Three members of the Vernon Vortex speedskating team travelled to Regina to compete in the 50th Anniversary Short Track event.
Daniel Hall and Nate Benn were entered in an age group higher than they normally compete in to make sure they had some competition they could test their skills against.
Hall finished in the top-third of the higher division despite taking a penalty on a tight pass in a fast-paced 400-metre heat, and falling while moving into second place in the 2,000-metre final.
Even with the fall, Hall was able to finish four, demonstrating to the Prairie crowd that he has a motor that won’t quit in the longer distances.
Benn skated some fast races, making the B final in three out of four events, finishing third in the 200-metre and, despite some challenges in the 2,000-metres, he was able to finish in the middle of the pack.
Noted for a blazing fast start, Benn was able to achieve personal best times in the 200- and 400-m events.
Laura Hall also skated against older, more experienced competition and was able to dominate the longer distances, winning the 1,500- and 3,000-m B finals with a display of tactical awareness and pysical determination.
Upon their return to Vernon, the trio was able to participate in RBC Sports Day and help the Vortex club showcase its sport to more than 30 new skaters.
The 90-minute session, led by coaches Tony Benn and Mike Hall, was designed to introduce the basics of the sport to people wanting to try a new activity.
For more information on the Vortex club, e-mail vernonvortex@gmail.com.
