Climbing to the top: Lady Warriors team building exercise

Contributed  photo
AT THE TOP — Members  of  the Southern Aroostook girls varsity soccer team climbed Double Top Mountain in Baxter State Park on Columbus Day. The girls spent six hours on the eight-mile hike from Kidney Pond  as part of a team-building exercise.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Southern Aroostook girls soccer coach Holly Vining knows it takes teamwork and dedication to reach for the crown.
    The Lady Warriors are sitting at the top of the Class D standings and are hoping to repeat as the state champions. But, a few weeks ago, the Lady Warriors discovered the real beauty of being at the top during their team building day in Baxter State Park.
    “We hiked Doubletop Mountain on Columbus Day,” said Vining. “It was an eight-mile hike from Kidney Pond.”
    The Southern Aroostook girls climbed over both peaks of Doubletop and down the backside to Nesowadnehunk Stream. The girls were guided by Melissa York, formerly of the Maine Winter Sports Center, who is now SACS’ Gifted and Talented teacher.
    “None of the girls had ever hiked a mountain before,” said Vining. “They had no idea what to expect.”
    The girls used all the aspects of teamwork — support, encouragement, cooperation and working together toward a common goal.
    “They were incredible sports given the difficulty and intensity of the climb at times,” Vining said. “It took us six hours to complete. Four hours to climb up and two hours to get down.”
    Vining was impressed with the girls’ stamina.
    “The last hour before reaching the top was icy in spots,” explained Vining. “It was extremely steep and very technical for a group of inexperienced hikers. At one point, it even started to snow.”
    After reaching the summit, the climb was worth the effort.
    “We were all blown away by the view,” said Vining. “Katahdin was covered by snow. It was cool to see it that close.”
    The girls will take this experience and translate it to the field where it will take fortitude and composure  through the test of the playoffs to reach the top again.