Canadian time trial champion Gillian Ellsay of Courtenay is one of 12 athletes on the B.C. NextGen Program announced Nov. 13 by Cycling Canada.
By September 2016, all NextGen programs (previously known as the Talent Development Program) will target specific cycling sports as they fast track the development of nominated cycling candidates to international performances.
In Victoria, the NextGen program led by coach Jeff Ain will transition in September 2016 to solely cater toward cross-country mountain bike athletes.
Rousseau in the Swim
Thompson Rivers University had two swimmers attend a 286-swimmer, nine-team meet over the Nov. 6-8 weekend in Vernon.
Top eight placings for the WolfPack women’s team included G.P. Vanier grad Megan Rousseau of Comox who placed 8th in the 50 back, 5th in the 200 back and the 50 freestyle, 6th in the 100 back and 7th in the 100 free.
Gunter Paces WolfPack
Courtenay's Brad Gunter helped the TRU WolfPack men's volleyball team snap a five-match losing streak on Nov. 13 as the 'Pack downed the Brandon University Bobcats 3-2.
The fifth-year outside hitter paced his team's offence with 24 kills in 47 opportunities, 11 digs and three block assists. TRU is now 2-7 on the Canada West season.
Coaches Honoured
Six B.C. coaches with Comox Valley connections were among the 62 honoured with a 2015 Petro-Canada Coaching Excellence Award, Nov. 14 in Winnipeg.
Deborah Carter, Aleila Miller and Tom Norton won for Special Olympics athletics, whose team includes Robert Burns.
Lorena Mead and Ian Olive won for Special Olympics softball, whose team includes Chris Roberge and Brad Hogan.
Trennon Paynter won for freestyle ski, with halfpipe ace Cassie Sharpe one of his success stories. Elliot Catton of Ontario, who coaches Darcy Sharpe, won for snowboarding.