An Under 16 rep soccer team made up of players from Whistler and Pemberton youth soccer clubs entered its second tournament in as many weeks this past weekend, this time taking part in the Lynn Valley Soccer Tournament Classic.
The team finished with a record of two wins and two losses, and was close to beating the team that went on to win the tournament when they ran out of time.
Because of injuries and illness the team went co-ed, with five girls joining the team. The majority of players were also far younger than 16, with only five players of the right age to play in the tournament, joined by nine players in Grade 9 and two players in Grade 8.
In their first game against an all-male and true Under 16 from Marpole, Whistler was up 2-1 on goals from Chris Walsh and Kyle Hustins with just five minutes remaining. Marpole managed to tie the game in regulation on what coaches called an offside shot, and the team gave up two unanswered goals in overtime.
In their second match, Whistler and Pemberton players settled down to beat a team from the Cliff Avenue Club in Burnaby 1-0 on a goal by Kyle Jacobs. Goalie Harrison Shrimpton got the shutout.
Next up was the Lynn Valley team that was hosting the tournament. The Sea to Sky rep players were solid once again, with Nick Wetaski scoring in what would turn into a 2-1 defeat.
Their last game was against the Cliff Avenue team once again, with Whistler winning by 2-1 with Nick Wetaski scoring on a penalty kick, and Harlan Malkowich scoring on a pass from Jonas Horvath.
Other players were Rachel Leverton, Kiele Kirkegaard, Kitty Norman, Lucy Hawksbee, Simone Beaudry, Felix Jauvin, Antonie Baradel, Soren Elsay and Robin Esseltine. Peter Shrimpton is the head coach, assisted by Bernard Messeguer and Stefano Baradel.
Many of the same players will be in the lineup this weekend as the rep team head to a tournament hosted by South Burnaby Metro Club. It's an Under 17 tournament, and Grade 11 students are now able to participate.
Community sport meeting on March 26
The Resort Municipality of Whistler will be releasing the details of its WE SUPPORT Whistler elite athlete support program at a meeting on March 26, inviting representatives from all Whistler community sports organizations to learn more about the program. Community groups can receive Meadow Park passes for elite athletes in their programs, based on enrollment.
The RMOW will also roll out the WE INSPIRE aspect of the program that will recognize coaches, coaching development, and athlete achievement at community events.
The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Myrtle Phillip Community Centre. Sports organizations should confirm their attendance by e-mailing Sheila Mozes at smozes@whistler.ca.
King of the Rail back in town
The fourth of four King of the Rail rail jams takes place Saturday, March 21 at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Skiers and riders of all ages will hit the rail from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., casting votes for the athletes they thought had the best ride of the night.
There are cash prizes for the winner of each category, based on the number of participants, as well as draw prizes for everyone who comes out.
In the past organizers have created two sets of two rails, but they upped the stakes at the last event with just one line featuring some bigger rails and gaps.
The cost is $15 and registration is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Whistler Kids centre at the base of the Magic Chair. Spectators are welcome.
Helmets are mandatory for riders, and other forms of protection are recommended. Minors also need a parent to sign the waiver.
Park Rider Sessions slopestyle on Sunday
If you didn't get enough rail action on Saturday night, the Park Rider Sessions return on Sunday, March 22 with a slopestyle on Whistler Mountain.
The event is open to skiers and snowboarders, and the cost is $25 to pre-register in advance at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations. The fee goes up to $30 to register on the day of the event in the Roundhouse Lodge until 9:45 a.m.
Helmets are mandatory, and minors need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Final Salomon Biathlon on March 29
The Whistler Nordics Twoonie race season is over, the Coast Cups are done, and the Whistler Loppet is in the history books, but there is still a final chance to race on skinny skis. The third and final Salomon Biathlon event takes place on Sunday, March 29 at Whistler Olympic Park.
There will be two courses, one for recreational skiers and a longer one for elite racers, with all participants getting a chance to fire actual biathlon rifles supplied by Whistler Olympic Park, West Coast Nordics, and other biathlon organizations. The cost is $10 to enter, which includes post-race refreshments and draw prizes.
The event is open to all ages and abilities, classic skiers and skate skiers, and rentals are available at Whistler Olympic Park for people who don't own equipment.
Registration is at 1:15 p.m. at the Biathlon Centre, and the race will get underway at 2 p.m. More than 100 skiers took part in the first two events, so organizers suggest getting there early to ensure the race starts on time.
Ironman racers to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis
A group of athletes that includes Whistler's Ollie Blake, his brother (and former Ironman Canada champion) Jasper Blake, and Kristina Rody has organized a new campaign called Race4MS to raise awareness and funding for MS research at Ironman Canada on Aug. 30.
The group has secured 15 entries into Ironman Canada, and has a goal of raising over $100,000, which will go towards research projects and assisting those living with MS.
To get one of the 15 spots, athletes pledge to raise money for the cause. Spots are going fast on a first come, first served basis, and are available through www.race4ms.org.
