OUA Invitational Day #2/ Muskoka Loppet

All bundled up for the cold

    Waking up to  - 30 degrees with what felt like -40 on Sunday morning did not stop the Warriors Nordic ski team from race preparations for a long distance classic race at the Muskoka loppet.  The frigid temperatures caused the start for the women's and men's 10 and 15km. classic race to be postponed from their original 10am start to an 11:30 start in an attempt to keep within the race cut-off temperature.  The race was a go but it meant that athletes had to prepare for what would be among one of the coldest races in their ski racing careers.  While racing attire usually consists of a race suit and maybe one base layer, hat/headband and lighter mits or gloves, people were racing in upwards of 3 layers on the bottom, 3-4 on the top and the warmest mits and toque available. For facial coverage at least one buff under the hat was absolutely necessary, though most athletes were wearing two buffs and covered any remaining exposed skin with dermatone and athletic tape to prevent the frost from getting into the skin.  Needless to say athletes were well suited up and hit the start line with a little frost beneath their feet.

     

Johanna looking strong off the start

The Warriors team was a little on the small side this a weekend what with some athletes being away on co-op and for various other reasons. Representing the women's team were captains Alison Stephenson and Katie Madden, and Johanna Mercedes Van-Shie Copol. On the men's side was second year Colin (C-man) Elliott and Orion Austrup.  Rookies Johanna and Orion were representing the Warriors for the first time as it was the first OUA event of the season. 

Orion on his way to the finish

     First in for the Warriors was Alison Stephenson in 10th place with a time of 39:01,  and just behind in the tracks was Katie Madden in 11th with a time of 39:12. Johanna Mercedes van Shie-Copol followed in 20th with a time of 44:07.  Colin Elliott led the Warriors men's team in 9th place in 49:27.  Orion Austrup, racing on home turf pulled in in 23rd place in with a time of 56:06.  The Warriors were able to defeat the epically cold weather to produce some solid race results.  Although not all of the OUA teams were present, the invitational was a good preview as to the teams shape for the upcoming OUA Championships to be held in North Bay, ON. on Feb. 20-23rd.

     The team is back in Waterloo for the school week but will be right back packing up to go to the Canadian Eastern Championships in Ottawa, ON. this coming weekend of Jan.31- 

Feb 2.

(Photo credit: Gord Kerr)