Last weekend, members of the Bulkley Valley Cross Country Ski Club headed to Red Deer, Alberta for three days of racing in the Haywood NorAms Western Championships.
Friday was the skate sprints, Saturday the mass start classic and Sunday the skate relay.
Over 400 athletes participated in the events from provinces and territories throughout Canada. The juvenile age categories, boys and girls, had over 55 athletes and the junior boys and girls had over 35 racing in each category.
This was a great opportunity for our athletes to get some high performance racing experience. The seven Bulkley Valley Cross Country Ski Club athletes — Jesse Smids, Rachel Cuell, Zoe Hallman, Jacob Degroot, Mia Recknell, Gregory Baxter and Conor Murphy — all had outstanding performances.
The courses were challenging and the training and commitment these athletes have had over the summer and fall paid off. Lisa Perry, BV head coach, was very impressed with their improvements in technique and strength, as well as their growing confidence in participating in these large events.
In addition, those unsung heroes, wax techs Geoff Recknell and James Cuell did a fantastic job once again getting those skis fast for these talented, powerful skiers.
All skiers had great performances with some top 10 placings from Zoe Hallman — sixth in the junior girl 800m skate sprints, Jesse Smids — ninth in the junior boy 10km classic and third in the provincial team junior boy relay, and Mia Recknell — second in the provincial team juvenile girl relay.
– Submitted article
