The Enquist Slalom Vancouver Sun Coast Zone Races for K2 (13 and 14 years olds) were held on Mount Seymour this past weekend. Named after Harold Enquist, the K2 race has traditionally been held on Mount Seymour since 1936. This is the 72nd time the race has been held and all the athletes had an opportunity to compete for the Harold Enquist trophy which recognizes the male and female athlete with the fastest total time over the two day series.
On Saturday the snow fell and the course crew worked hard to keep the track in shape for the two action packed runs. At the end of the day Kailee Darlington, claimed the Gold and a second behind was Jocelyn Ramsden, claiming the silver with Mount Washington’s Chelsea Adam in third. In Men’s action Saturday Spencer Morris, stood on the top step with a two second lead over Ford Swette. Daniel Kwong took home the Bronze medal.
Sunday delivered sunshine and smiles all around the mountain. The cool, clear weather provided the perfect conditions for a great morning run. In the afternoon with the sun beaming down on the course, some salt was required to firm up the track for all the competitors. After everyone had charged down the course twice Kailee Darlington and Spencer Morris managed to have the fastest times again. Jocelyn Ramsden solidly took the silver again and Nelly Nardelli stepped up for third place in the Ladies race. Ford Swette posted the fastest time for the first run in the morning run but could not hang on in the 2nd run and he took silver again. Broderick Thompson picked up the Bronze medal.
At the awards presentation Spencer Morris and Kailee Darlington held up the Enquist Trophy. In the Ladies overall Jocelyn Ramsden was second followed by Nelly Nardelli in third. Ford Swette held on to the silver and Max Horner rounded out the top 3 men after a very exciting weekend. Kailee Darlington said the courses were tough and she was very happy to race hard and have some fun too.” Spencer Morris who had a super weekend said “this week I scored a goal in soccer and hockey so I felt that luck was on my side and seeing that the sun came out today, it only made it that much more fun.”
TD Irene Whitney summed up the weekend, "The 72nd annual Enquist Slalom at Mt Seymour provided a refreshing change from the World Cup racing in Whistler. As the TD for this event I was delighted to observe an enthusiastic team of race officials put on a great event for the kids, and also welcome other Coast Zone volunteers to assist with an enjoyable week-end of racing. From coffee and muffins in the morning, hot chocolate delivered by the older racers during the day, to the draw prizes and a social for parents as well as racers, it was an all-round good time for all. Racing was challenging, yet safe and fair. Most racers completed the races, no racers were injured, and the strongest racers took their well-earned spots on the podium.”
Once again, Robert Kwong was on hand to take some outstanding photos on Sunday. Photos can be found HERE
Submitted by Cheryl Green, Whistler Mountain Ski Club