Aiden Noble and Gabe Gledhill on the podium in Vernon. Photo by E. Stapff
The season is off to a great start: programs are in full swing, the conditions are b-e-a-u-tiful and there are a lot more exciting things to come.
In addition to all that, our racers have been on FIRE! At the BC Cup #1 in Vernon last weekend, our racers posted some of the best results in the clubs’ history at a provincial cup event!
We saw 22 of our athletes amass a total of 23 top 10 finishes, including 12 top 5 placings! Needless to say, it was an exciting weekend.
Here are a few more things to look for this season:
Club Events
SATURDAY TOONIE RACES
Thanks to John Andres and his team of magic elves, the Toonie Race last Saturday was a great success. For results visit webscorer
Had fun? Missed out?
More to come January 30th and February 20th
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Interested in getting involved? We can always use an extra hand to help things run more smoothly. We’re looking for volunteers for the following events:
▪ Coast Cup
▪ Jackrabbits
▪ Toonie Races
▪ Ski Playground
▪ Loppet
▪ Fundraising banquet
Contact info@strathconanordics.com for details.
DAVE BATTISION MEMORIAL SPONSORSHIP BANQUET
Mark the date!
On Saturday March 12, 2016, join us for an evening of fun and debauchery at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay. All proceeds from this event will go towards the Dave Battison Memorial Athlete Development Fund, which supports athletes from the Strathcona Nordics Race Team.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 pm. The event will be catered by TRIA.
Program includes:
▪ Motivational Speaker: presentation by 3 time Hawaii Ironman Champion, Peter Reid
▪ Musical Entertainment
▪ Live Auction
▪ Silent Auction
More information to follow.
Club Updates
ATHLETES HEADING TO BC WINTER GAMES
We have a strong group of Island athletes heading BC Winter Games this year!
Based on results from the trial race, Zone 6 will be represented by Gabe Glenhill of Cumberland, Stephen Lamon and Emma Wong of Comox, Aiden Noble, Zander Swift and Annelies Henckel of Courtenay, Taz Oldaker of Black Creek, Emmy Stapff of Campbell River and Amelia Wells of Victoria.
Also representing Zone 6, from VI Biathlon, we have Joe Winkelaar, Kane Cracknell and Sylvie Johnston.
We look forward to cheering on these athletes!
SNAP
SNAP (Strathcona Nordics Adventure Program) got off to a great start this Sunday! Under the expert lead of guest coach Dave Pinell, the participants played in deep powder while learning backcountry skills.
SNAP is a team effort, with Dan Lemay as the main coach in liaison with some of the participants parents. There will also be several guest coaches throughout the season, Dave Pinell (skate and classic sessions), Brian Scott (outdoor adventures), Chris Wilson ( outdoor adventure, snowshoeing and biathlon), Pat Douglas VIBC (2 biathlon) and Stew Lamon (nordic orienteering).
There is still some room in this program for anyone who is interested!
Please contact Lynn Swift or info@strathconanordics.com for details
SKI PLAYGROUND
If you were wondering what the roped off area was at the foot of the stadium, then wonder no more! This is to become the new ski playground!
A ski playground is an area where skiers young and old can play and develop their skills while they are at it. The general layout, which takes advantage of the gentle slope in this part of the stadium will include rolling bumps, a slalom area, bicycle bumps and more! On weekends, the club will set up a variety of props, hoops and obstacles to keep things interesting.
For more information about ski playgrounds you can check out: CCCSki and YouTube
If you would like to help out setting up and managing the ski playground on the weekends, please contact Marika (Head Hare) or info@strathconanordics.com
Races
TECK COAST CUP #4 & #5
The Club will be hosting the Coast Cup on the weekend of February 13th and 14th. Events will include an interval start classic on Saturday, and a free technique mass start on Sunday.
Registration can be done online at Zone4.
For more information, see our Race Notice
VI BIATHLON CLUB RACE NOTICE
When: Sunday, Feb 21, 2016
Where: Biathlon Site, Mt. Washington, BC
Eligibility: All ages, minimum 10 yrs
Rules: Penalty loop 100m skied for every target missed
Event: Modified Sprint format – Individual starts at 30 sec intervals 3 loops totaling 6 km, 2 shoots (distances may be modified by race committee depending on conditions)
A more detailed race notice will be posted closer to the event.
The Value of Membership
Strathcona Nordics is a membership driven organisation and we depend on you to support cross-country skiing on Vancouver Island, throughout BC, Canada and yes even the world! There are many benefits to membership, whether you join one of our programs or not. By being a member you make a statement and lend your voice to the promotion and development of nordic skiing on the island and at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
The club is interested to hear from current, past and prospective members about what we can do better, in order to maintain your support. What kind of programs can we offer to entice you? What kind of benefits would tickle your fancy? Your opinion matters.
Let us know at info@strathconanordics.com and come out and show your support and love of skiing!
