Strong showing by BC athletes at Whistler Cup U14 International Festival

  U14 Whistler Cup Team BC – from left to right: Jamie Casselman (Kimberley), Kaysa Panke (Red Mtn), Anton Youngberg (Vernon), Ella Renzoni (WMSC), Marcus Athans (Apex), Catherine Carruthers (Fernie)  

U14 Team BC Top-10 finishes:

Ella Renzoni (Whistler Mountain Ski Club) – 2nd in GS, 6th in slalom, 5th in dual slalom
Catherine Carruthers (Fernie Alpine Ski Team) – 9th in dual slalom, 7th in slalom
Kaysa Panke (Red Mountain Racers) – 10th in GS, 9th in dual slalom

Jamie Casselman (Kimberley Alpine Team) – 3rd in slalom, 4th in GS, 9th in dual slalom
Anton Youngberg (Vernon Ski Team) – 5th in slalom, 9th in GS
Marcus Athans (Apex Ski Club) – 4th in dual slalom

FLASH QUOTES

  Jamie Casselman   lives in Cranbrook and skis with the Kimberley Alpine Team. Casselman is this year’s U14 Men’s Provincial Champion and a member of the U14 Team BC for Whistler Cup:

“I thought the dual slalom was a cool idea–it was especially fun riding backup to the start behind the snowmobiles! I was a bit nervous before my first run of the slalom race because of the high level of competition and I really hoped to do well this year. I got 7th in my first run and was afraid the podium was out of reach. I was more comfortable before my second run so I skied more aggressively with the second fastest afternoon run and ended up on the podium in third. This was my third Whistler cup and I have had a lot of good experiences. I always look forward to the breakfasts at the Roundhouse even though I have to wake up really early!  A big thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who make this event happen for us kids.”

  Ella Renzoni   is from West Vancouver and is a member of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club. Renzoni is the 2014 U14 Women’s Champion and went to Whistler Cup as part of the U14 Team BC:

“I found the dual very fun and entertaining. I especially loved having the ski cross start, as I have never used it before! I thought of the videos I have watched of Marielle Thompson in Sochi to get inspired! I was the only BC girl left in the top 8 round and when lapping around on ski-doo, all my BC teammates were cheering, it was a great feeling! Of course another huge highlight was coming in 2nd in the GS! It’s my favourite discipline."
 

Action Photos by Scott Brammer – coastphoto.com – LOTS MORE PHOTOS TAKEN BY COAST MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY POSTED HERE

Kaysa Panke of Rossland and the Red Mountain Racers also qualified as a member of U14 Team BC for Whistler Cup:

“I really enjoyed being around athletes from different countries. The dual slalom was a great experience. My favourite part was getting towed behind the snowmobiles. I also loved the silly photo booth at each banquet. My friends, new and old, had lots of fun dressing up and making funny faces. It was thrilling to be on Team BC and to be around such an amazing group of racers. We don't always get to hang out together and this gave us that opportunity."

Photo (left to right) Ella Renzoni, Catherine Carruthers and Kaysa Panke

Anton Youngberg, Photo by Scott Brammer – coastphoto.com

U14 MEN'S DUAL SLALOM
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014
RESULTS

Dual Slalom Boys' Podium – Marcus Athans (front row) finished 4th

U14 WOMEN'S DUAL SLALOM
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014
RESULTS

Dual Slalom Girls' Podium including Kaysa Panke, Catherine Carruthers and Ella Renzoni