End of the Season Thank You

Things are pretty quiet on campus these days, with almost everybody currently on April Break. We had our end of the season banquet a few weeks back and it was good to see everybody together again, for a little bit. The annual Lloyd Lux award was handed to our two captains this year, Abby and Harry. Thanks to the whole team for a great season though, and we're already looking forward to next fall.
Becky and I just wanted to thank all the parents as well for all their support and hospitality over the the course of this past season(s).
First off, a huge thanks to the Pooles for what was (I believe) their 7th straight season of providing food and cheering every carnival weekend and plenty of other times as well. Even when they weren't able to make it in person, a batch of Liz's chocolate chip cookies somehow found there way out there.
Also, thanks to the Samuelsons for another great year. Thanks for lots of food and of course, housing us at Sugarloaf. Likewise thanks to the Knowles' for their place at Sugarloaf, and always bringing food, even if some of it did end up with the St. Lawrence team.
A thank you to Kirsten's parents and family for hosting the team at the Jackson Crit back in January. The McClellands for hosting the women during the St. Lawrence carnival, and having the whole team over for dinner. The Smeltzers and Kuzios also hosted team dinners, during the UVM and Dartmouth carnivals, respectively.
The Fullers had us over for lunch back in the Fall and provided great support through the year. Thanks to Steve Fuller for taking great pictures throughout the season and helping out with waxing up at the Rumford Eastern Cups.
Thanks to all the families who gave their support during carnival weekends in food and cheering. The aforementioned families, but also to the Brodhead, Taylor, Ruppertsberger, Hill, Tuttle, Kreisman, Forrest, and Leonard families. Also, great to see the Ruppertsbergers out in Steamboat! It was great to have all of your support this season. It is one of the many reasons that Bates Skiing is among the best programs. Thank you all!

Back from NCAAs

Mid-morning in Steamboat.
Well, the final week of the college racing season is over. We got back from our week in Steamboat Springs on Sunday night. It was a great week all around. Wonderful weather, perfect tracks, plenty of snow, etc. Nat had an awesome attitude all week. The two went race days went smoothly, with Nat posting 18th in the classic, and 32nd in the skate. The Mass Start Skate was a tough day, but Nat skied a strong race and posted a solid result in 32nd. On Friday night, it was great to watch 'Piner Ben Manter post a 10th place finish in the night slalom for an All-American finish. Also, a huge thanks to Abby for being out there cheering on her teammates and providing the coaches with a seemingly endless supply of coffee.

The (Rodeo) Stadium on race morning.
Meanwhile, back in Maine, we had Lucas and Kelsey competing up at Junior Olympics. Both had great results up in Presque Isle competing in their final years as Juniors. Lucas finished 8th in the classic sprints, 9th in classic distance, and an 11th in the skate distance. Also, his relay team earned the 4th spot for OJ men. Kelsey ended up 24th in both classic races, and 26th in the skate distance race. She also posted the 9th fastest scramble leg time for OJ women. Congrats to both of them on great JO results.
A final shout-out to Kirsten for winning the Ski to the Clouds race up Mt. Washington.

Kir ripping it up. (Great Glen Photo)

Steamboat Springs and NCAAs

Just a quick update from the past several days in Steamboat Springs, CO. We got here last Saturday, after a long day of travel from Maine. The skiing has been great out here! There's plenty of snow, and a few storms this week brought in a few more inches. One of the storms happened to coincide with the classic race. The waxing was a little tricky, but we got Nat on some skis that had solid kick and were pretty fast on the downs. Natalie skied a great race. Really smart, relaxed, and technically strong. The result was an 18th place finish. Top-20 had been her goal going into that race. Mission accomplished. Tomorrow we move to the 15 km skate race. Should be a good one...