Coach Maher returns for limited Nordic ski schedule
Castleton University Nordic ski coach Marty Maher has returned to the program for the 2020-2021 season in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maher, who will turn 70 years old in May, was in his 46th year of coaching last year when he decided to retire.
That retirement turned out to be a short hiatus.
“I think with COVID … people were unsure to take a job if you weren’t gonna have a season,” Maher said.
The school asked him to come back in November after receiving few applications for the position.
Maher and skiers have not been spared from the coronavirus-related challenges that many sports organizations have faced since last March. A number of Nordic ski recruits elected not to participate due to this virus, going to other schools or taking time off from college.
The roster only has five skiers on it this season.
Maher compared this season to some of the past seasons, citing the differences that COVID has brought about.
“The results have been fine. Normally, we want our athletes to peak in March for our national championship,” Maher said.
With no fall training and limited competitions, the team was closer to an early January fitness level for a normal season.
“The snow has been great for us … It’s too bad we don’t have a [normal] season,” he said when asked if the team was affected at all by some of the fresh powder that has plagued the alpine team.
The Nordic teams are coming off their first double of the season last weekend at Woodstock. Emily Greene led the way for the women with a 24th place finish in the overall, third for her group at the 10 kilometer classic while Antonio Mannino was 26th overall, fourth in his group.
The Nordic teams will head to Craftsbury for the Vermont Cup on Saturday, Feb. 20.
More Stories
Traci Molloy’s powerful art back on campus
In a powerful gathering at Casella Theater, Vermont State University Castleton hosted a panel on April 16, led by Traci Molloy, the artist behind the evocative “Against my Will” art projects. “Art is its language. You can see it and feel it. When you’re a baby, you learn through the language of the arts before […]
Women’s lacrosse making progress despite adversity
On Saturday, the Spartans women’s lacrosse team headed down to Danbury, Connecticut to take on Western Connecticut State University. Earlier in the week, they played a tough game against Keene State. “There was excitement going into the second half and disappointment at the outcome of the second half,” said sophomore midfielder Megan Ward. “Overall we’ve […]
Drake is a legend, and I got to see the last tour show
After five years of many albums but no tour, Drake finally went on tour starting in Chicago on July 2, 2023. And I had the chance to be at the very last show of this tour in Newark, New Jersey at the Prudential Center. Drake, Lil Wayne, and Lil Durk were all in one show […]
Softball trying to get their swing back
In a season quite like a rollercoaster ride with its up and downs, the Castleton softball team started off hot but have since cooled off in the second half of the season dealing with the unpredictable Vermont spring weather. Down the stretch of the season, the Spartans have had a tough span of games that […]
Rutland County Pride: an organization for all
I recently had the opportunity to speak with the Executive Director of Rutland County Pride, William Fourney-Mills. The interview was extremely eye-opening as well as remarkably inspiring. Fourney-Mills discussed the organization in great detail, highlighting many aspects that not many are aware of. Fourney-Mills, an LGBTQ2+ advocate, began by explaining how Rutland County Pride came […]
Fireside is gluten-free heaven
Fireside Café is a beloved place on campus by (many) students who enjoy the break from Huden every once and a while. But students with gluten sensitivity or allergies rely on Fireside even more due to the many options available, including different bread options. “Fireside has way better options for gluten-free bread than Huden does. […]