Good core back for PIHS Alpine team
By Jon Gulliver
Staff writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The weather this winter has not been good to skiers. We get some snow and then it rains. It’s also been tough on the Presque Isle High School Alpine ski team, which means no time on the mountain to practice for the 19 members of the Wildcat squad.
“I’m very excited to get the season under way with some on snow training,” said second-year coach Doug Guerrette. “I know the athletes are as well.”
Last year’s team was without any seniors, so there is a good core back to compete this winter.
“The athletes gained a great deal of skills throughout the year and worked hard all season,” said the coach. “I look for continued improvement and growth and hope that this year will again bring the athletes to achieving their individual and team goals while also having a fun and enjoyable season.”
On the boys’ team are Chris Carroll, John and Thomas Freeman, Grayden Hemphill, Jonas Kinney, Gabe Player, Freeman Short, Brady and Matt Sullivan, Jacob Towle and Aaron Whitaker.
Skiing for the girls are Emma Bartlett, Amanda Bennett, Abbie Carrier, Chelsey Carroll, JoLonna Gough, Brianna Howlett, Cameo Madore, Lauren Schiff and Shannon Sweeney.
Despite the lack of on-the-slope training time so far, coach Guerrette has pushed the team to improve.
“From Day One they’re taught a positive attitude, respect for coach and teammates and to always strive for continuous self improvement,” he said. “With Alpine skiing it’s each individual performance that collectively gives a team a score. Each skier has their own areas of focus to improve on, and through practice we define these needs.”
The next ski meet for the Wildcats will be on Saturday at Bigrock at 9 a.m.
