The Carleton Ravens Nordic Ski team recorded strong finishes over the weekend at the Haywood NorAm Canadian Eastern Championships in Cantley, Que., from Feb. 3-5.
The Ravens were led by Zoë Williams and Aidan Kirkham, who both recorded podium finishes. The race is the last series of events that the Ravens coaching staff uses to gauge the progress of their athletes before the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships, according to Ravens head coach Nicholas Clifford
“Overall in my review of the weekend I was happy with everyone’s performance,” Clifford said. “I think we’re well positioned for OUA championships in a couple of weeks.”
In the women’s 1.3 km Sprint Course the Ravens placed five skiers in the top 10, led by Williams, who finished in fourth, 18.5 seconds behind Laval Rouge et Or skier Sophie Carrier-Laforte.
Ravens skier Colin Ward finished fourth to lead the men in their Sprint Course, and three other Ravens finished inside the top 10.
On Saturday, Kirkham led the Ravens, as he finished third in the men’s 15-kilometre Fresh Air Classic with a time just under 42 minutes.
“He is a first year junior and a rookie on our team, he’s a phenomenal athlete, his technical ability has come along quite a ways this season throughout this summer and fall,” Clifford said. “He is in fantastic shape and racing with some of the best in Canada. In distance days his physical shape can really shine through.”
Kirkham’s teammates Christopher Weller and Ward also finished in the top 10.
Williams pushed to her second consecutive fourth place finish in the 10-kilometre Fresh Air Classic. Carleton skiers Emily Jones, Alyssa Stowe, Maggie McClure, and Isabelle Maclean filled out the top 10 for the Ravens.
Williams finally broke through on Sunday in the women’s 15-kilometre Cyclery Pursuit, with a third place podium finish. Clifford attributed Williams’ success to her focus and willingness to make adjustments.
“She has been skiing her entire life at the club level and has been able to improve every year single year,” Clifford said.
The men’s 20-kilometre Cyclery Pursuit concluded with Kirkham grabbing his second third place finish of the weekend.
The Ravens were missing one of their strongest skiers, as Carrington Pomeroy is representing Canada at the 2017 Winter Universiade games in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Pomeroy finished in 57th in the Individual Classic and 48th in the Pursuit Free.
Clifford said he has high hopes for the OUA championship and that Pomeroy’s return would provide a boost to the men’s team, as they look for their second championship in three years.
“On both the girls’ and guys’ side we are where we need to be,” Clifford said. “Everyone is really fit and we’re just looking for that last little bit of speed to bring to OUA.”
The team will compete at the OUA championships in Midland, Ont. from Feb. 24-26.
– File photo
