Charles Arthur AKERS

Charlie Akers grew up in the western Maine town of Andover, where he dominated interscholastic cross-country competition in high school. He later entered the University of Maine and won the NCAA cross-country title in both 1959 and 1961. Akers joined the Army after college graduation in 1961, competing with the Army Biathlon Training Group. In addition to his two Olympic appearances, Akers competed for the US at the 1962 and 1962 World Biathlon Championships. After Army discharge, he settled in Palmer, Alaska, where he joined the National Ski Patrol, becoming a certified patrolman, worked in education as a teacher and principal, and became a bush pilot with Alaskan Mountain Air. Akers was a member of the Fish and Game Advisory Board for many years. He also was on the Greater Palmer Fire Service Area Board for over 20 years, and was a Palmer Volunteer Firefighter for 33 years. He was later made a member of the Maine Ski Hall of Fame.