Collingwood to host U18 Nationals, Feb 23rd – 26th – Team BC Announced!

Kole Harle, Mt. Washington – Whistler Mountain Ski Club

Team BC U18 Nationals

Team BC Coaches

Head Coach – Leslie Firstbrook

Coach – Martin Tichy

Coach – Derek Trussler

Here's what a few of the racers have to say heading into the U18 Nationals:

Max Kirshenblatt 1998 – WMSC
"I made the BC Team this year and have been training hard all season. My schedule has been pretty full-on and balancing school and racing takes a lot of work. I have learned so much from my older teammates on how to be a good team member in an individual sport, from supporting each other on and off the hill, to cooking, cleaning and always doing my part to make the system run smoothly. Something that I will pass on when I become one of the older athletes on a team. My best result would probably be my 24th in the Nor-Am super-G in Whiteface NY on Feb 11th. I am really looking forward to racing in Ontario and throwing down as hard as I can."

Kole Harle 1998 – Mt Washington / WMSC
"My name is Kole Harle (pronounced Cole Harley) and I am from Whistler BC. I grew up on Vancouver Island skiing on a small mountain called Mt Washington, known for its snowfall. In my free time I like to ski in the Terrain Park and surf. My highlight of the season is a 1st place (U18) in Norquay. Hopefully I can replicate that in Ontario, but I’d be happy with a top 5."

Katie Fleckenstein 1999 – WMSC
"I am from North Vancouver and I race for the Whistler Mtn Ski Club. This my first year skiing FIS. I have had some success so far this season, especially with 3 wins in speed. My older sister races for the BC Team and is doing very well and I hope to follow in her footsteps and then make my own path. I am heading to Ontario to throw down as hard as I can."

Soleil Patterson 1998 – Red Mountain Racers
"I live in Rossland B.C. and Red Mountain is my home hill.  Growing up as a ski racer in this small town has taught me everything I know, from cooperation with peers to self discipline and drive in all aspects of my life. Ski racing has brought me so many new opportunities that in other circumstances I would have never been able to obtain.  I am currently in my second year of FIS which has been both rewarding and challenging while balancing my grade 12 school work with ski racing.  This summer I was fortunate enough to train with the B.C. ski team, I learned what hard work really looks and feels like. Highlights from this season so far would include my two Super G wins in Nakiska and in Kimberly, and my various top three finishes in GS. My long term goal is to one day race the Cortina Downhill, in order to get myself there will require me to work hard and make myself the strongest and most dedicated version of myself. After seeing all the competition around the country I have come to the realization that I really do need to train even harder to achieve my goals. I would like to thank everyone from my family to my community for the enormous support I have received over the past few years."

Team BC is very excited to compete in Ontario. This is going to be a great series. Good luck to all.