cold snap defined the beginning of the third Eastern Cup weekend, with high temps hovering around zero degrees Fahrenheit plus above average wind.  Earlier in the week race jury elected to postponed the Saturday races to Sunday morning, correctly anticipating the weather would not be any better than forecasted.  Those that braved the Saturday afternoon temperatures to do course preview found themselves well bundled and skiing on green hard wax – certainly a rarity in New England theses days.

Saturday’s extreme cold gave way early Sunday morning making way for a packed day of racing.  The day kicked off with four mass start classic races.  The cool morning temps made for nice hard wax conditions. After a midday break to regroom and for athletes to recharge their batteries, racing continued with four mass start freestyle races.  Racers were treated to rare big loop racing at Quarry Road, including for the first time the use Wally’s Way trail in Eastern Cup racing.  With the exception of the 1.2km parade loop at the beginning of the 7.5km races, all the courses were single loop races!  The race organizers and volunteers did a wonderful job of welcoming the New England ski community to their venue and providing a festive atmosphere for racers and spectators alike.

 

Results & Eastern Cup Club Rankings

Photos by Tom Bartol

Photos by Samuel Geissinger

Classic Races:
Open Women:
1) Caitlin Patterson – Craftsbury Alumni
2) Sophia Scirica – EMXC
3) Emma Crum – Bowdoin

Open Men:
1) Jack Young – Colby
2) Zachary Nemeth – Colby
3) Victor Sparks – Colby

U16 Girls:
1) Amelia Circosta – Craftsbury
2) Frances Tucker – EMXC
3) Claire Serrano – Craftsbury

U16 Boys:
1) Lucas Barstow – Gould
2) Henri McCourt – Mt. Blue High School
3) James Crowley – Gould

U18 Girls:
1) Mirra Payson – EMXC
2) Virginia Cobb – Mansfield
3) Beth McIntosh – GMVS

U18 Boys:
1) Tabor Greenberg – GMVS
2) Luke Rizio – Prospect
3) Fin Bailey – SMS

U20 Women:
1) Evelyn Walton – EMXC
2) Emma Page – Mansfield
3) Grace Mattern – Bowdoin

U20 Men:
1) William Riley – Gunstock
2) Sam Gallaudet – EMXC
3) Caden Cote – Harvard

Freestyle Races:
Open Women:
1) Caitlin Patterson – Craftsbury Alumni
2) Evelyn Walton – EMXC
3) Emma Crum – Bowdoin

Open Men:
1) Fin Bailey – SMS
2) Tabor Greenberg – GMVS
3) Luke Rizio – Prospect

U16 Girls:
1) Amelia Circosta – Craftsbury
2) Ava Schneider – GMVS
3) Mary Harrington – GMVS

U16 Boys:
1) David Northcott – Caldwell Sport
2) Nico Cuneo – Mansfield
3) Lucas Barstow – Gould

U18 Girls:
1) Virginia Cobb – Mansfield
2) Mirra Payson – EMXC
3) Julia Thurston – Mansfield

U18 Boys:
1) Aidan Jacobus – GMVS
2) Simon Phipps – Ford Sayre
3) Lucas Streinz – Fort Kent

U20 Women:
1) Sophia Scirica – EMXC
2) Maggie McGee – Craftsbury
3) Emma Page – Mansfield
(#3 pictured Clara Lake)

U20 Men:
1) Victor Sparks – Colby (missing)
2) Sam Gallaudet – EMXC
3) William Riley – Gunstock

Roy Varney Skiers (top Maine High School skiers):
Ellis Slover – Gould
Nyla Scott – Gould
Lucas Streinz – Fort Kent
Reese Furneaux – Gould
Dustin Williamson – TD/Leavitt

Recap provided by DJ Baumert:

The Great Caribou Bog Classic Ski race took place on Sunday Feb. 5Th, 2023 in Orono, Maine.  This is the first year this race has been part of the NENSA Marathon Series. 10K, 21K, and 33K distance options were offered.  A total of 40 racers completed one of the race distances.  Despite the very challenging weather conditions just prior to the race, the groomers did a great job at the last minute to make a quality race course.  This race was the first event to take place at the new Caribou Bog Outdoor Center that is associated with the 4 seasonal trail system used for the race.  The Great Caribou Bog Classic Ski Race is an iconic local citizen race that started in 1980s and was brought back 4 years ago after not being held for nearly 10 years. 

 

 

The male female winners of the three race distances are:

10K –  male; Kyle McCellan, female; Ruth White (note: Ruth White was first overall!)

21K – male; Tyson Weems, female; Joelle Zuhke

33K – male; Gregg Harkay, female; Kate Locke

 

The awards for the first male and female finishers for each race were made from hemlock pilings that were used for an elevated trestle on a historic railroad grade that is now part of the Caribou Bog trail system.  Some of these pilings were pulled out this past summer as part of a trail improvement project.  These pilings were from hemlock that are estimated to have started growing in the early 1700s.  

 

 

 

Looking for some cross country skiing thrills this weekend?  Our clubs are hosting a lot of events!  Two of the highlights are the Mansfield Nordic Skiathlon and the Flying Moose Classic.  They are wonderful events that you don’t want to miss!

The Mansfield Nordic Skiathlon, taking place on Saturday February 11th, is a dual technique affair, where skiers traverse the trails at Sleepy Hollow first in classic, then switch their gear half way through, finishing in freestyle.  There are distances for Lollipop, BKL, Junior, Open skiers and those that just want to see what give it a try.  Distances range from less than 1km up to 12km.  If you’ve never experienced changing your skis and poles mid-race, it is a special thrill and definitely one to have on your list of must haves experiences!  For more details & registration visit the Mansfield Nordic Club event page.

This year marks the 32nd annual edition of the Flying Moose Classic, which is also part of this season’s NENSA Marathon series.  This fun and exciting event starts at the Bethel Inn Resort and takes you through the rolling hills and forest lands of the Bethel Inn and Inland Woods and Trail’s in Bethel, Maine, providing you with a wonderful scenic adventure. Skiers can select from either the 12.5KM or 25KM course, also a 3km Middle School race and 1KM kids race that will take them over fun little obstacles and zig-zag pathways.  Awards and cookies to follow at ~12:30 p.m. with a special after party event at Carter’s XC Ski Center with a food truck and beverages (12:00-5:00 p.m.).  For more details & registration visit the Bethel Outing Club event page.

This past weekend NENSA, JacksonXC, Beaver Meadow XC Skiing/Concord Nordic, Capital Region Nordic Alliance (CRNA), and Concord Parks & Recreation came together to host a Learn-to-Ski day on the Concord Community Ski Trails at Beaver Meadow Golf Course. The event offered morning and afternoon ski and sitski clinics for folks 6 years of age and older who had never been on cross country skis before. We aimed to create a welcoming and inclusive for people to try a new sport and discover the joy of gliding on snow. JacksonXC brought down ski equipment and CRNA provided sitskis and sitski instruction. The clinics were taught by experienced Concord-area coaches and instructors, and covered classic cross-country skiing basics including skiing on flat terrain, getting up from a fall, climbing, and navigating downhills. Beaver Meadow XC Skiing recently met their fundraising goal for a new groomer and the Parks & Recreation department did a fantastic job grooming the trails for the day.

PHOTOS

The energy and momentum behind building and growing the ski community and access to the sport in Concord is palpable and it was inspiring to see seventy-four local people try the cross country skiing for the first time. Janel Lawton, director of the New Hampshire Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development at the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, shared “Nordic skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the winter beauty in New Hampshire and the Concord Area Learn-to-Ski clinic was a great event to learn the basics of this low-cost sport. There are networks of trails in the backyard of Concord and beyond that individuals and families can explore and enjoy for winters to come. We are fortunate to have Beaver Meadow XC Skiing host this event with Jackson Cross Country Ski Area joining the event to provide additional support and offerings.”

The Executive Director of JacksonXC, Ellen Chandler, shared that “Part of JacksonXC’s mission is to provide skiing experiences to individuals who have not otherwise been introduced to the sport. NENSA provided the framework for us to work with a new, highly accessible venue and a group of motivated coaches to introduce skiing to a completely new audience.  It was rewarding to talk with participants at the end of each session and hear them make plans to ski in the future.”

We are incredibly grateful to the coaches and instructors who volunteered their time, energy, and expertise with the participants. A big thank you to JacksonXC and CRNA for providing equipment and Concord Parks & Recreation for use of the trails. Before we wrap up this recap, we’d like to express our gratitude to our NENSA associate level sponsors – L.L.Bean, Swix, Salomon, and Fischer – and make special shoutout to the folks from Salomon, Rossignol, and S&W Sports for joining us on site.

And last, but not least, thank you to everyone who attended the event! Anyone interested in exploring more places in New Hampshire on skis can check out options at Ski NH and the Cross Country Ski Area Association. Additional information about Beaver Meadow XC Skiing is available HERE. And those interested in purchasing their own equipment can check out S&W Sports and CRNA. We hope to see you out on the trails!

NENSA would like to communicate some information about the upcoming 2023 Junior Nationals.

This is the third weekend of four Eastern Cups – the races that rank skiers on NENSA’s Junior Ranking List.  The top 6 U16’s and top 15 U18/U20’s (beyond auto qualifiers) on that list will be named Sunday after the Dublin Double.  Athletes who intend to accept their position should be ready to do so and make payment for ground fees and airfare. 

If you are in contention for the team please fill out this form.

NENSA has a hold on 55 tickets for athletes and staff from Boston to Fairbanks with one stop in Seattle for $1065.

Auto qualifiers should contact [email protected] directly to discuss intentions and travel arrangements.

The New England Team will stay and eat at the Wedgewood Resort, and utilize the Organizing Committees shuttle service for the majority of our transportation.  

You can read further information about NE Junior National qualification and team composition HERE.

Justin Beckwith will humbly serve as this year’s Trip Leader, joined by veteran Junior National Head Coach, Matt Boobar of the Stratton Mountain School.

Age Group Coaches:

Erin Waters – U16 Female – Concord High School

  Erin grew up skiing for Concord High School and then skied for St.Lawrence University. After graduation she returned home and dove into coaching, as assistant coach for 2 years and now heading into her second year as head coach. 

  In addition to public High School coaching, Waters has been active in summer club camps and served in leadership roles at Eastern High School, U16 and Eastern Cup races.

Steve Bruner – U16 Male – Stratton Nordic Center

  Steve is originally a Minnesota high school racer,  former Amherst (MA) High School coach, and the current manager of the Stratton Nordic Center.  Both of his children are competitive skiers at the Stratton Mountain School, where Steve has served as an assistant coach/wax tech/tester, along with being a staple of SMS Summer Camps for the past two summers.

  Steve also jumped in to assist the New England Team at last winter’s Junior Nationals in Minneapolis when our staff was shorthanded.

Audrey Mangan – U18 Female – Craftsbury Ski Club

  Audrey competed in three Junior Nationals as a junior for the Mid-Atlantic division, including a podium performance.  She has been coaching junior and collegiate athletes for almost 10 years in New England.  “This sport has given me so much and it has been an inspiration to remain involved with developing the next generation of skiers, and in some cases, future coaches!”  In the last 6 years with Craftsbury, Audrey’s coaching responsibilities have included, “coaching brand-new BKLers, JN’s-bound juniors, new high school skiers, and wax teching for the GRP depending on the day.”

  Mangan has been a part of three Junior National staffs, U16 and EHS Championships, and been a valuable member of REG and many other camp projects.

Evan Kendall – U18 Male – Dublin School/DXC

  Evan has been a part of two recent New England staffs. He learned to ski “halfway through high school,” raced in Eastern High School Championships, Junior Nationals, and then skied for St. Olaf College.  He has led wax efforts at the High School and Eastern Cup level and assisted teching at Junior and Senior Nationals.

  Kendall brings a “can do” attitude that stems from leadership in education, coaching and outdoor adventures.

George Forbes – U20 Female – Stratton Mountain School

  George has coached at the Stratton Mountain School for five years and was a part of the wax team at the 2020 Junior Nationals in Truckee.  He is known for his energy, positivity, enthusiastic cheering, and his self proclaimed, “love for picking fast skis.”

  Aside from his leadership skills, Forbes is an accomplished photographer.

Will Solow – U20 Male – Ford Sayre

  Will raced with the Mansfield Nordic Club for four years in high school before taking a gap year to race for SVSEF where he first qualified for Junior Nationals for the Intermountain division.  Heading back East for college, he qualified for the New England JN team in Kincaid, AK where he had 4 All-American finishes including a podium in the sprint and in the relay. He also received the prestigious David Quinn Award.

  During his time at Colby College, he was a co-captain of the men’s team for 3 years, culminating with two-top-thirty results at NCAA’s in 2021 his junior year.  During his senior year he had mono and bridged into a support role for the Mules, that passion has continued with the Ford Sayre program as a junior coach and wax technician.

Service:

Colin Rodgers – Head Kick – Green Mountain Valley School

  Colin has been a valuable part of the New England Team for the past six years.  His depth of knowledge spans from growing up under the tutelage of his father, Dale, who is an inspired coach and venue manager — to National Championships as an athlete and coach, World Cup starts and an organizer of projects of all aspects.

  Rodgers loves kick wax as much as anybody and his fitness and energy will naturally lead the service staff.

Jacob Volz – Kick – Gould Academy

  Jacob grew up in Alaska and skied for Team AK in three Junior Nationals.  That led him to Middlebury College where he competed for four years.  After graduation, he coached for summers in Williamstown for the Berkshire Nordic Club, and started teaching and coaching at Gould.  Now into his third year at Gould, he’s in —  “pretty good shape, and am capable of doing many laps testing skis. I have a decent feel for ski speed, and particularly enjoy testing and applying classic wax. I have spent a good portion of my life skiing on hard wax in Alaska, and have a good sense for it. I have also spent a decent amount of time racing at Birch Hill and have a good knowledge of the trail system. I am used to working long days and getting up early to test and/or wax skis has never been a problem for me. I am also very enthusiastic about ski racing.”

#perfect

Jefferson Tucker  – Head Glide – Quarry Road Ski Club

 Jeff grew up ski racing in Vermont, where he achieved success in High School and junior racing, under the tutelage of the Woodstock Ski Runners.  He was a New England JN athlete in 2012, a Colby Mule, and then started his coaching career with: Colby College, Harvard, Craftsbury Nordic Ski Club, Nordic Ski Club Fairbanks, “and now I’m the coach of Quarry Road Ski Club. — I love testing skis and working long days on the bench, so I signed up to be part of the wax/tech team.”

  Tucker was a part of Team AK last year and offers his expertise on, “(navigating the area and ski trails, dealing with the cold, avoiding moose, etc.)”

Cate Brams – Glide – EMXC

 Cate didn’t fill out the form, but she is an invaluable member of our Team.  She helped orchestrate the Team.

Sara Nicole Falconer – Glide – Mansfield Nordic Club

  Sara has coached for Mansfield Nordic Club for eight years and been a part of three New England coaching staffs.  With Mansfield and the SkiRack she has worked with all levels of skier — with extensive experience in ski service and athlete support.

  Falconer is a physical therapy student.

Annika Martell – Glide – Williams College

  Annika competed in Minnesota and then went off to ski at Colby College.  “After my time there, I started coaching with US Biathlon, then moved to Hanover NH where I coached at Ford Sayre and now I’m coaching at Williams College where, during my summers, I’ve spent some time working with the Berkshire Nordic Ski Club! I recently traveled to Norway and Switzerland as a Trail to Gold Fellow with the US Ski Team.  I’ll bring some expertise from both the coaching and the wax tech side, both from my experience as the T2G Fellow, but also as a college coach we have to do both coach and wax tech on race weekends. I’m so excited about skiing and love giving back to the community as well – pass on the knowledge!”

Recap provided by Amie Smith

On Sunday January 29, Prospect Mountain hosted the Freestyle Sprints, part of the NENSA Popular/Community Race Series.  It was done in the Royal Court format, meaning that it was not a “one and done” Sprint qualifier with only the top 30 advancing to the heats.  In the Royal Court format, everyone advances to the heats, allowing for each athlete to experience what it is like to do a full Sprint race to the finals.  This makes for both a really fun event, and for a great athletic experience.  The heats of 6 athletes each are run based on your finish order from the qualifier, then the top 2 advance to the next top heat, and the bottom two advance to the lower bracket heat, and the two in middle stay where they are – but everyone races again (and again!).

We would like to thank the athletes from Stratton Mountain School, Green Mountain Valley School, Dublin XC and Colby College, as well as the 5 Masters who all braved 4 rounds of racing this very challenging 1.2k sprint course.  We had racers from high school through 70+(!)

Congrats to our top three male winners on the podium ~ Tabor Greenberg (GMVS), Aiden Jacobus (GMVS) and Micha Bruner (SMS).  And to the top three female winners ~ Miley Bletzer (SMS), Sage Freeman (Colby College) and Elise Creagan (SMS).  

The top Masters were Sam Calmes Quintal, Putney Ski Club (30-39), Sam Veggeberg (20-29), Andrew Nesbitt (30-39), Vinny Vienneau (70-79) and Sheila Lanman (50-59).

All age group winners took home Vermont Maple Syrup from Mance’s Tree Farm in Shaftsbury.  Full results at bullitttiming.com

Prospect Mountain Association (PMA) is a non-profit organization that runs Prospect Mountain Nordic, a cross country ski center located in Woodford, Vermont.  Prospect Mountain provides cross country skiing for all ages and skill levels. Open daily 9-5 (or sundown) in season as conditions allow.  The Prospect Mountain Ski Club provides fun opportunities for learning to ski and racing for BKL youth, Juniors and Masters.  More information on this gem of a cross country ski center can be found at https://prospectmountain.com/about/