For the third straight year, Chatelech is sending racers to the high school ski/snowboard provincial championships.
After another solid season of racing, both the girls' and boys' snowboard teams will head to Rossland and Red Mountain March 1 to 3. The girls team includes: Zoey Leech, Jenna Phelps, Alexa Houle, Anne Sturdy and Jezabelle Friedman-Joyal while the boys team includes: team captain Jared Hlagi, Kevin Bates, Jonas Lomax and Jarret Porter.
Despite not having a local ski hill to train on, Chat has qualified for the provincials the past three years, sending either a team or an individual racer.
During the season, the Eagles competed well at Whistler/Blackcomb with some great results including several podium finishes.
"We had some excellent results from the whole team, but our new skiers really exceeded my expectations," said head coach Jamie Mani. "Of note was Jacques Martiquet who placed fifth in boys skiing, and he's only in Grade 9."
By the time the finals came for the North Shore Zones, Chat was ready. The snowboard teams really shone, with Jared taking second place overall in the boys advanced snowboard final.
"This was a great accomplishment for him as he has been racing on this team since its creation five years ago," Mani said. "He went to the provincials as a Grade 10, but lost his spot last year due to a costly fall that eliminated him from the competition. Since last year, he has worked hard on his riding skills and even became a certified snowboard instructor this year."
Meanwhile, the girls' team placed first at the zones.
"Based on Jared's experience, I think he has an excellent chance," Mani said. "As a team, it's a mixed team with a Grade 9, a Grade 10 and two Grade 12s, but I think we could see some good results. With the girls' team, Zoey is my top girl, but anything is possible on race day. I'm certainly pleased with the growth of the team and I'm excited to see what Rossland holds for us."
To help with costs for the trip, the team is holding a wax on/wax off fundraising event. Anyone wanting to have their boards hand waxed by team members can bring their skis or snowboards into Alpha Adventures in Wilson Creek Plaza from Feb. 22 to 26. On Saturday, Feb. 27, the team will wax all the skis and boards ready for pick-up on Sunday, Feb. 28. The price is $20 for downhill skis, $25 for snowboards and $15 for cross-country skis, with all proceeds going to assist with travel costs.
