Four local cross country skiers participated in an event that combines instruction with competition.
Athabasca Nordic Club skiers Jake Garritse, Bo Maier Makayla Sheppard and Noah Day took part in the Alberta Youth Championship, held at Bragg Creek just west of Calgary back on Mar. 6 to 8. The athletes were joined by first time coach Kate Nunn and a wax technician.
“This event is designed as a team a sport building event,” Nunn said, “with lots of camp and social activities as well as three competitive races.”
As well, Annika Hicks – former Team Alberta, national junior team member and Canadian champion – was part of the event as a motivational speaker.
The four locals were among the 177 male and female skiers between 10 and 14 years old that were registered, representing 14 teams from Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. Each of the skate, classic and relay races were separated into various age categories.
Gerritse was the only one to earn a medal, placing third in the 2003 boys classic. Maier ended up in sixth, while Sheppard was 10th in the 2002 girls classic race.
In the skate race, Gerritse was sixth and Maier ninth, while Day was ninth in the 2001 boys and Sheppard ended up 10th in her race.
Nunn said the course was very tough with thin patches, ice and double digit temperatures.
