i Erskine's Welch at home in water
Morning Sentinel
Erskine's Welch at home in water
BY GARY HAWKINS
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 03/23/2009

BY GARY HAWKINS

Staff Writer

Erskine Academy senior Finn Welch has called a lot of places home. Born in Aruba, he spent six years in Saudi Arabia and another five in Thailand before his teacher/parents settled down in his mom's hometown of Vassalboro.

Wherever Welch has lived, though, he's always felt at home in the water. He joined his first swim team at age 6 in Saudi Arabia and has been involved with the sport one way or another since.

This season, Welch was among the top freestylers in the Class B division of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference and part of a school record-setting 400-yard freestyle relay team.

For his efforts, Welch has been selected Kennebec Journal Boys Swimmer of the Year. Also considered was Cony's Jordan Rothrock.

Welch's life is consumed with hobbies, passions and pastimes. He tends to goats, steers and has even trained a team of oxen on his family's small organic farm. He's currently in the middle of maple syrup season.

"It's a completely different experience," Welch said. "I've lived in the city and suburbs and never really took care of any animals."

He enjoys several experiences in and on the water including sailing, which he's done since he was a young boy. He recently bought a 21-foot boat he'll sail this summer on China Lake and is also getting into white water kayaking. He likes to wind surf, too.

"As a whole, he's just an interesting kid," Erskine swim coach Bridget Convey said. "Everything he does, he does very well."

Swimming is the most elemental sport for the aptly named Finn, one that he's pretty good at.

"It's a smooth sport," he said. "I enjoy being in the water and just going through it like butter."

Welch improved this year and nearly broke school records in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. At the KVAC meet, he finished third in the 100 free and fourth in the 200.

Welch was team captain and took his job seriously.

"He led the team with awesome spirit," Convey said. "He's a very hard worker but always with a good attitude behind it."

Welch's attitude and ability played into a scholarship awarded by the Central Maine Swim Officials.

"I was knocked off my feet," Welch said of the award. "I was totally surprised."

Welch will apply the scholarship money toward Maine Maritime Academy where he will attend next year to study marine transportation.

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com

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