The Jasper Ski Team’s U14s and U16s participated in the Alpine Western Championships in Lake Louise March 22 and 23. The team was coached by Alex Rayner and Amelia Gillese.
In the Giant Slalom event, Nellie Muldrew won Women’s U14 silver, Thomas McKenney won Men’s U14 silver and Walter Ostrander won the Men’s U16 silver. Also for Jasper, Abbey Palamarek finished in seventh place for the Women’s U14, and Ethan Gillese in 10th place. Gillese also received the overall Most Improved Award for Men’s U16.
In the Slalom event for the Jasper Ski Team, Muldrew won Women’s U14 bronze and Gillese got eighth place and the overall Most Improved Award for Men’s U16.
“This was a great race for the Jasper athletes to see where they stood against their peers from across Western Canada,” said coach Rayner. “Teams from Alberta, as well as B.C. athletes from Whistler, Cypress, Fernie, Prince George, Kimberly and Big White were present.
“The race was originally scheduled at Castle Mountain, but was relocated due to lack of snow. Lake Louise Ski Club, West Castle Ski Club, Lake Louise ski area and a host of volunteers did an amazing job on short notice to pull this event off.
“I am really happy with how all of our athletes skied and they can all use the success at this race for some fuel to get fired up for the U14 and U16 finals coming up at Panorama for U14 and Sunshine Village for U16.”
Murray Ostrander
Special to the Fitzhugh
