By Vanessa Lee
Amanda Wilson has a reason to smile as she puts away her skis for the last time in her high school career.
She finished second in the senior girls division at Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations Championships (OFSAA) in cross-country skiing this year held in Sudbury.
“I’m so happy because it’s my first medal in my five years in high school. The best I’ve done before this was sixth place,” says Wilson.
Her team at Lisgar Collegiate also had a successful year.
The team won the National Capital Championships for the second year in a row.
There were roughly 30 members on the team this year, and 20 qualified for OFSAA.
“This came to us as a surprise,” says Peter Niedre, Lisgar head coach.
“We lost a lot of our graduating players last year, and had a lot of first and second years — but this means it looks even better for us for the future.”
Wilson, an OAC student, is also a member of a ski club and finished seventh in cross-country skiing nationals in Thunder Bay held three weeks ago.
Between school and club, she trains at least 15-20 hours a week.
She trains with the club for two hours every Saturday and Sunday morning as well as Wednesdays after school.
The school team also practices two nights a week, but Wilson admits she hadn’t been going to many practices, as she also plays soccer.
“I hate it when people ask me which one I like better,” says Wilson.
“But I know I like the competition in skiing better, because there is a real sense of community in skiing.”
She adds she has a lot of fun at practices.
Niedre thinks it is this plays a big role in her successes.
“She’s a focused athlete when she goes out and races, but she seems to really enjoy what she’s doing too,” says Niedre.
Wilson started skiing at the age of seven, and has been racing across the snowy terrain since she was 12 years old.
“I love skiing because it’s exhilarating to go out and push yourself as far as you possibly can,” says Wilson.
Although racing is done individually, she says it doesn’t take away the team atmosphere of the sport.
“You’re on your own, but you also have lots of support from your teammates — they’re always there cheering you on,” says Wilson.
Lisgar will see a lot of Wilson, but it will be more of younger brother Lucas, who finished fourth in the junior boys division at OFSAA. He also qualified for nationals this year.
While cross-country skiing doesn’t generate as much fan interest as other sports such as basketball and volleyball, Lisgar assistant coach Tania Asselstine says that players like Wilson need to be recognized.
“She’s worked very hard,” says Asselstine.
“She deserves a bit of attention.”