Sun Journal highlights Nordic medal performance by Ellefson ’09

Sun Journal columnist Kalle Oakes spotlights the bronze-medal performance by former Bates All-American skier Sylvan Ellefson ’09 at the U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships held at Black Mountain in Rumford.

Sylvan Ellefson ’09, photographed in 2008 by Phyllis Graber Jensen.

Oakes writes that “Black Mountain harbors even more comforts of home for Ellefson than you might imagine” because Bates often uses the trails for practice and home meets.

“I love the course. People who aren’t familiar with courses are coming in just a little bit more tentative,” Ellefson said. “I came in with a lot of confidence from having skied here so many years.”

Ellefson won his medal, his first at a national meet, in the 15-kilometer freestyle event.