The BV Nordics Cross Country Ski team had a successful showing at the Western Canadian Cross Country Ski Championships in Kelowna, February 4 to 6. The weekend consisted of a sprint on Friday, a short classic race Saturday and a longer skate race Sunday. Teams from across Western Canada with over 400 racers competed.
National Team racers were in attendance. It was a great opportunity for Smithers’ athletes to see just how fast cross country skiers can be, but also to meet them in person. BV athletes got some racing tips from the National skiers, thanks to Head Coach Chris Werrell, who was recently on the Junior National Team and National Development Team, and was able to call in some favours from buddies.
The BV Nordics were on fire, thanks to the inspiration those pep talks provided, the waxing team lead by Werrell and Chris Paulson of Burns Lake, and the cheering, transport and support from parents and fellow athletes from Bulkley Valley, Omenica and Nechako.
The BV Nordics team included Amanda Wilson, Hamish Woods, Robin Price, Stephanie Wilson, David Walker, Cody Askew, Bryson Pawluk, Michael Wilford, Gabriel Price, Kate Woods, Kayleigh Cuell, Kaileen McCulloch and Craig Osborn.
While race results don’t tell the whole story, highlights included Hamish Woods finishing 5th in classic and 3rd in skate, and Aggregate 3rd place Western Canada (PB4). David Walker finished 6th in Sprints and 2nd in classic prologue (MB1). Gabriel Price was 8th in Sprint, 1st in classic prologue and 1st in skate (MB2), and Aggregate Champion Western Canada (MB2). Kate Woods was 2nd in Sprint, 2nd in classic prologue and 1st in skate (JVG1), winning Aggregate Champion Western Canada (JVG 1). Kaileen McCulloch finished 7th in sprints, 2nd in classic prologue and 1st in skate (JG2). Kayleigh Cuell was 10th in sprints and 3rd in skate (JG2).
- Submitted