Fryeburg skiers gearing up for the slopes and trails

By Todd Gallagher

As the snow begins to fly the excitement of the upcoming Nordic and Alpine seasons begins to bubble at the Academy. Fryeburg once again will place a strong group of skiers on the slopes and trails around the State of Maine.Like in the past, just the thought of facing the Fryeburg ski teams brings that chill to the spine that no heater can take away. A few names have changed but the reputation will still be there and the expectations will be high as always.On the Nordic side, Coach John Weston will begin this year's campaign with high hopes as this team is showing signs of cohesiveness and camaraderie that often takes an entire season to reach. We had good results with this young group last year, and those kids have put in a great effort in the off season and preseason," Coach Weston said. "This group has talked about goals and teamwork and it has been my experience that when you have this kind of atmosphere good things happen. Weston also feels, the ability to get on snow early will help us greatly in the long run. We expect a successful season. The Girls Nordic team will be led by the likes of Jennie Caffrey and Janna Kurnick who made the New England Championships last year, and Aslyn Dindorf who skied in the Jr. New England Championships. Rounding out the team will be: Emily Atwood, Lauren Reeves, Jessica DiPietro, Anna Tupaj, Emma Mason, Ellie Jones and Laura Martinez. Coach Weston is looking to Reeves, Caffrey and Kurnick to be the leaders and he thinks Dindorf, who was hurt most of last year, will be a scoring threat along with freshman Emma Mason. Jake Fillebrown, who also made the New England Championships last year, David Mead and Chad Connell, will lead the boys side. Freshman Paul Kurnick could be a very pleasant surprise this season. Rounding out this group will be: Peter Caffrey, Seth Eastman, David Fulton, Dan Kurnick, Ian Wellinghurst, Sung Woo Kim, Matt Stryker and Forrest Edson. On the Alpine side, first-year coach Sam Dyer is optimistic about his teams. His numbers are up on the girls side and even with graduation taking its toll on the boys side, it may be considered a building season but he fully expects to do well. Coach Dyer said, I truly believe both teams will have good seasons. We could surprise some people who may take us for granted. The girls side has a lot of potential and I think big things will happen. The boys downhill team will consist of Jacob Brackett, Zack Burke, Mike Hagenow, Preston Jones, Chris Low, Clark Prince, Parker Schoonover, Jake Carter, Dan Kurnick and Paul Kurnick. On the ladies side the line starts with Bonnie Dyer who will be a team leader and she will be followed closely by Jess DiPietro, Meaghan Cassily, Katie Russell, Kat Sousa, Lily Iorfino and Emily Atwood. The rest of this talented team is made up by: Coco Fritzien, Claire Alden, Ellie Jones, Megan MacGillivray, Liz McDermith, Erin Meltzer, Allison Fichera, Jenny Prince and Alexi Muller. This season Fryeburg will have at least five skiers competing for the coveted Ski Meister title, which is the combination of both Alpine and Nordic results for the year. Ellie Jones, Jess DiPietro, Emily Atwood, Dan Kurnick and Paul Kurnick will all try for top dog in that category. The First Alpine meet will be Dec. 22 at Shawnee Peak and the first Nordic meet will be Jan. 7 at Lake Region.