Gryphons haul the hardware in Hepworth

Same article sent to atheltics:

Gryphons haul the hardware in Hepworth

On Sunday February 7th, the Nordic ski team was at Georgian Bay Nordic (GBN) in Hepworth, ON, for the annual Suntrail Source for Adventure skate race. The race attracts a high volume of local racers from the Owen Sound region, especially those from GBN, which is renowned as one of the top racing clubs in the province.

With sun shining on the trails, fast snow, and moderate temperatures, a recipe for Gryphon success was in the cards. The women’s race was a 7km thriller, with the Gryphon team continuing to vie for gold. Laura Hewitt (Orillia, ON) finished the race in first, with a blistering time of 19:50. Joining her on the podium were teammates Vesta Mather (Wahnapitae, ON) and Lindsey Chapman (Aurora, ON).

The junior women also demonstrated their great racing talent over the 7km course. Jennie Hissa (Kenora, ON) and Gillian Rockwell (Parry Sound, ON) finished with silver and bronze, respectively.

On the men’s side, the Gryphon team continued to impress, and that they will be among the top competitors at the OUA Championships. The men’s team set out on a mission, and completed the race in the fastest times of the season thus far. Matti Little (Sudbury, ON) won the 14km race in a time of 34:58. Joining him on the podium was Ian Ritchie (Penetanguishene, ON), who finished a close second. Other Gryphons atop the standings were Erin Purdon (Owen Sound, ON) and Patrick Twohig (Mississauga, ON) who finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

The only Gryphon competitor in the junior men category, Scott Weersink (St. Mary’s, ON) continues to shine in his rookie campaign by claiming gold at Suntrail.

The team will now look forward to building on these results on February 20-21st at the OUA Championships at Mono Nordic in Orangeville.

Gryphon results in Hepworth:

Open Women – 7km skate:

1. Laura Hewitt 19:50
2. Vesta Mather 20:04
3. Lindsey Chapman 20:21
4. Annalee Winter 20:35
5. Laura Campbell 23:07
6. Jessica Blenkarn 23:09

Junior Women – 7km skate:

2. Jennie Hissa 22:03
3. Gillian Rockwell 23:09

Open Men – 14km skate:

1. Matti Little 34:58
2. Ian Ritchie 35:16
4. Erin Purdon 36:39
5. Patrick Twohig 37:11
6. Mike Weersink 37:41
7. Jordan Forsyth 37:51

Junior Men – 14km skate

1. Scott Weersink 36:40