Sports

Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com. Merritt riders hit the trails for Crown ride

Though still ongoing, this year’s Merritt crown race saw riders come out in droves.

Darch Oborne CONTRIBUTOR

Merritt Crown organizers Darch and James Oborne are pleased with the results of the fourth annual Merritt Crown mountain bike race held Saturday; that is; the virtual race will still be ridden by registered racers until the July 5 cut-off. But racers came from many parts of British Columbia to ride the 120-kilometres of great Merritt trails; and 100% were very pleased with the trails and the weather - a perfect day. 80 racers participated on Saturday; 36 in the Crown; 24 in the Tiara (60-kilometres); and 20 in the relay. James also organized race venues in five other BC locations to further the COVID-19 goals of travel reduction.

“We had 190 registrants this year, and when we’re back to normal next June, we’re planning for 400,” said James.

“Merritt is on the mountain biking map now, and riders want to come and ride and visit our community, and they really appreciate the warm hospitality of our guest services businesses’ said Darch.

Ride On!

The Breathe Bikes Bellas outside of the Breathe Bikes shop before Saturday’s Merritt Crown race (L-R): Jessie Strang, Angela Russell, Jill Starrs, Amy Norgaard Melissa Mytruck. Photo submitted

Councillor Luck volunteers to cover basket cost

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employees is expected to be minimal, with the installation of just one additional trash can at the site which would fall under the City’s responsibilities for upkeep.

Houses surrounding the course are nine to 14 metres away from the fairway, and they are not likely to be impacted by the course or the discs. Large boulders will be placed to define a parking area, which will prevent any disruptions in local traffic or private driveways.

“This has been one of the most under-utilized parks that the city has,” said City of Merritt CAO Sean Smith.

Should an expanded course be decided upon in future, it could potentially be located in the North Bench development or elsewhere in town. The current location at Bench Park will allow for the installation of a nine-hole course, although there are currently only five baskets purchased.

“With further fundraising, the group’s already chomping at the bit to get another four baskets ordered and have them in place,” said McKeown.

Councillor Luck spoke on the subject, noting it was wonderful to see the collaboration between the City and community members, and to see them accomplish the establishment of the course.

Luck questioned the cost of the baskets, which McKeown reported were in the ballpark of $2400 for all five, or roughly $480 per basket.

“It’s a real shame not to see it completed at nine, and I’d just like to volunteer to buy one of the four remaining baskets,” said Luck.

“I’d love to see it filled out to nine, so I’ll volunteer to pay for one of the baskets.”

A work party will meet at the park on June 26 to construct the course, with an opening date for play to be announced at a later date.

Cents receive positive feedback to expand beer garden

The Cents are looking to expand the beer garden to the entirety of the NVMA.

Current President Guy Lanki asked for City Council’s support at the last Council meeting, and was met with plenty of it.

The Cents are the only team within the BCHL that restricts the area in which those drinking adult beverages can sit.

Lanki brought up the fact that the beer garden is in the farthest corner of the rink, and farthest away from the bathrooms.

“It’s cold in the corner, and people with families won’t even go there because then they have to leave their kids somewhere else,” said Lanki.

Lanki told Council that he has asked for input from people all around town, and said that the idea received “overwhelming support.”

“They thought that we would get even more of a fanbase, and that more people would attend. It would be better for generating revenue.”

Though he does not know specific numbers, Lanki thinks that the season that just past may be the first time in about a decade that the Cents will be in the green instead of the red.

“We’d like to continue that trend, to become a healthier, viable, financial entity of the BC hockey league.”

Though Council had questions about how the concept would play out, the reaction was very positive. Councillor Travis Fehr inquired if Lanki and his team had spoken with other teams throughout the BCHL that already utilized the open alcohol system.

“There’s been no major incidents that they can recall,” said Lanki about speaking with other presidents around the league, including Vernon, Cranbrook, Prince George. and Coquitlam. “It’s been lucrative for them, to help them with their bills and stuff like that.”

From a staff perspective, Merritt CAO

Jake Courtepatte Sean Smith inquired about the application NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM needed to go to the provincial government for an expanded liquor license. The application has not been made as of yet, because the Cents wanted to get the approval from the City of Merritt first, according to Lanki. “I can say that’s excellent,” said Smith. “And I think from a staff perspective, I don’t think there is going to be any overarching concern. “If that brings more people in, I think that’s a great idea.” The Cents have already reached out to the local RCMP, with the RCMP ready to send out a letter to the team with any tips and regulations they would like to see imposed. If the idea was to go ahead, it would be on a one-season trial basis. The Cents’ Board would review the public’s reaction at every meeting and make decisions from there on if it would be a permanent change.