Staff
Tori Toriseva, like George Washington, cannot tell a lie.
When asked whether it was more difficult to have qualified for the OFSAA championships in cross-country running last fall or in her current endeavour of Nordic skiing, the Muskies’ two-sport provincial representative owned up to the truth.
“Cross-country running was definitely tougher to get to OFSAA because there were so many more people involved,” admitted the Grade 9 resident of Emo, who will be joined by teammate Angie Redford in the junior girls’ division at this year’s all-Ontarios that take place this Tuesday and Wednesday (Feb. 28-March 1) in Timmins.
The unseasonably mild weather of recent days has forced a modification in the duo’s training regimen.
“Last practice, we had to go for a really long bike ride because we couldn’t go on the Rocky Inlet Road trails,” Toriseva noted.
“With biking, you’re using the same muscles as you do in skiing, so you can still stay in shape and you are still getting something of a workout,” added Redford.
The Muskies actually qualified three members for OFSAA, but senior boys’ competitor Caleb Dueck has opted to stay home.
Toriseva is encouraged by the progress she and Redford have made in their first year of ski racing.
“Ang and I have come a long way from the start of the year when we could barely make a step,” chuckled Toriseva, who, along with Redford, highlighted their technique development as being their biggest area of improvement.
“The way you place your poles and move your feet make a big difference,” she noted.
Redford is excited to attend what will be her first OFSAA of any kind.
“Skiing is a very nice sport and everyone who is in it is so nice to each other,” she remarked.
“But once you start skiing, it’s going to be very competitive.”
Both are keeping their goals modest heading into the all-Ontarios.
“I’m just going to try to do my best and try to make a better time than what I had at NorWOSSA and NWOSSAA,” said Redford.
Toriseva, meanwhile, voiced her appreciation towards the efforts of co-coaches Rebecca Himanen and Ilka Milne.
“I thank my coaches because they’ve been a real help to us in actually learning how to ski,” she noted.
