By DAVID McLAUGHLIN
Correspondent Monday, March 26, 2007

enlarge Staff photo by Andy Molloy

Maranacook Community High School's Emma Prysunka is the Kennebec Journal's Girls Nordic Skier of the Year.

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Correspondent

Maranacook Community School senior Emma Prysunka was disappointed with her accomplishments last season and when the ski season began this winter, was looking for something to rekindle her enthusiasm.

"I was down from last year, I had lost my focus in practice and it really bothered me," Prysunka said. "I really wanted to redeem myself."

Her selection as a captain and the support from her coaches helped light the fire under Prysunka that inspired her to new levels. Practices became fun and her attitude skyrocketed.

Prysunka showed tremendous improvement as the season progressed. When the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference championships rolled around, she was in full stride, winning the girls Skimeister title. At the Class B state meet, her times and performances continued to improve. She won the tough four-event state Skimeister title.

"It was important for me to be a captain, my whole attitude toward things changed," Prysunka said. "Our coaches (Steve DeAngelis and Kim Lynch) were patient and kind, they are really amazing."

For her outstanding effort and leadership role, Prysunka has been named the Kennebec Journal Girls Nordic Skier of the Year. Jen Monsulick, Prysunka's teammate at Maranacook, was also considered.

"The biggest thing about Emma this year was she really made a huge effort to prove herself," DeAngelis said. "She was absolutely determined to be a good skier."

Prysunka's climb in the standings this season was notable. Skiing in all four events meant practicing occasionally while competing in either an Alpine or Nordic race on a daily basis. Early in the season she focused on Nordic competition followed by a stint on the Alpine slopes as championship events started to draw nearer.

Competing in the KVAC and Class B championships in the Alpine events of giant slalom and slalom, and Nordic races of freestyle and classical, Prysunka knocked out eight top 15 finishes, including six in the top 10. A year ago she had just three top 15 finishes in the eight events.

"Emma had a 30th in the classical race at the state meet, she knew what she was supposed to do but just didn't have a feel for it," DeAngelis said. "This year she put more mental effort into it and got it finishing eighth."

"I think I was pretty focused," Prysunka said. "I had so much fun this season. I think doing well helps make things fun."