After collecting rowing gold for the Mixed 4x with Coxswain, and a bronze for Women's 2x in the Skills events at Delta-Deas Rowing Club on Friday, the Cariboo-North East (Zone 8) team had to settle for fifth in the Mixed Quad, and fourth and eighth place finishes in the Women's 2x on Saturday.
"We're doing exceptionally well for a small northern community," said Kerry Van Osch, mother to team member Tyra Van Osch of Forest Grove and her sister Gemma, who also trains with the team. "This competition is a growth experience in the sport itself, and also in teamwork and building their stamina. It's just been a really valuable experience for them."
"We're a fairly new club and the most northern club in B.C.," said Will Van Osch, assistant coach. "We get on the water about the beginning of May. We use the gym at the high school in the winter and do dry-land and Erg training."
"It's a big commitment, but a good commitment," said team member Anna Craig of Lac La Hache. For the last two months, she training has been six days a week, and everyone has kept it up.
Team members Craig, Alexandra Lubbe of 108 Mile Ranch and Lac La Hache’s Josie Duncan were attracted to the sport via friends in rowing. For Tyra Van Osch, it was that, and the fact that her dad had some experience in the sport.
For all, their future plans are enthusiastic and unanimous.
"I'll keep it up, of course," said Duncan, co-winner of a gold in the Quad and a bronze in the Women's 2x on Friday.
Alexandra Lubbe summed it up.
"I want to keep at it," she said. "I really like it."
That seemed to reflect the sentiments of the whole team.