OLD TOWN – Old Town’s Travis Vicary won the boys 5-kilometer classic cross-country skiing title in Rumford on Jan. 31 while competing against other Penobscot Valley Conference schools.

Vicary is the first athlete at Old Town High School to compete in cross-country skiing for his school. He trains with the Hampden ski team, coached by Cid Dyjak and Ann Ross of Orono.

“We are thrilled to have the caliber of athlete that Travis brings to our team and wish he were skiing for us,” said Ross. “Skiing is huge in western Maine, and it’s growing in our area. We normally have several skiers from other schools train with us, as does John Bapst. Both schools have over 50 skiers this year,” many of whom compete in both Nordic and alpine events.

“The Penobscot Ski Club and the schools are creating more opportunities for kids in the area to be involved in a life sport,” she said.

According to the Web site of the Maine Winter Sports Center, the organization’s mission is to “re-establish skiing as a lifestyle in Maine.” It notes that “Maine has a rich history of skiing dating back to 1870, when 21 families were recruited from Stockholm, Sweden, to help settle northern Maine.”

The winter sports center has achieved success in the northern reaches of Maine, establishing world-class cross-country skiing facilities in Fort Kent and Presque Isle. Local schools now offer ski teams, and some athletes are gaining regional recognition as biathletes.

The winter sports center also owns Black Mountain Ski Area in Rumford, which offers both Nordic and alpine skiing. It is a regular venue for Junior Olympic Qualifying races.

On Jan. 31, Black Mountain hosted a dual meet including the Sassi Memorial XC Championship and the Penobscot Valley Conference Championship. Approximately 217 boys and 188 girls competed on a 5K classic course on the wooded lower slopes of the mountain.

Vicary placed first in the PVCs with a time of 16 minutes 55 seconds, defeating veteran skiers from Hampden Academy, John Bapst Memorial High School and Piscataquis County High School.

“I was pretty fortunate to get my wax right and avoid crashing,” Vicary said. Team honors went to John Bapst, first place, and Hampden, second place.

Vicary’s time was 48th out of the combined fields. The level of competition is high among western Maine schools, many of which field skiers competing in Junior Olympic Qualifying events.

Formerly a hockey player for Old Town, Vicary said that “skiing is a welcome change in environment, and it’s better cross training for my running. Hockey has helped my skate skiing technique, and running has helped with endurance. Skiing is easier on my knees than running. Besides, it’s a lot of fun to compete in a sport where I use both technique and endurance.”

Asked what it’s like to train with another school, Vicary said, “I consider it a privilege to train with the Hampden team. My coaches are very encouraging, and the team is great. I’ve made some good friends there.”

Vicary added, “My parents have been really supportive, especially when it comes to preparing my skis for race days, and encouraging me in competition. My dad is the one who got me started on skis, and it was his idea to see whether I could ski for Old Town.

“I talked with the Hampden coaches last winter, and they were willing to take me on.”

Greg Thibodeau, Old Town’s athletic director, made the arrangements with Tom Winston, Hampden’s athletic director.

“What it takes is the initial parent support and cooperation by another team,” said Thibodeau.

Vicary said, “I’m glad to represent Old Town as a skier, and I appreciate Mr. Thibodeau, Mr. Winston, my coaches, and my mom and dad for making it possible.”

The athlete’s father, Bret Vicary, said, “It’s been fun to watch Travis excel at something new and have a great time doing it.”

Asked what he saw for the future of the sport at Old Town, Vicary said, “I’m looking forward to skiing next year, and who knows – maybe we could have our own ski team someday.”

Thibodeau agreed. “It would be nice to see cross-country skiing grow as a sport at Old Town, especially with all the trails we have here,” he said.

Vicary will compete in Class A for Old Town at the state championships at Black Mountain on Feb. 17 in the freestyle event and on Feb. 19 in the classic.