THUNDER BAY – Sports – Lakehead University got off to a very strong start at the Haywood Noram National Championships taking place at Whistler Olympic Park, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics.  Under sunny skies and almost perfect conditions, Lakehead claimed 3 of 6 podium positions in the team skate sprint relays.  

Lakehead University Skiers strong

Competing against 13 of the best teams in Canada, the dynamic duo of Andrea Lee and Alannah MacLean defended their title from last year, claiming the gold medal ahead of Laval University while teammates Daphne Haggarty and Kara Jaspers crossed the line in an impressive 5th place and Bryana Van Leeuwen and Moira Haggarty teamed up for 6th position.    

The LU Men’s team proved that they are one of the stongest teams in the country by placing 3 teams in the top 4.  Harry Seaton and Victor Hopper teamed up and brought home the victory while Leif Lennie and rookie Scott Hill placed a very powerful 2nd place and Nick Monette and Jack Carlyle picked up 4th position.   

Both the men’s and women’s team are looking to defend their National Title from last  year  – racing continues tomorrow with the short distance skate races. 

Other top local results included Big Thunder’s Mia Serratore and Sadie White placing 7th in Challenge Girls; Liam Patterson and Angus Foster finishing 8th in Challenge Boys; Fergus Foster and Avery Veeugdenhil beaucler claiming 9th position in Challenge Boys; Dudley Coulter and Chris Hamilton finishing a very strong 8th in Open Men; Adam Kates and Greg Kilroy crossing the line in 10th in Open Men.

NDC-Thunder Bay athlete Erin Tribe teamed up with her home club teammate Mary Thompson (Hardwood Ski and Bike) and placed a very strong 2nd place in Open Women.