i BOYS NORDIC SKIER OF THE YEAR: Mt. Blue's Ramsey finds 'edge,' thrives
Morning Sentinel
BOYS NORDIC SKIER OF THE YEAR: Mt. Blue's Ramsey finds 'edge,' thrives
BY DAVID MCLAUGHLIN Correspondent Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 03/24/2009

FARMINGTON -- Welly Ramsey has used a system of trail and error to find his comfort zone as a skier.

His freshman year at Mt. Blue, Ramsey foucsed on learning to compete and followed that with a good sophomore season. As a junior, he spread himself thin by competing in the four-event Skimeister competition, but gained a better understanding of the sport.

This season, Ramsey focused on Nordic competition and was at his best. He won the classical title and was second in the freestyle at the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference championships. Then, he finished second in the classical and third in the freestyle at the Class A state championships.

For his success, Ramsey has been named the Morning Sentinel Boys Nordic Skier of the Year for the third consecutive year. Teammate Derek Rowe was also considered.

"This year skiing just Nordic I had the edge to be ready," Ramsey said. "As a Skimeister I was losing half the training hours and it takes something out of you."

Ramsey also matured as an athlete and gained a better understanding of himself and his ability. This winter he spent more hours skiing and enjoyed it more.

"Welly has the right attitude and physical ability," Mt. Blue Nordic coach Jeff Meserve said. "He has the right perspective on the sport and his potential is limitless."

Last weekend, Ramsey showed his potential by winning the TD Banknorth Eastern High School 5.2-kilometer freestyle race and finishing fourth in the classical competition against the top Nordic skiers from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.

"High school racing was my big thing at first, but it has been a necessary step in the process," Ramsey said.

"I finally realized I can ski at a higher level."

One big advantage Ramsey had at Mt. Blue was the opportunity to train with fellow seniors Rowe and Adam Fissette, who enjoyed the training regimen as much as he did during the season.

"They are the best group of people to train with," Ramsey said. "Every day they were ready to go and it made it fun to have friends to work with who wanted to ski and train as much as you did."

Ramsey is unsure of his next step but is sure it will include skiing.

"I'm ready to work next year," Ramsey said. "I definitely am more focused on skiing."

Added Meserve: "Once he starts training at the next level it will be interesting to see how far he can go. He has the make up for it, it is a matter of putting it together with the right training and conditioning."

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