Shea Labrenz and his horse Black Jack won overall champion for the 0.85-metre jr./am division and reserve champion in the 0.85-m open division this weekend at the April season opener at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley. They competed in the category of horse jumpers, which is a speed discipline.
As well, Gabrielle Labrenz, Ali Hedberg and Ailsa Antilla all placed in various classes at the event.
The athletes train at Surefyre farm in Upper Ƶappwith Trinity Equestrian.
Play ball!
The Howe Sound Cannons will open the baseball season at Leroy Watt Stadium with a double-header this Saturday.
The men’s team is coming off its second straight NSMBA title and looking to defend.
Last season, the league dropped from six down to four teams, but it’s back to a half dozen this year, including a new corridor team, the Whistler Eh’s.
“It’s fantastic to get some new blood in the league, especially another local team,” said David Jones, the Cannons’ leftfielder who doubles as league co-commissioner.
The team will play 10 home games this season, including the double-header Saturday against Whistler. First pitch is set for noon.
Nordics training deadline
Today, April 28, is the deadline to register for Sea to Sky Nordics spring training program. Spring training will involve regularly scheduled practices during the months of May and June. There are options for XC and biathlon for youth and adults. To participate in a biathlon program, participants must register with Biathlon Canadafor the 2016-17 season. Participants born in 2004 and earlier need a “recreational athlete” membership. Participants born in 2003 and older need a race licence (“athlete” membership).
Quest adds recruits
Even with the year over, the athletic department at Quest University is busy.
Last week, the women’s soccer team announced a new recruit, keeper Rikki Logan. She completed Grade 11 and 12 at Martin Sports Academy in Regina. One of her highlights was being selected for Team Sasktoba, with the best players from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, for the All-Star Nationals. “I chose Quest because of the learning environment. I value that Quest doesn’t make their athletes choose their sport or education.... It should be both,” she said.
The women’s basketball team has also added recruits. The team signed Julia Gallant, a point guard from Mount Douglas Secondary in Victoria, where she averaged 16 points per game and was chosen for the U16 Basketball BC team. A couple of days later, it added shooting guard Olivia Mjaaland from Wellington Secondary in Nanaimo, an all-star at the 2016 Senior Girls Island Championships.