The Vernon Vortex speed skating team divided their efforts this past weekend to cover competitions in Prince George and Salmon Arm.
The ever-improving team managed a combined 17 personal best times, including four in Prince George with Nate Benn and Laura Hall each improving in one distance, and Daniel Hall improving in two distances while skating up an age class.
Benn used his quick start to earn a place in the A final in the 400-metres, surprising many of the northern competitors, and Laura Hall skated a brilliant 1,500-m race only to be edged out for the win at the end of the race.
In Salmon Arm, Charlie McGinty, skating in his first competition. represented the Vortex well, winning Division 4 and setting four personal best times.
Nathan Stewart dominated Division 5, setting four personal best times, and, also in Division 4, Lauryn Eddy was able to complete her qualification for the B.C. Short Track Championships to be held in March as well as recording three best times.
Mattias Isobe, skating up an age class in Division 6, set three best times, including a 13 second improvement in his 1,500-m race, raising the standard for himself to be right with some of the better skaters in the region.
“Overall the Vortex had a great weekend,” said head coach Mike Hall.
The team is next in action in the Kelowna Cup Dec. 3, while Laura Hall goes to Calgary this weekend to represent the team in the Can-AM long track championships.
Information about joining this team can be found at www.vernonspeedskatingclub.com.