Article about Nancy Greene Ski League West Kootenay Zone Race at Red Mountain on February 1, 2009 – written by Jamie Santano, with additions from Linda Jane Schulze
RED MOUNTAIN WELCOMES THE LITTLE ONES
Under sunny skies, the Red Mountain Racers hosted the second Nancy Greene Ski League race in the series. With approximately 150 racers from Red Mountain, Whitewater, Salmo and Summit Lake in Nakusp, kids ranging in age from 5 to 12 raced a slalom coursed down the face of Red. Event organizer Stephanie Robinson said she wanted everyone from racers to coaches, volunteers and parents to have a good time and lots of fun. “Coaches from all the teams came to thank us for such an amazing time,” said Robinson. “We only hope that next year more racers will be involved.”
With hard packed, yet totally skiable snow, the snow conditions were consistent for all racers. Liz Arsenault, Nancy Greene Ski League coordinator for Red Mountain Racers was pleased with the day and the conditions. “It makes the kids feel good when they ski consistently both times. Their happy determination showed in their smiling faces as they crossed the finish line.”
Logan, a coach from the Salmo Ski Team said for his team the highlight was coming to Red just to ski. “The course was great, as was the free skiing after.” For Rowen Stevens, age 10, it was a great day. The Red Mountain Racer’s goal was “to win” and win he did, coming in first place in the E2’s. “I had a lot of fun and I skied the same both times,” said Rowen.
Race results were as follows:
E2 Boys ages 9-10
First – Rowen Stevens – Red Mountain Racers
Second – Harper Henderson – Salmo Ski Team
Third – Jonah Caney – Whitewater Ski Team
E2 Girls age 9-10
First – Soleil Patterson – Red Mountain Racers
Second – Haley Gould – Salmo Ski Team
Third – Kaija Lewis-Bell – Red Mountain Racers
E3 Boys age 11-12
First – Brandon McDougal – Red Mountain Racers
Second – Owen Thurston – Whitewater Ski Team
Third – Calin McQuare – Summit Lake Racers
E3 Girls age 11-12
First – Claire Jackson – Summit Lake Racers
Second – Allie Seville – Red Mountain Racers
Third – Jintia Ross-Van Merlo – Red Mountain Racers
Photos courtesy of Steve Hilts – steve@freshshots.ca
