The Strathcona Nordic Ski Club's Devo team had an excellent weekend at the BC Midget Championships in Kewlowna on March 3-4. The 26 Devos, ages nine to 12, made their presence felt at this important provincial tournament, which brings together the best young cross-country skiers in B.C.
Early Saturday morning, head wax tech Andrea Stapff worked diligently with her waxing team of Stewart Lamon and Don Johnston in very difficult 0 degree, light powder conditions. Their work helped propel SNSC to some very strong finishes in the 2km classic race by all of the athletes 鈥� including a silver medal for Tallon Noble (Courtenay). In the afternoon, all the Nordic's teams performed well in the 4x1.5km relay with a bronze medal for the team of Ethan Wong (Courtenay), Connor McGrady (Comox), Tallon Noble, and Ross Lamon (Comox).
On Sunday, the racers put on a very exciting show in the 300m and 400m skate sprints. Tallon brought home a bronze medal, while Ross and Stewart Lamon placed fifth and fourth in their respective age categories. The eight girls in the 2002 category clearly demonstrated that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come on the provincial race scene.
Amelia Wells (Victoria) brought home a gold and Annelies Henckel (Courtenay) took the silver, with Emmy Stapff (Campbell River) taking fifth in the very competitive 2002 girls 300m sprint final. Alexandra Apedaile (Black Creek) received a technique award for her beautiful skating skills. Coaches Tim McGrady and Berend Henckel promised they would go blond if anyone brought home a gold, so thanks to Amelia, watch out for two blond coaches at Raven Lodge this weekend.
Finally, the team placed third out of 18 in the club aggregate standings, which is outstanding for a relatively small, island club. The coaches are extremely proud of all the racers and are thankful to the parents for making the trek to Kelowna and supporting the Devos and coaches at the race 鈥� and they are thankful to Dr. Andreas Conradi for helping to make the race suit program a reality.
Coach Tim McGrady said, "It was so great to see the red and black of the Strathcona Nordics so prominent on the race course all weekend!" Learn more about the club at .
鈥� Strathcona Nordic Ski Club
