FORT KENT, Maine — The town of Fort Kent is celebrating an exceptional achievement in sports, as both the boys’ basketball team and the high school ski team have secured state championships. The Fort Kent Warriors marked their first-ever state basketball victory, while the ski team triumphed in the Class B Nordic state championships, clinching their fourth consecutive title.
Alden Reardon, a standout skier, achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the top individual performance honors for the fourth year in a row. This feat, according to ski coach Carl Theriault, is unprecedented in the history of the team. “We’ve had some two or three-year winners, but never four,” he stated.
Reardon’s performance at the championship was stellar. Out of 164 boys competing, he finished approximately one minute faster than his closest competitor, demonstrating his exceptional talent. Theriault, who has coached Reardon since sixth grade, praised his athlete’s unique blend of skill and humility.
“He’s not your typical competitive person,” Theriault noted. “Some kids are all about, ‘I gotta beat this guy,’ but he just gets in there and does it. It’s so natural.” Reardon, who began skiing at the age of four, has developed a passion for the sport that goes beyond competition. He often spends his days off practicing, enjoying the outdoors, and engaging in other hobbies like hunting.
Reflecting on his achievements, Reardon expressed gratitude for his team. “I’m especially glad that I could win with my team for four years in a row,” he said. His journey into skiing began with his cousins, and he relishes the camaraderie built during daily practice sessions after school.
Looking ahead, Reardon plans to attend Maine Maritime Academy but does not anticipate pursuing skiing competitively beyond high school. “Maybe I might do a little biathlon,” he mentioned, acknowledging his passion for the sport while considering his future.
The recent championship events took place at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center, a venue that plays a crucial role in fostering young athletes. The center alternates hosting duties with Titcomb Mountain in Farmington and Black Mountain in Rumford.
The Fort Kent Nordic ski team has shown impressive consistency, having come in second in 2022 before winning state championships for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2026. Additionally, the girls’ team has also enjoyed success, capturing state titles from 2022 through 2025 and finishing a close second this year.
Theriault commended the girls’ performance, noting they were just two points shy of victory. “They were winning after the first event, and then they fell back a little bit,” he explained, acknowledging that the team primarily consisted of new skiers.
The success of Fort Kent’s teams highlights the importance of local training facilities and consistent coaching. “We don’t have the biggest mountain here, but it’s great for training the kids,” Theriault remarked. His dedication to nurturing young talent has spanned over 25 years, underscoring the impact of community support on athletic development.
As Fort Kent revels in its athletes’ achievements, the future looks bright for both the ski and basketball programs, exemplifying the spirit of sportsmanship and community pride.
