Last week, the B.C. Snowboard Association named its provincial halfpipe team for the 2006-07 season, with Whistler riders taking up 11 of the 17 spots.
Two of the Whistler riders are also members of the First Nations Snowboard Team, which was created in 2004 to encourage involvement and excellence in winter sports among aboriginal youth. Many of the riders were relatively new to snowboarding, but with the help of a coach they have literally progressed in leaps and bounds. Those riders are Jonathon Redman, who posted solid results in halfpipe and slopestyle at the provincial championships this year, and Chelsie Mitchell, who is one of the top up and coming women in the province.
Other riders have been competing in local and regional events from a young age, and recently made an impact at provincial events. One notable addition is Tamo Campos of North Vancouver, one of the outstanding members of the Whistler Valley Snowboard Club.
Men
T.J. McKay, Whistler
Dustin OFerrall, Vernon
Roberto DiBari, Whistler
Chris Astofooroff, Big White
Tamo Campos, North Vancouver
Levi Froese, Whistler
Gerald Austman, Big White
Jonathon Redman, Whistler
Max Ritchie, Whistler
Yannick Goulet, Whistler
Jared Bunko, Kelowna
Ryan Rausch, Whistler
Women
Koko Wright, Whistler
Helen Schettini, Whistler
Kelsey Borsa, Kelowna
Darcie Goodman, Whistler
Lisa Mason, Whistler
Chelsie Mitchell, Whistler