Five members of the Strathcona Nordic Ski Club competed at the 2018 Haywood NorAm World Junior/U23 Trials in Canmore, Alta. last month. The high-level event attracted top cross country ski racers from across Canada.
The local contingent put in an impressive effort. Coach Andrea Stapff of Campbell River pointed out that it’s still early in the season, with the biggest challenge being lack of training on snow prior to the race.
“Our team did extremely well despite less on-snow training days than other clubs. They put their best foot forward and
improved every day, showing grit and determination,” she said.
Notable results were earned by 19-year-old Tallon Noble, who is also a member of the Canadian junior men’s team. He placed fourth in the 1.4 km classic sprint.
In the same event, Gabe Gledhill of Cumberland — a junior boy racing up with the men — skied hard for a ninth-place finish.
The athletes and coaches are happy to see snow accumulating on Mount Washington, and look forward to a busy race season this winter.
To learn more about the club, visit Strathconanordics.com, or find it on Facebook and Instagram.
Program registration is ongoing until Jan. 12. Check out programs available for youth to masters, recreational and racing.