Tuesday, March 27, 2007
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Staff photo by Jeff PoulandCorrespondent
Maine Central Institute Bart Kallgren has the speed, technique and ability to be a top finisher, but this season started out slow for the senior. Kallgren had a new pair of ski boots and did not realize until the middle of the season that the boots were actually slowing him down.
Once he removed the plugs on the back of the boots, Kallgren's speed returned, along with a return to the top of the Alpine finisher's list.
"The beginning of the season was rough because I was putting too much pressure on my edges," said Kallgren. "I had new boots and made them softer when I took out the plugs, now I am lighter on my edges."
That adjustment helped Kallgren salvage the season with a second-place finish in the giant slalom at the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference championships, turning in the fastest run of the day on his first trip through the gates. He followed that up with two top-five performances in the tough Class B state meet.
For his efforts this season, Kallgren has been named the Morning Sentinel Alpine Boys Skier of the Year. Also considered were Andy Calder of Skowhegan and Reid Bond of Mt. Blue.
Watching Kallgren fly down the side of a mountain during competition is exciting. His speed often gets the better of him, however, creating missed gates or falls. Kallgren became more efficient at putting two consistent runs together near the end of the season, giving him a strong finish to his high school career.
"When Bart puts two runs together, he probably wins the race," MCI coach Paul Bernier said.
"He had a great race at the Leavitt Invitational, against the top skiers in the GS and won, then at the states he placed very high in both events by putting two runs together."
Kallgren, who started skiing when he was 3, also skis at Carrabassett Valley Academy in the weekend program and has qualified for the JI-II finals at Okemo Mountain in Vermont, where he hopes to continue turning in solid results against strong competition.
"I'm just hoping to be able to take a straight line and stay on my bases longer," Kallgren said. "Skiing the longer courses at CVA helped me with my endurance and focus."
Although he loves the individual aspects of skiing, Kallgren, who was named the MCI ski captain this season, also works hard to set the example for his teammates.
He stepped to the front, helping teammates learn about new equipment to the pre-race inspection of courses.
"I really enjoy the individual part of skiing because you don't rely on anyone else but your own talent," Kallgren said. "I try to show my teammates, if you want to be good you have to put in the time."
Added Bernier: "Bart has turned out to be not only a great racer, but he was the team leader this year as captain. He helped everyone this season."
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