Although on an extremely young side, the Winthrop High School boys Alpine team is starting to make a little noise this season. Four freshmen, a sophomore and a senior comprise the Ramblers roster that has been turning in better results each week.

In last week's Telstar High School Slalom Invitational, the Ramblers claimed a third-place team finish, placing five skiers in the top 25.

"I think they are realizing they can build something for the future," Winthrop Alpine coach Mike Rogers said. "Our success is starting to foster enthusiasm in the kids, and that is phenomenal."

Freshmen Reilly Fitzgerald, Walt Guerette, Colby Laflamme and Walter Sims -- along with sophomore Ben Doughty and senior Shawn Fitzgerald -- have given the Ramblers hope for not only the future, but the present.

The Mountain Valley Conference meet is slated for Feb. 7 and 9 at Black Mountain in Rumford, and while Winthrop may not be able to compete -- at least this season -- with the likes of league leader Mountain Valley, it is looking to close the gap with the Falcons.

"We are getting close to the MVCs and starting to focus on finishing our runs as a team," Rogers said. "Technically, we are improving and starting to come together.

"We just need to slow down a little and use our technique."

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During the past 20 years, the Mt. Blue High School Nordic team has consistently been one of the top teams, both boys and girls, in Maine. The Cougars experienced a downswing in overall talent the past few seasons but have rebuilt into a powerful, explosive unit.

"We are in good shape and very competitive," Mt. Blue coach Buzz Davis said. "On a good day we can definitely be on top."

Juniors Welly Ramsey, Derek Rowe and Adam Fissette consistently flirt with top-three finishes in both classical and freestyle competition, while sophomore Kelton Cullenberg and freshman Brody Hines are not far behind.

"Adam is as fit as he has ever been," Davis said. "He has shown gradual improvement over a number of years, until he is finishing up there with Welly and Derek.

"Kelton and Brody are both ready to pop one. They are definitely a couple to keep an eye on."

Two freshmen have jumped right into the top of the mix for the Mt. Blue girls. Shelby Aseltine and Hannah Allen are enjoying a superb start to their high school careers by threatening older, more experienced skiers on a daily basis.

Freshman Caitlin Douglas and senior Lauren Kerr have also been pushing for top finishes, giving the Cougars respect this season.

"Shelby and Hannah are not far off," Davis said. "Shelby is physically strong and Hannah is technically very good, but both could improve to become more efficient."

Mt. Blue will be competing in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference championships in two weeks. Opening day will be Feb. 6 at Black Mountain in Rumford, followed by a second day of competition at Titcomb Mountain in Farmington.

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When talking about consistently improving this season, there is no need to look much further than the Waterville boys Alpine team, moving quietly along but gaining major ground on those finishing ahead of them during the season.

"The more hill time we get, the more we move forward," Waterville coach Andy Willihan said. "We have been really focused on making individual improvements."

Using nearby Pinnacle Ski Club in Pittsfield, the Waterville boys have been able to get a number of runs on a regular basis and are learning to work harder to obtain the desired results.

"After our results in the first race of the season, the boys have accepted the need to work harder," Willihan said. "Each skier has a goal and a role on the team, and they have been working to achieve it in each event we go to."

Matt Nale recently turned in a sixth-place finish during night competition at Kents Hill, while Alex Hallenbeck grabbed 13th with Tory Quinn, Evan Vashon and Mike Tozier, finishing 16th, 17th and 18th, respectively.

"Tory and Matt have been working hard to get to the top," Willihan said. "Alex is right there and Evan and Mike, have come a long way this season."

As Waterville continues to grow in its understanding of team racing in Alpine events, so does its movement up the standings. Opponents at the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference meet in two weeks should take notice of what the Purple Panthers have accomplished.