North Bay athletes continue to bring home the hardware

Nadine Perron recovered from a fall in the 10 km skate race and placed 7th in Ontario in a large field of junior girls provincial cross country ski racers. Photo and story provided by Cynthia Stables.

North Bay Nordic Junior Racing Cross Country Ski Team
News Release

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North Bay Athletes Continue to Bring Home Medals at Fourth Provincial Cross Country Ski Race

The team of athletes that make up the North Bay Nordic Junior Racing Cross Country Ski Team spent the three-day Valentine’s Day weekend focused on the task-at-hand while competing against athletes from across Ontario in Thunder Bay.

Once again, midget racers Madison Fraser and Aaron Birosh each reached the podium over the weekend. Fraser fought hard for her placing in a 3.5 km skate race which was 7/10ths of a second difference between her bronze medal and the gold. Despite a fall, Birosh quickly regained his composure to win a bronze medal in the 3.5 km classic race. Aaron’s brother, Adam Birosh lost his pole in the 10 km skate race and fought back to come in a solid fourth place. Even with a lingering lung infection, Adam also brought home two silver medals; one in the juvenile boys 10 km skate race, and one in the classic sprint race.

Thirteen year old Liam Patterson demonstrated true athleticism, earning a sixth place finish in the 5 km juvenile boys classic race. Patterson’s finish was especially notable given that he made the decision to compete as a juvenile this year as opposed to racing with kids his own age in the midget category.

New team member Nadine Perron had an awesome weekend and placed 7th in Ontario in a large field of junior girls. Perron recovered quickly from a fall in the 10 km skate race and showed herself to be a fierce competitor.

In addition to his two top ten finishes, veteran team member Greg Kilroy brought home a bronze medal, demonstrating what hard work and determination can do at the elite level of provincial cross country ski racing. Jake Porter and Ava Rudachyk, each of whom continue to race for the North Bay Nordic Ski Team while attending Lakehead University had strong finishes despite dealing with individual illnesses.

Teammates and siblings Courtney and Scott Hill showed true team spirit and played a key role in preparing their team mates for their races while having to forego two of their three scheduled races due to lingering illness and injury.

North Bay has been well represented on the provincial circuit this race season. The athletes continue to train everyday with their coaches Bob Porter, Sera Birosh and John Patterson. Their upcoming final races include the Midget Championships in Sault Ste. Marie at the end of February and the National Championships for all other team members in Collingwood, March 5-16.

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