It's an interesting premise . . . “enjoying” winter. The idea was first presented to us by Bill Mitchell, president of the Capital Ski and Outing Club. We quoted him on page 3, too, as saying that if you get out there and enjoy the season, winter doesn't feel as long. As an afterthought, he added that he thinks winter is too short. (He earned the raised-eyebrow look for that comment.)
Still, there does seem to be some truth to his words-o-wisdom. Just look at the Nordic ski team at Concord High – they seem to have fun hanging out outside, and they do so voluntarily after school and even on the weekend! Clearly they are immune to the elements, because if I'm outside for more than five minutes, I start shivering and doing the shuffle walk to stay warm. Occasionally I attempt to burrow my entire face in my jacket.
What is wrong with these high schoolers? Wait, I mean, what keeps them motivated?
For answers, we turned to Insider Elley Symmes, who happens to be on the team. She interviewed eight of her teammates, and even sent us a photo of the group at last week's state championship race (see cover) – both the girls' and boys' team came in first place. She asked us to direct your attention the “fancy plaques.” Noted.
We also have the Insider scoop on the homemade spandex pants worn by team member Emilie Muller, lovingly sewn by mom, Kate Fox. (See related links.)
If for some reason you feel inspired to spend time outside after reading these team profiles, then make your way to our cross-country trail expose – we have details on where the cross-country skiing trails are and where you can get inexpensive rentals.
In the meantime, I'll be curled up by the space heater.
Katie Henry
Jenny Wilmot
How long have you skied for CHS? Four years.
What is your favorite food to reward yourself with after a race? Soup from Panera.
What is the worst delicious Nordic delicacy that you have eaten before a race? Chocolate mini eggs.
What is the hardest part of Nordic? Holding onto that dollar bill.
Where is the best place to go Nordic skiing in Concord? Candy Mountain. (It’s a secret.)
What is your pre-race ritual? Climbing trees.
What do you think Coach Stu does during the off season? He is in a champion bowling league.
Taylor Mauck
How long have you skied for CHS? Three years.
What is your favorite food to reward yourself with after a race? Grilled cheese with some ketchup on the side.
What is the worst delicious Nordic delicacy that you have eaten before a race? Hamburger.
What is the hardest part of Nordic? Beating me.
Where is the best place to go Nordic skiing in Concord? Oak Hill Woods.
What is your pre-race ritual? Slippin’ into my spandex.
What do you think Coach Stu does during the off season? No idea. I can’t picture him doing anything else. . . . He is a mysterious man.
Andrea Pérez
How long have you skied for CHS? One year.
What is your favorite food to reward yourself with after a race? Clementines, tons of them.
What is the worst delicious Nordic delicacy that you have eaten before a race? Recover Eye – a gross recovery drink.
What is the hardest part of Nordic? Going up the hills.
Where is the best place to go Nordic skiing in Concord? Memorial Field.
What is your pre-race ritual? Swearing in Spanish.
What do you think Coach Stu does during the off season? He is in the CIA.
Benny Winer
How long have you skied for CHS? Three years.
What is your favorite food to reward yourself with after a race? A nice burger from McDonald’s with a Coke on the side.
What is the worst delicious Nordic delicacy that you have eaten before a race? I ate nothing once and threw up after the race.
What is the hardest part of Nordic? My body.
Where is the best place to go Nordic skiing in Concord? Alone in the woods with the animals.
What is your pre-race ritual? I stand on one foot, close my eyes and eat a banana in one bite.
What do you think Coach Stu does during the off season? He sits in a chair and waits for Nordic season to start.
Abbie Mauck
How long have you skied for CHS? One year.
What is your favorite food to reward yourself with after a race? Easy Mac.
What is the worst delicious Nordic delicacy that you have eaten before a race? Coffee.
What is the hardest part of Nordic? Falling . . . every day, all day.
Where is the best place to go Nordic skiing in Concord? On my lawn.
What is your pre-race ritual? Singin’ my songs and listening to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”
What do you think Coach Stu does during the off season? What off season?
John Barbadoro
How long have you skied for CHS? Three years.
What is your favorite food to reward yourself with after a race? Bacon, egg and cheese.
What is the worst delicious Nordic delicacy that you have eaten before a race? See above.
What is the hardest part of Nordic? Keeping Stu (our coach) happy.
Where is the best place to go Nordic skiing in Concord? On top of CHS.
What is your pre-race ritual? UFC cage match.
What do you think Coach Stu does during the off season? That is classified information.
Charles Shirley
How long have you skied for CHS? One year.
What is your favorite food to reward yourself with after a race? Pasta.
What is the worst delicious Nordic delicacy that you have eaten before a race? Candy.
What is the hardest part of Nordic? That you have to keep doing it if you want to get better.
Where is the best place to go Nordic skiing in Concord? Carter Hill.
What is your pre-race ritual? I just warm up.
What do you think Coach Stu does during the off season? Roller skis.
Emilie Muller
How long have you skied for CHS? Two years.
What is your favorite food to reward yourself with after a race? Chocolate energy bar.
What is the worst delicious Nordic delicacy that you have eaten before a race? Raspberry Hammer Gel.
What is the hardest part of Nordic? When the snow melts.
Where is the best place to go Nordic skiing in Concord? The hayfield at White Farm.
What is your pre-race ritual? I put on my orange bandanna.
What do you think Coach Stu does during the off season? Plays “Star Wars” with his kids.
