Morning Sentinel
GIRLS NORDIC SKIER OF THE YEAR: Aseltine's performance sparked Mt. Blue
BY DAVID MCLAUGHLIN, Correspondent Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 03/18/2008

FARMINGTON -- Mt. Blue High School freshman Shelby Aseltine stepped into the limelight in her very first meet for the Cougars, immediately showing her ability and strength as a premier Nordic skier.

Throughout the season, Aseltine showed moments of brilliance on the Nordic trails while learning how to compete against the top racers in Maine.

Her recent selection to the Maine Eastern High School team caps an outstanding season that featured four top ten finishes in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference and Class A championships, including a first-place finish in the KVAC classical race.

"Shelby accomplished more as a freshmen than many do in their high school career," Mt. Blue Nordic coach Buzz Davis said. "She is very dedicated to her training and is a tough competitor with lots of talent, strength and endurance."

For her outstanding accomplishments and ability this season, Aseltine has been named the Morning Sentinel Girls Nordic Skier of the Year. Also considered for the award were Hannah Allen of Mt. Blue and Emma James of Mt. Abram.

Like many youngsters from the Farmington area, Aseltine began skiing at an early age, joining the Bill Koch Ski Program at Titcomb Mountain when she was 5 years old. She immediately latched onto concepts of Nordic skiing and has been an avid participate ever since.

"I always liked it and wanted to try it," Aseltine said. "I always loved the competition because it really pushed me to go hard."

Aseltine enjoys looking back at her middle school years of racing and the next three years at Mt. Blue, where she plans to work even harder to reach her full potential.

"I was a whiner the last couple of years, everything I would do, hurt, I was pathetic," Aseltine said. "Now I can't wait to start training this summer, I am going roller skiing, swimming and running all summer."

During her freshmen year, Aseltine watched the top skiers from other schools and listened to what they do in the offseason. She is ready to make a commitment to improve her own skills and technique through hard work in the offseason.

"Shelby can improve technically which will happen throughout her high school career," Davis said. "Her best is yet to come."

Aseltine added: "Next year, there is always room for improvement. The only place for me to go is up. I'm hoping for success."

Shelby Aseltine, Mt. Blue, MS Nordic Girl Skier of the Year

KVAC -- 1st C, 9th F

Class A -- 6th C, 7th F

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