Williams Lake speed skaters are back from a successful weekend at the Coyote Cup in Kamloops on Saturday, Feb. 22, taking home third place for the team and several personal bests.
“This was a fun event for the team, and it showed the new skaters that no matter your skill level you still can have fun,” said the team’s coach Nancy Jalbert.
Three of the 10 skaters from Williams Lake registered for the cup were new to the competition world and did not disappoint. Amy Routtu (6) placed fifth in her category and both Calvin Malcolm (7) and Truett Flett (8) ranked in the top three spots in their categories as well as beat personal best times.
Emmett Jackson (7) placed first in his category and Preston Sigsworth (17), Jay Routtu (8) and Truett Flett (8) placed second in their own. Among the five skaters who beat personal best timings, Bhoomake Suapa, 11, beat three of his own.
The Coyote Cup is an event the skaters look forward to all year, so it was a great disappointment for Kayden Ford-Jalbert (17) who was unable to complete the competition and for Logan Kelly-Jalbert (9), who could not attend, both due to injuries. Ford-Jalbert nevertheless placed fourth, and the two are resting up with the hopes of attending the BC Short Track Championships coming up in March.
Along with Ford-Jalbert and Kelly-Jalbert, Sigsworth is also planning to attend the Championships in March, which will be in Prince George.
Coach Jalbert said she was very proud of her team and sends a big thank you to the Kamloops Long Blades for hosting the Coyote Cup.
