QU

Pursuing Excellence

2001
Highlights page 8

Pursuing Excellence

March 26 -28, 2001
QVSC at Western Canadian Juvenile Championships
Three juvenile members of Qu'Appelle Valley Ski Club represented Saskatchewan at the Western Canadian Juvenile Championships held at Nakiska Ski Area in Alberta. Aaron Fenwick, Brady Achtymichuk and Natasja Lombard were QVSC's members on this team which participated in two Giant Slalom and one Slalom race at this event hosted by the Rabbit Hill Ski Club. All three QVSC athletes were in their first year as a K2 (13-14 yr. old) so, although they finished back in the pack a bit, their results, when they finished, were still quite good.
The first GS on March 26th saw both Natasja and Aaron not able to complete both runs, while Brady managed a 26th place result. These three were much more comfortable for the second day of GS racing - Natasja placed 18th in the women's race and in the men's race Aaron and Brady finished 16th and 21st respectively.
On March 28th the slalom races were held and with everyone "going for it" only Natasja was able to put together two solid runs to post a very respectable 16th place finish. Although these three competitors did not get the results they were looking for, they all reported that they had a great time and look forward to more mountain events in the future. Way to go one and all - you have made us all very proud to be a part of QVSC!

March 29 - 31, 2001
Juniors Compete at Alberta Silver Finals
Four junior aged skiers from Qu'Appelle Valley Ski Club participated in the Alberta Silver Series Finals at Nakiska. Danny Ottenbreit, Rhiannon Jones, Rachelle Hollinger and Allysen Reed, along with coach Kirk Cochrane and Deb Hollinger made the trek to the mountains for one half day free skiing and two days of racing. These races, hosted by the Rabbit Hill Ski Club were a lot of fun and QVSC's athletes raced quite well. GS racing was on the first day with Danny finishing 33rd in a field of 56 competitors, while Allysen placed a great 7th among the field of 31 women. Rachelle fell in her first run and did not finish, while Rhiannon fell on her second run, but did hike and finish up in 26th place.
The second day of competition had the athletes racing slalom. Rachelle had the best QVSC result this day showing why she is the top slalom skier in Saskatchewan by putting in a SILVER medal performance. Excellent races Rachelle! I have lost the rest of the results, but will post them once they are recovered.
Kirk, Danny, Allysen, Rhiannon and Rachelle would all like to express our gratitude to Deb Hollinger for providing us with the transportation and fantastic meals on this trip - thank you!!


QVSC @ Alberta Silver Finals l to r: Danny Ottenbreit, Rachelle Hollinger, Allysen Reed, Rhiannon Jones	Danny Ottenbreit out of start gate at Alberta Silver Finals Slalom	Rachelle and Rhiannon @ Nakiska

April 5 - 10, 2001
QVSC Athletes Complete Season at Elite Races
On April 5th, two Qu'Appelle Valley Ski Club athletes, Allysen Reed and Rachelle Hollinger, along with Teslin Donald of the Regina Ski Club traveled to Panorama, B.C. to participate in a very high level competition to close out their season. QVSC's Head Coach, Kirk Cochrane, accompanied them for one day of free skiing and the four-day competition, which included two Giant Slalom and two Slalom races.
The field for the women's races had 81 competitors and included some members of the Canadian and Japanese National Teams, competitors from Europe, and the top racers from across Canada.
In the Giant Slalom events all three girls managed to get good results. Rachelle placed 45th in the first GS and 59th in the second. Allysen had placings of 52nd and 67th, while Teslin placed 57th and 58th.
The girls gained more confidence with each run and this became apparent in the Slalom races held April 9th and 10th. For Reed these races were disappointing as she hooked a tip in the first run each day. Sunday's race was most disappointing to her coach as he felt she was having an excellent run before she fell - which is not uncommon at this level as all racers are "putting it all on the line and going for it!" For Donald the results were mixed as she fell in the second course of the first slalom. The second day proved more successful as she managed to place 48th with two strong runs.
Rachelle Hollinger had the most success of the Saskatchewan girls in the slalom races and caught the eye of many top Canadian coaches in her first attempt at this level of competition. After starting last in this large field of competitors, Hollinger posted results of 31st and 26th to earn a medal each day for the most improved result of all racers.

	Rachelle Hollinger and Allysen Reed waiting for their race start at the Spring Series in Panorama.
Saskatchewan's Girls at the Spring Series seated (left to right): Kayla Metz, Regina Ski Club Allysen Reed, Q.V.S.C. Rachelle Hollinger, Q.V.S.C. standing: Teslin Donald, Regina Ski Club