CARRABASSETT VALLEY -– The Sugarloaf Area Ski Team is off to a great start under the leadership of Kingfield resident Coach Scott Hoisington as well as many other coaches.

On Jan. 5 the SAST kids arrived on the legendary slope of the Narrow Gauge trail at Sugarloaf for a giant slalom race against Mt. Valley Middle School and proved they were the best team. SAST beat MVMS in boys’ action by the score of 13-23 and the girls impressed, beating the competition with a “perfect” score of 10 compared to MVMS at 58.

With six races plus the state meet under their belts, SAST started their season in mid-November with dry land training. They continue practicing every Sunday plus other days while they await competition.

At Sugarloaf, Kingfield student Patrick Banahan got the job done with a first place finish on the day, 30.79 (1), 30.53 (1), followed by Mitchell Gray, 32.65 (5), 32.72 (6) second, and Ethan Wilson 33.47 (8), 33.20 (9) fourth. The big news on the day was fourth grade scorer Henry Kearing who was the fourth and final scorer finishing sixth just seconds behind the pack.

In girls’ action, Elise Luce tore it up and took the top crown, 31.36 (1) 31.23 (1), followed by Lexi Bullen 31.98 (2) 31.49 (2) and Mehgan McCormick just hundredths of seconds behind. Right behind them in scoring was Emily Listowich finishing fourth.

SAST’s Natalie Gray, Abi Zagnoli, Ruth Falt, Anna Drumstas and Aimee Sala finished in top 10 scoring for the girls.

“My girls’ team skied great as well as Patrick and most of the boys,” Hoisington said, but “my greatest reward is watching the kids who have never competed before try it out and have fun,” Hoisington said.

“We have two young sisters, Megan and Ashlyn Sorel who have been to every practice and love it,” he added. “The more mileage they get on their skis the better they compete.” And they’re showing it, he added.

Hoisington and the racers have worked with a large group of volunteer but very experienced coaches. So far it’s been SAST founder Denny Olson with Peter and Delinda Smith, Bob Tripi, Mike Kankainen as well as Phillips teacher Andrea Ferrari, who have all volunteered their time. Hoisington was very grateful for the assistance and participation.

“Sugarloaf has been very receptive, the Competition Center has been awesome and Marco, the principal of the Kingfield school has been very supportive,” Hoisington explained.

The SAST coach thanked the Competition Center for allowing the team to train after the ski race. He also added that Sugarloaf’s Nancy Peebles has been great as well as all the people who donated equipment. “We were able to outfit several kids with excellent equipment that they would not have been able to afford without their help,” he said.

Hoisington said he loves skiing with kids. “Anytime anyone allows young adults to experience sports in our area, it is a beneficial learning experience, both mentally as well as physically,” he said.

“Denny Olson started a great tradition, I hope we can keep it going and allow kids from this area to experience what it has to offer. We are lucky to live in such a special area with wonderful opportunities to live healthy lifestyles. I hope we can turn these kids on to the sport of skiing, one they will participate in the rest of their lives.”