Waterman’s Eleven.
Pen High’s best 11 track athletes will be laying all their cards open in the B.C. High School provincial championship with one goal in mind: to reach as many finals possible.
Waterman believes in his group and said it’s “fairly realistic” for most of them to advance to the finals, especially the boys and girls relay teams. He also believes in the single event athletes. He has confidence after a strong showing during the Okanagan Valley championship in Kelowna.
“People dug deep. They were able to dip into the pain to quote Simon Whitfield,” he said. “They have had to go through that barrier. That’s why we have so many kids going to the provincials.”
Representing the Lakers at provincials in Langley May 31 to June 1 are Lucas Hooper, Kyle Hooper, Justin Schenk, Cam Lynka, Richard Xiang, Robert Simmerling, Maxine Chapman, Holly Perrier, Hanna Lalonde, Kiah Wheeler and Courtney Milligan.
Lalonde competed in the 400-metre relay for just the second time and won during the Valley championship. Normally a long distance runner in the 1,500- and 3,000-m relay, she didn’t perform to her liking in the former and signed up for the 400 during the South Zone track event to qualify for valleys. She is also on the 4×4 400-m relay team.
“I was super nervous but it was really exciting,” said Lalonde of the Valley Championship. “Everyone looked really good. I didn’t actualy know I won when I crossed the finish line.”
That discovery took place after the slender blonde saw everyone behind her. When it comes to the provincial championship, she expects to face “amazing runners.”
“I’m super nervous. It’s going to be fun, I’m excited,” said Lalonde, who will be pushing to beat her personal best.
Perrier is on the 4×4 400-m relay team. Having advanced to the provincials finishing third, Perrier said qualifying that close will help the group deal with tight situations. She can also provide the Lakers with a slight edge as she’s familiar with Lower Mainland schools. She moved to Penticton from Vancouver. What she looks forward to is facing the other teams.
There other reason why Waterman has confidence in his athletes is because they are consistent and they have maintained that.
