Local youth win multiple medals at provincial ski competitions

Courtesy of Preeceville Progress

Members of the Maier family of Preeceville have a passion for crosscountry skiing and with dedication and hard work are achieving personal bests. Evelyn, Charis, Levi and Hudson Maier all recently participated in the provincial cross-country competition in Saskatoon on Feb. 11 and 12. The meet was hosted by the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club and featured races on both days. Saturday was the classic sprint and Sunday featured a free-tyle ski.

Evelyn is only four years of age and participated for fun and enjoyed having the opportunity to get out on the trail to get some skiing experience. Charis participated in the U8 category and won two gold medals for both days of skiing. Levi Maier participated in the U12 age category and won two gold medals on both days. Hudson Maier participated in the U14 age category and also won two gold medals for his efforts in both race days.

Isaiah Maier won two silver medals in both races in the U18 age category.

The family then had the opportunity to travel to Regina on Feb. 23-25 for the Saskatchewan Winter Games. Nathan Maier, dad, was coach for the Parkland Valley District team which included Hudson and Levi Maier along with Luke Sandager from the Preeceville Nordic Ski Club, participating in the cross-country races.

Hudson, competing in the senior boys age category, won a gold medal in the classic sprint race on Friday. In the free style on Saturday, he won a bronze medal.

Levi Maier won a sil- ver medal in the junior boys age category on Friday in the classic sprint race. On Saturday, he won a gold medal in the free style race.

Isaiah Maier won silver medals in the U18 age category races on Saturday and Sunday.

Luke Sandager participated in the senior boys age category and placed 12th on Friday and 13th on Sunday.

“It was an amazing experience for everyone,” said mom Megan Maier. “It was like a miniOlympics with an opening and closing ceremonies as well as entertain- ment and music.”

“It was disappointing that it was too cold to race on the first day but it was an awesome experience overall to stay in the athletes village and it had the feeling of a large event like the Olympics,” said Nathan Maier, coach.

Isaiah Maier was selected to be part of the Saskatchewan team for the Canada Winter Games that were to be held in P.E.I from Feb.18 to March 5.

The Maier family are strong advocates for cross-country skiing and are part of the

Preeceville Nordic Ski Club. “We ski a lot and the boys train on our own cross-country ski trail as well as the Lions Family trails in Preeceville. They are all very dedi- cated to set and achieve their own personal best. In order to prepare for the provincial race they practice one hour a day, six days a week,” said Megan.