"We are proud to announce that 98% of Esko High School's graduating class will be attending a post secondary institution or entering into military service" I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, then smiled to myself, realizing I was the student throwing off the principle's otherwise flawless summary of Esko High School's 2010 graduating seniors. My ticket to Presque Isle was booked for the next morning. I was excited, nervous and I thought I knew exactly what the next few years had in store. I was wrong.
I had read every fictional or biographical account to ski racing and biathlon I could get my hands on. I had big goals, with focus and enthusiasm to match. At this point I was expecting the upcoming years to be the easy part. Sure, it would be hard work. Yes, there will be days it will be a grind, but I'm ready. I was prepared for the training, but at that time I could not have guessed how my time with the Maine Winter Sports Center would shape other aspects of my life.
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| Training with Ben Greenwald in 2010. Fort Kent. |
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| 2010-2011 MWSC Biathlon Team |
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| Laser rifle instruction in Freeport, Maine Summer 2012 |
I feel that these experiences are summed up best by MWSC's slogan: "Where can skiing take you?" Skiing has taken me places that I would have never expected, such as discussing a US primary election in Finland, at the top of a dead end mountain road in Italy or watching the SuperBowl in New Brunswick.
MWSC has also given me the opportunity to develop as a person. The experience I have gained in the areas of professional communication, interpersonal skills and business relationships will be invaluable going forward.
I have also been fortunate to see the impact that MWSC has had in the communities of Aroostook County and feel an immense send of pride knowing that I have been a part of those positive changes.
Just as communities have benefited from MWSC's efforts, all MWSC athletes owe a debt of gratitude to the countless community members who opened their homes, volunteered their time or donated hard earned dollars to make the pursuit of our dreams possible.
I hope that MWSC's tradition of excellence and community involvement will guide it through the current funding challenge it faces.
MWSC's reinvention coincides with a transitional point in my own life. I will be taking the athletic and life skills I have developed over the past 4 years to the University of New Hampshire's academic programs and cross country ski team. This change has been promoted by a desire to take a step back from biathlon, get a college degree and focus on cross country skiing.
I will still attend biathlon camps and races and my training is more challenging than ever; however, my focus will be on the eastern carnival circuit and qualifying for the NCAA skiing championships. My sights are still firmly set on the biathlon World Cup and the 2018 Olympic Games.
I am very excited to enter a new phase of my life and I am equally encouraged by the new possibilities for a re-invigorated Maine Winter Sports Center.
I would like to offer a special thanks to the Fort Kent community for all of their support over the past 4 years. I am very grateful to everyone who assisted me in any small way, these actions had a much greater value then you can imagine. I have been very fortunate to call the St. John Valley home for the past 4 years.
