The BC Winter Games are fast approaching and athletes are being named to teams to represent the various sports for the zone.
One of the most successful sports at the local high school level has been curling. For high school, the team can be comprised of athletes of high school age but at the Winter Games, the limit is 16 and under for curlers.
Curling tends to have a fairly late entry for new players so the knowledge that youngsters get while attending an event such as the Winter Games is invaluable in creating enthusiasm for the sport as well as gaining invaluable experience.
Coach Lawrence Turney of the Smithers Curling Club is enthusiastic about this year’s version of the games squad.
“They have not been together for a long time. A couple of them have played together of a few years but they have only been together as a team since December,” he said.
Oliver Kildaw will skip the team. He’s been playing for about four years and this will be his second trip to the games. Two years ago, the rink finished in fourth place.
“I think this time it will be more of a learning experience,” he said.
The Grade 10 student who considers math his favorite subject is not sure who the favorites will be this time around but is looking forward to the tournament.
He will will be joined by Duncan Kildaw at third rock , Brett Pierce at second and Kris McLean at lead. The spare will be Alex Chaplin.
He felt that there may be some adjustments on the squad.
“[But] I think that the coach is pleased with the improvement of the newer members on the team,” he said.
The BC Winter Games run Feb. 22-25 in Kamloops.
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