Whether it was in the gyms of Chatelech or Elphinstone secondary schools or the many Coast soccer pitches or running tracks, Coast athletes learned their chosen sports and are now taking those skills with them to universities all over the province.
Thompson River's University has three Coast athletes in their athletic department this year.
Stuart Richey is starting to turn heads with the men's volleyball team.
"Stuart is coming in to compete as an outside hitter and may red shirt this year, depending on how the pre-season turns out," said head coach Pat Hennelly. "Stuart is coming here after competing for Team B.C. and is one of the fittest guys on our team. I like the way Stuart fits in with our team. He is a hard worker and a good student."
Richey played well in his first exhibition match on Sept. 25 where the Wolf Pack dropped a 3-1 decision to the Calgary Dinos in Calgary. He also put in a strong effort on Oct. 6, when the Wolf Pack downed the UBCO Heat of the B.C. College Athletic Association in three straight sets.
The Wolf Pack kicks off their regular season on Nov. 7 on the road against Trinity Western.
Tom McManus, head coach of the Wolf Pack women's soccer team, is high on Raylene Benner, who is in her first year with the team.
The Elphi grad is red shirting for the Wolf Pack who are in top spot in their division with six wins in their first 12 games.
"Raylene is a quality player, and with a bit more experience, she will be a starter in the future for the Wolf Pack," McManus said. "She knows what she has to work on and she is doing it. She is very coachable."
Russell Thornsteinsson is also getting high praise from baseball coach Ray Chadwick.
"Russell has been in school here for a few years and decided to come out and red shirt last spring after arm surgery," Chadwick said. "He is a knuckle ball pitcher who will be pitching in middle and long relief for us. He is leading the team in innings pitch and has worked hard and made tremendous strides since joining us last spring."
At Capilano University, goalie Skyler Causey is in his first year with the Blues and has yet to see much action as he is the second string goalie on the roster.
At the University of Victoria, Kendra Pomfret enters her second season on the Vikes women's cross-country team.
At Simon Fraser University, the Clan hopes to improve on their fourth place finish in women's cross-country, thanks to three former Elphi track stars.
Michaela Kane is making her cross-country debut this season. After seeing success on the track with the Clan last year, she is expected to be a key addition this year. Her sister Brianna, who also had a strong track season last year, will join Michaela seeking further success. New to the Clan this year is Kim Doerksen, who adds to the list of talented freshman for SFU.
"We have just come back from an outstanding camp with the largest number of athletes to date," said head coach Brit Townsend. "Everyone is extremely motivated and excited about the season, and I know we have the talent and drive to compete with our toughest competitors this season."
At the University of British Columbia, Shaun Stephens-Whale finished 21st for the T-Birds at the Western Washington preview meet on Oct. 9. The men's cross-country team topped the five-team field to win the meet.
Also at UBC, Kyla Richey enters her fourth year with the three-time defending national women's volleyball champions. Richey will join the team in December as she is spending the first three months of the season training in Winnipeg with the Canadian national team.
