The Nordic ski race season got off to a perfect, albeit chilly, start for the Boothbay Region High School Seahawks on Saturday, Jan. 4 with a relay race at Telstar.

With 69 teams competing and top ski teams such as Yarmouth, Gould Academy, Merriconeag and Freeport in the mix, the competition was as fierce as the cold. But Coach Emily Higgins reports that the Seahawks handled the frigid temperatures and top-notch competition well.

Relay teams consisted of four competitors, two male and two female, who each skied a 3 kilometer course. With only two girls on their Nordic ski team, the Seahawks were limited to one team entry.

Boothbay’s team placed 41st overall in the event. Senior Robert Campbell delivered the Seahawks’ best performance of the day, finishing the course in 10:07. Seniors Benn Scully and Sophia Thayer were also speedy in the cold, finishing in 11:52 and 12:33, respectively. Sophomore Angela Machon finished at 19:52.

Athletes who were unable to participate in the relay took advantage of the opportunity to ski the course, gaining experience and testing their skills.

Finishing times for Seahawk individuals were Kyler Carty, 12:00, Zach Vise, 12:42, Joey Paolillo, 15:03, Ray Perry, 15:10, David Machon, 15:35, Trystan Mercier, 17:19, Liam Conlin, 17:24, Zach Xue, 18:37, Philip Owen, 19:53 and Sam Betts, 21:33.

“Perfect conditions, aside from the cold, met us at Telstar,” Higgins said on Monday, “Everyone put great heart into their racing. The team worked very hard and shows great promise for the continuing season.”

In addition to the relay team’s solid performance, Higgins said she was pleased with the solo skiers; for some, this was their first race.

“Kyler looked extremely strong coming into the finish and Joey Paolillo did extremely well in his first race, coming in 6th overall for Boothbay,” Higgins said. “Paolillo’s fitness and strength helped him excel despite still refining his technique.”

“Raymond Perry followed shortly after Joey, for Boothbay's seventh place. Liam Conlin, Sam Betts and Zach Xue, in their first Nordic races ever, showed great promise and determination.”

Monday’s rain and warm temperatures followed by a return to the big freeze may make this a difficult week for practice but Higgins said she expects to have everyone outside and skiing Tuesday through Thursday.

On Saturday, Jan. 11, the Seahawks travel to Leavitt for the annual Hornet Classic race. The competition begins with the girls race at 10:30 a.m.