Three Vernon Vortex speed skaters have no access to a long track oval. That was no big deal as they dazzled at the B.C. Long Track Speed Skating Championships in Dawson Creek.
Racing in the snow and cold on the outside track, Daniel Hall finished the weekend tied as the provincial champion in the 11-year-old age class, winning the two long distance events, nearly lapping the pack in the 2,000-metre event and finishing second in the sprint events.
Nate Benn earned his first qualification to the Canadian championships with a dominant performance in the 12-year-old category, winning all his events, finishing 100 metres ahead of his closest rival in the 3,000-metre and turning in a strong performance in his favourite sprint events.
With a B.C. championship won, Benn is now looking to see how he stacks up against thebest in the country at the Canadian Age Class Championships, Feb. 4-5, in Edmonton.
Laura Hall finished fourth overall, punctuated by her specialty, a strong 3,000-m Olympic Style race. She was 3/100th of a second away in the 300-m from accumulating enough points to finish second overall. Laura will join Benn in Edmonton.
The Vortex skaters carry sponsorship from Interior Savings Credit Union, Mackenzie Financial, and Manulife.