by Pat Healey, The Laker News, February 16, 2021, Videos & Images by Dagley Media.
Note of Appreciation
Thank-you Pat Healey, owner and reporter, at The Laker News, for spending quality time with three Nova Scotia ski team athletes from his readership area. Pat’s commitment to telling the stories of young athletes is commendable. Check out The Laker News, a community-based newspaper serving the Lakes area from Oakfield to Waverley, including Fall River, Beaver Bank, Wellington, and Windsor Junction. View article online (click this link).
Click on the video above to view Pat Healey skiing with members of the Nova Scotia ski team at Oakfield Golf and Country Club.
OAKFIELD: The snow was fresh and soft after a recent snowfall on Feb. 9, so what better then to try my hand at cross-country skiing and making the provincial team.
I know I could do it. I was full of hope, and this session was going to prove I could be a team member on the 2021 team.
Shortly before 4 p.m., I grabbed my snow pants, my Quebec Canada Games jacket that I was given (thanks again to that awesome guy who did); my mitts and a toque, and off I went to the trails at Oakfield Golf & Country Club.
It’s an interesting story on how the trails—one for cross-country skiing and one for multi-use (dogs; walking; and snowshoeing)—came about. The trails are groomed in partnership with Halifax Nordic Ski Club.
“Oakfield Golf & Country club approached Halifax Nordic about cross-country skiing,” said Lorenzo Caterini with Halifax Nordic in an email interview. “They have been great corporate partners and are great for the community.”
The trails at Oakfield Golf Course. (Oakfield Golf photo)
It’s not an easy thing keeping the trails groomed properly.
“This is why we ask users to join our club,” he said. “Halifax Nordic provides the equipment, but it’s Oakfield staff that does the grooming.”
In total, Halifax Nordic grooms six park in different geographical areas to all as many ski days as possible.
“A grass venue like Oakfield requires less snow than traditional trails,” said Caterini.
Back to my attempt to make the team, it was time to get some quick lessons from athletes Jack MacMillan; Emma Archibald; and Grace McIntyre. It’s McIntyre’s fifth year on the team, and she’s no stranger to The Laker News having been featured for her skiing several times.
Pat falls down go boom
After getting his skis on, Pat abruptly slid and trying to stop he fell. It was his only fall. (Dagley Media photo)
The first step for me was to get my skis attached to my boots, and Eric McIntyre, an avid skier himself and Grace’s dad, helped me with that. After it was time to get my ski poles put on properly. Thanks Grace!
As we have video of the lesson, I don’t need to go into much detail. I put all I had into the effort of making my case on why I should be considered to make the team. That I had what it takes.
(I apologize to those users on the trails that well, we were in the middle of and were in your way for this. Sorry. Most seemed okay and understood. They’ll see why now.)
Sure, I couldn’t do ballet; taekwondo-do with Inner Strength; or wasn’t a boxing champion; and didn’t excel at being a hockey goalie. I was sure, this was what I was meant to do.
I was meant to be a cross-country skiing athlete with Team Nova Scotia.
Jack MacMillan. (Dagley Media photo)
Pat Healey speaking at the start of the video. (Dagley Media photo)
Emma shows Pat how to push off on his ski. (Dagley Media photo)
Pat Healey asking the athletes some questions, before waiting for his fate on if he made the team. (Dagley Media photo)
After a quick session and trying it out myself, plus an interview with the athletes, it was time to learn my fate.
Heck, I only fell down once, so that was a win right there, and should have earned me marks towards making the team, right?
It was all up to how Eric and how the team members thought I did in learning the tips they gave me.
The answer from Eric devastated me. He said I wasn’t ready to make the team. My dreams were shattered that I could not join my friends Grace, Emma, and Jack on the team.
As Eric told me the sad news, each of the team members came by and gave me a supportive “good try” pat on the shoulder.
Emma Archibald gives Pat a pat on the back after he learned he did not make the team. Grace McIntyre is in the back awaiting her turn. (Dagley Media Photo)
Eric McIntyre gives Pat a “good try” supportive pat after he announced Pat did not make the team. (Dagley Media photo)
I guess it means I go back to the drawing board to see what I can try my hand at should this journalism thing not work out.
If you are interested in trying out cross-country skiing, check out the provincial squad’s webpage at www.crosscountryns.ca.
If you enjoy trails, you’re invited to support grooming efforts and costs, by purchasing a Halifax Nordic membership by going to: https://halifaxnordic.ca/membership/.
Links
>COVID-19 Creates Opportunities for Athletes – The Laker News with Head Coach, Daniel Murray
Cross Country Nova Scotia 