PECI student wins speed skating bronze

Carson Karja, a student at PECI won bronze, in the first regional meet hosted by the Quinte Blades Speed Skating Club.

Thirteen members of the Quinte Blades Speed Skating Club competed in Belleville last weekend at the first regional meet hosted by the Quinte Blades Speed Skating Club – drawing 100 competitors ages six to 50 from all across Ontario and as far away as Chicago.

Coach Paul Pickard, former PECI vice-principal, skated on personal best pace in all his races, getting him to the silver medal position in the open division.

Carson Karja with quick, explosive starts that lead him to his bronze medal finish in the boys age 13 & 14 category smashed his personal best times in 400, 1000 and 1500 meter distances.

Ethan Taylor also in the open division placed fifth in this fastest division, racing at top speed and setting a personal best in the 1500 meters.

Eve McMaster’s powerful corner crossover skated her to a third place finish in each distance, this consistent confident racer caught the eye of her competitors in the Golf category, as a skater to look out for this season, inked two personal bests in 400 and 600 meters. Trent Sproule got the club’s award for the most exciting race of the day, the arena erupted in noise and excitement as he made a beautiful outside pass, racing in boys 13 & 14 division, Trent set two personal bests.

Five team members raced in the Hotel category with Keil Fraser and Hope McMaster competing in their first meet ever. Finishing top 10 in tight head-to-head competition were Kevin Hoffman with his abundance of energy and Annabella Finnan with her consistent tempo recording three personal bests each, Elvis Erdogan with lots of excitement happening in each race and setting two personal bests.

Special Olympians Kai Freeland, Nicole Ferguson and Adam James faced tough competition from Kingston and Durham skaters, racing strong and confident, took home three first place and one second place each. Freeland’s low position and beautiful passes helped him set 4 personal bests. Ferguson finished every race with a smile, with lots of traffic in front. Adam James set up and executed passes in every race, once out front he was flying around the track.

Coach Pickard notes the event was great racing preparation leading up to Provincial Winter Games in Sault Ste Marie later this season.

Quinte Blades Speed Skaters are looking ahead to an exciting competitive season. This is the 25th season for the club. To try speed skating, or get more information, contact the club at info@quinteblades.ca