They took on some of the best, and proved they were among the best.
From Dec. 12-13, 12 members of the Strathcona Nordics race team travelled to Vernon to compete at the Haywood NorAm and Buff Sprints, a cross-country ski race known to draw competitive athletes from across the country.
“This was a big race for our athletes. It's a high calibre event with national team athletes in attendance, so a great opportunity for our younger athletes to ski alongside some of the best skiers in Canada,” said Andrea Stapff, head coach of the Strathcona Nordics.
In a breakout sprint race on Saturday, Ross Lamon (Comox) won a silver medal in the Juvenile Boys category in a field of 40 racers.
On Sunday in the long distance skate race Aiden Noble (Courtenay) and Gabe Glendhill (Cumberland) secured the top two spots in the Midget Boys category, winning gold and silver, respectively.
Emmy Stapff also did well in the Midget Girls category, finishing fourth, only .02 seconds short of a bronze medal.
According to coach Stapff, “Our athletes put in a tremendous effort, and showed gritty and determined racing.”
The team will be on the Island for the next four weeks working hard in preparation for the Zone 6 BC Winter Games trials, which will be held Jan. 2 at Mount Washington. Soon after, the team will head back to Vernon for a Jan. 9-10 BC Cup race.
Visit StrathconaNordics.com for more information about events and programs.