Three Strathcona Nordics members recently returned from the Cross-Country Ski Nationals in Corner Brook, N.L.
Alec Stapff, Avalon Wasteneys and coach Dave Battison enjoyed a stellar trip in spite of extremely challenging weather conditions and being far from home. The three competed as members of the BC Ski Team, and Wasteneys brought hardware home to the Island, including a silver medal for the aggregate Junior Girls 1 division.
Of the weather and ski waxing, Battison said, "The weather was some of the hardest conditions I have ever seen in 25 years of nationals. We had every kind of weather – snow, rain, sleet, high winds, ice, freezing temperatures – sometimes all in the same day."
Stapff had some great races at the beginning of the week, and he says, "Travelling the with the BC Ski Team was awesome. We had so much support from everyone who was there and experiencing what the other side of the country was like was great. I made a bunch of new friends, and I'm extremely happy with how the week went and the racing."
Wasteneys says, "Travelling and staying with the BC Team was great! It was also a fun experience to be around so many new people. However, it was also really encouraging knowing I had lots of support from so many people on the Strathcona Nordics team while I was racing.
"A favourite moment for me probably was when I was awarded the silver aggregate for Junior Girls 1. It was such a surprise for me because although I knew I had good points I didn't think they were that good."
Wasteneys finished second place overall and took a bronze medal on the national podium in the classic technique distance event. Battison says, "Avalon is one of the country's up-and-coming racers. I was extremely proud to see her achieve so much. Avalon continues to improve every year."
– Comox Valley Strathcona Nordics