Mother Nature hasn’t been supportive of the Boothbay Region High School Nordic ski team so far this year, but there is an opportunity for local sponsors to offer a hand — or better yet some skates or skis.

With no snow for training, Coach Nick Scott said the ski team has been focusing on conditioning, both in the weight room and outside.

“The time before snow flies is spent progressing cardio capabilities, strength training, and studying proper technique. Athletes have been completing Nordic-specific, strength-training workouts put together by Coach Dionne twice a week. Scott wrote in an email, “They have spent a lot of time running and inline skating to develop cardio. We have also been reading articles and watching videos regarding proper technique.”

Inline skating is particularly important in a snowless season, such as this one, because it provides young athletes a chance to practice Nordic ski techniques and gain confidence while hovering on top of a small, gliding surface.

“We just started inline skating around school this week and unfortunately not everyone has skates,” Scott said. Scott said the team would happily accept pairs of inline skates that are no longer being used.

“I am also hoping to acquire waxless skis for practicing around school when we don’t have enough snow to use our race caliber skis,” Scott said.

So if anyone has some waxless cross country skis or inline skates that are gathering dust, please think of the BRHS Nordic team.

Used Nordic skis and inline skates can be dropped off at the high school during regular school hours. For any questions regarding donations, contact Scott at nscott@csd3-brhs.org.