Two Comox Valley competitors are now in Victoria continuing their pursuit of athletic excellence.
Michael Herringer is one of five goaltenders at the Western Hockey League Victoria Royals' main camp this week at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
The 16-year-old is up against returning netminders Keith Hamilton (20) and Jared Rathjen (18) as well as Coleman Vollrath (17) and Patrik Polivka (18).
The Royals selected Herringer with their ninth round (188th overall) pick at the 2011 Bantam Draft. The six-foot, one-inch, 175-pound Herringer played with the Lube-X Chiefs in the Comox Valley Minor Hockey Association.
He was with the North Island Silvertips of the Major Midget League last season.
Meanwhile, Connor Willis has been making an impression as a rookie running back with the Westshore Rebels of the British Columbia Football Conference.
The six-foot, 215-pound Willis led the high school Junior Varsity and Senior Varsity in rushing yards while he was at G.P. Vanier. The multi-talented athlete has also represented Canada on the international rugby stage.
This past weekend, Willis had 20 yards rushing on three carries and an 18-yard reception as the Rebels rolled over the Chilliwack Huskers 58-0. The previous weekend, Willis collected 27 yards on five carries in a 34-21 win over the Kamloops Broncos.
Willis' chance to step into the starting lineup came when Niles Goguen went down with a leg injury.
"Connor did a great job. He's a very good young player," Rebels offensive co-ordiator Charlie Cardilcchia told a reporter. "He has great feet, great speed and good hands. He works hard every night, and he's learning the systems slowly but surely. And as Niles is out, we'll see more of Connor."