03/24/2009
enlargefrom the Kennebec Journal
QUESTIONS REMAIN
No complaints from those who switched to Somerset County center
Vote on 1 may hurt some in election
Steeple at center of debate in Whitefield
VETERANS REQUIRE ASSISTANCE: Homelessness takes center stage
J.P. DEVINE: Overcome sadness with hope
BASKETBALL: NBA Hall of Famer Barry doles out advice at Thomas College
HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY: Maranacook sophomore Mace dominates Class B field
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
A year later, families await answers on fatalities
Owner of topless coffee shop on the comeback trail
Officials report cheaper, better service after switch
Two people in critical condition
Young Marines stick to program
Issue of homeless veterans at center stage
GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Winslow falls to York in Class B
Bard hits her marathon stride
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
It looked like the Winthrop High School boys Nordic team would be forced to rebuild after reaching new heights last season. The Ramblers graduated their top performers from a team that won the Mountain Valley Conference title and made a run at the Class C state title.
The skiers returning this season, however, did not consider this a rebuilding year. Following the standard set by senior Alex Cottrell, Winthrop defended its MVC title and was the runner-up at the Class C state meet.
"A lot of the credit has to go to our coach (Ed Van Tassel)," Cottrell said. "We pulled it together but he made us work hard."
Cottrell capped a strong season by winning the freestyle and classical races at the MVC championship meet. He also finished third in the classical at the state meet.
For his accomplishments this season, Cottrell has been named the Kennebec Journal Boys Nordic Skier of the Year. Cottrell's teammate Patrick Romar and Maranacook's Sam Whittemore were also considered.
"We had lost the core of our team from the year before," Van Tassel said. "Alex came in and remained focused on his individual goals as well as the team goals."
Cottrell, who has been skiing since the fourth grade, believed the team could succeed but would need to work hard to reach their goals.
"An important part of what we did was in practice," Cottrell said.
"Most of us have been skiing together since middle school, we are friends and we were having fun, even though the practices were hard."
As Winthrop gained momentum throughout the season, Cottrell continued to improve -- consistently finishing in the top 10 and progressing toward podium finishes as the big races approached.
"Alex was a very consistent performer," Van Tassel said. "You could always count on him to be in or close to the top 10 during the season."
Cottrell's successful run at the end of the season was the spark for the Ramblers impressive effort in the final two weeks of the season.
"I was very happy with my individual podium performances," Cottrell said. "Mostly, I enjoyed doing this with my friends, that was very important."
Reader comments
Click here to view or add reader comments