2004 Youth Regional Championships

Fourteen Saskatchewan youth travelled to Riding Mountain in Manitoba to compete in the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Regional Youth Championship on August 22. They represented the sport and S.T.A.C. in an enthusiastic and determined manner. We also had six Sask. kids participating in the Kids of Steel race that weekend - Mackenzie Pek, Gabrielle Edwards, Anastasia Conly, Breanna Lukash, Sicily Crosson, Lucas Chartier.

The weather conditions made for a challenging event that resulted in 14 gutsy performances. The 13 degree water temp. called for a "wetsuit mandatory" swim. Most of the Sask. athletes had attended a clinic prior to the event where they practiced open water swimming in wet suits. Some of the Manitoba team, however, did not come prepared for a wetsuit swim and the Sask. team helped them out by finding wetsuits so that they could compete.

The fourteen Sask. athletes competed against ten Manitoba youth. When the dust had settled, Sask. won the championship and Markham cup for the second time in the 8 years it has been awarded. Click on http://www.triathlon.mb.ca/rr_2004_ks_RidingMountain.htm for the complete results.

The following short blurbs give you a little more information on the races and each member of the Sask. Youth team:

• JERAMIE ANDERSON (12/13 yrs)
  although very nervous about the cold, open water swim, gave it a good try. He went on to the bike and had a good run. Just look for Jeramie on the soccer field.
• CUYLAR CONLY (14/15 yrs)
  although finding the swim challenging in the wind and cold, came through strongly on the bike and swim finishing third. He also finished well within the time goal that he set for himself.
• ORRIN CONLY (14/15)
  new to the sport this year, had a very strong swim and completed the triathlon within the time goal that he had set for himself.
• GENEVA CROSSON (14/15 yrs)
  in her second year competing in this event, showed confidence and determination with a strong swim and good race. She wore a big smile at the finish line.
• JORDAN CHARTIER (14/15 yrs)
  won this event for the second time. After a challenging swim he put in a very fast bike and held off the second finisher with a solid run right to the finish line. Jordan runs with Saskatoon Track Club.
• RACHAEL EDWARDS (12/13 yrs)
  in the lead after the swim and 5 km of the bike, hit a pot hole and fell headfirst over her handlebars. Although scraped, bruised and very shaken, she continued the race finishing a very strong second. Rachael swims with the Lasers and runs with Riversdale Athletics.
• JULIA GARNET (12/13 yrs)
  is in her first year of triathlon. Although nervous about the water, she put in a solid swim. She also showed determination in the bike after having her chain fall off and finished third in her race. Julia trains with Riversdale Athletics.
• MARIT JOHNSON (14/15yrs)
  put in a strong run after completing the swim and bike in very cold conditions. Marit trains with the Harriers Track Club in Regina.
• ANDREW JOHNSTON (12/13 yrs)
  finished second in his race having a strong swim and bike and finishing with a very good run. You will find him in the hockey arena this winter.
• CARMEN KRENZ (14/15 yrs)
  in her second only triathlon, had a gutsy race coming on very strong in the run. Watch for her in cross country this fall as she trains with Wheatlands Track and Field in Regina.
• ALECIA LUKASH (12/13 yrs)
  coming back after having broke her wrist in June, finished first in her race. She was confident and strong throughout the race. Alecia swims with the Goldfins and runs with Riversdale Athletics.
• SAMANTHIA LUKASH (14/15 yrs)
  was a team leader and had a strong race in challenging weather conditions and competition. Sam is a National level synchronized swimmer.
• ABRIELLE ORTMAN (14/15 yrs)
  also new to the sport, had a solid race in all three legs. She is a strong swimmer and showed this in spite of goggles that kept filling up with cold water.
• CAITLIN WARKENTIN (14/15 yrs)
  after a difficult swim came on very strong in the bike and run finishing third in a challenging field. Caitlin runs with Riversdale Athletics.