The 2023 Roy Varney Hornet Classic is set to take place at the Maine Outdoor Wellness Center on Tuesday, January 31st.
The high school race attracts skiers from across central, southern, western, and eastern Maine. This year, there will be over 10 schools and almost 150 racers, it is one of the premier events of the high school Nordic racing season. It is a 5 kilometer classical race hosted by Leavitt Area High School of Turner and the Maine Outdoor Wellness Center.
The venue and trails will be prepared for the race on Tuesday. Be aware that the trails will be in use. The race starts at 3:00pm. You see info about the race at www.mainehighschoolskiing.com
Originally called the Leavitt Hornet Classic, the name was changed to the Roy Varney Hornet Classic in 2020. Roy was a stand out Nordic skier from Leavitt who was a multiple state champion. He passed away in 2019 in a farming accident.
The Maine Outdoor Wellness Center was created in Roy’s honor. It was a dream of Roy Varney’s, a place where he could continue to train for nordic skiing and biathlon year-round, all while continuing to help out on the farm. The Center seeks to preserve the memory of Roy Varney by providing opportunities to access the outdoors for all Turner and surrounding residents of central Maine and New England.
The Roy Varney Hornet Classic is organized by Dustin Williamson, the Leavitt Nordic coach, along with the Leavitt Ski Boosters, community and team support.