A number of local ski cross athletes are closing out the season with a bang.
Nicholas Katrusiak raced consistently all year long, amassing 550 points to secure the men's overall Nor-Am title. Fellow Canadian Zachary Reynolds was a somewhat distant second (420) and Garrett Musgrave found himself third (415).
"The Nor-Am season was a rodeo," quipped Katrusiak on social media. "Thanks for the good times boys!"
On the ladies' side, Emeline Bennett punched into second overall (520) between a pair of Americans: victorious Morgan Shute (600) and third-place Maggie Swain (340). The Whistlerite also collected a pair of bronze medals at Canadian Championships in Nakiska, Alta.
On March 30, India Sherret bested Tiana Gairns to stand atop the nationals podium, with Bennett completing the Maple Leaf sweep. The following day, Gairns and Bennett finished second and third again as Shute broke through to win.
"Rounded out the Nor-Am season at home. Happy to snag second overall and another World Cup spot heading into next season!" Bennett said after the event. "[India Sherret] and [Tiana Gairns] put on a good show for Canadian Nationals and I was stoked on third!"
Meanwhile, Anne-Marie Joncas triumphed among U19 women in a one-heat race for the title. Kael Oberlander earned silver behind her and bronze went to Maren Vincett.
Joncas participated in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics earlier in January but was eliminated in the heats.
Katrusiak's best nationals result was fifth as Crystal Globe runner-up Reece Howden (first), Carson Cook (second) and Jared Schmidt (third) took the hardware.
