We now spotlight Ethan Livingood of Falmouth who won the Class A Freestyle. We asked him about his thoughts at the starting line and his reaction when he 
found out that he won.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
In the days leading up to the races I focused on how to mentally prepare. Physically I knew that I could certainly do stuff to prepare but nothing to make a significant difference. I worked with my coaches to get a plan on how to approach each race and I just stuck with it.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I honestly didn’t do anything different than I usually do before a race. Stay calm, focus on what I have to do in order to ski fast, stick to the plan.
3) What was going through your mind at the start, especially at the freestyle pursuit?
Attack. I kept thinking to my self that I have to go 100% from the gun and grind it out. As other competitors started in front of me I waited at the start line anxiously. As soon as the clock got to my time it was a game of catch up.
4) You won the freestyle at states, what do you contribute your great success to?
I contribute that race to the work I put in over the summer. Along with that my mom's super awesome pasta and meatballs, and all the people cheering out on course, some of my teammates even made a flag which was pretty cool.
5) What are some of your best memories from the past season?
My best memories are just being with the team, we have had a lot of great memories from this past season. Also our coaches make it super fun, and we had a lot of great performances from our underclassmen in the later part of the season which makes me feel good about the future.
6) What are your plans/goals for next year?
I plan to ski for Falmouth High School my senior year. As far as goals, simply work hard over the summer and fall to build off what I already have in the tank and see where that takes me.
7) What are your favorite things about nordic?
My favorite thing about Nordic skiing is just being outside, going fast on skinny skis, getting sendy.
8) What was your reaction when you found out that you won states?
I was in shock. One of my friends from Fryeburg and I were in a sprint to the finish in the last 100 meters and as soon as I crossed the line I collapsed. One of the people collecting bibs had to help me up. But I found out from one of the other competitors who came over and told me the news. I couldn’t believe it so I checked the screen with the results to see it for myself. I knew that I had put up a fast time from my coach out on course who was giving me splits but it hadn’t hit me that I was able to push hard enough.