May 12, 2009 – The inaugural Alberta World Cup Academy team stormed the 2009 Canadian Cross Country Skiing Championships last March taking top spots on every day of the week-long competition. In total, the team of 15 athletes collected 22 medals and 3 overall Canadian Titles. The team also collected an additional 5 medals in the University category. Leading up to the 2009 Nationals, athletes posted numerous successes while racing at home and in Europe with six qualifying for World Championship competition.

“Winter 2009 was a remarkable success for our first year team, and the challenge is going to be – how do we sustain that momentum?” asks Racing Director Mike Cavaliere. “We have now taken the month of April to reflect, evaluate and I am confident that we have assembled the team that can do just that: out-perform our 2009 success.”

Following selections that assess performance, commitment and career goals, the Alberta World Cup Academy Team 2009-2010 has now been announced. In the coming season 20 top performing athletes from clubs across the country will be wearing the Academy colours:

– Kate Brennan, Ottawa ON
– Joey Burton, Kamloops BC
– Chris Butler, Thunder Bay ON
– Jordan Cascagnette, Penetanguishene ON
– Jess Cockney, Canmore AB
– Brooke Gosling, Canmore AB
– Sara Hewitt, Calgary AB
– Annika Hicks, Canmore AB
– Rhonda Jewett, Canmore AB
– Gord Jewett, Canmore AB
– Marlis Kromm, Calgary AB
– Alysson Marshall, Salmon Arm BC
– Emily Nishikawa, Whitehorse YK
– Dan Roycroft, Canmore AB
– Kevin Sandau, Canmore AB
– Terrell Stephen, Calgary AB
– Bob Thompson, Toronto ON
– Heidi Widmer, Banff AB
– Madeleine Williams, Canmore AB
– Lucas Youngmann, Canmore AB

“Winter 2010. Those two words have inspired Olympic excitement in Canada since Whistler was announced as the host venue in July 2003.” says Academy Chair Ken Hewitt. “Every serious winter athlete in Canada has a back of mind prayer for Selection to the Olympic Team 2010. And the roster of athletes announced today lists at least seven names that are within striking distance of that dream.”

The Alberta World Cup Academy Team is currently at their first on-snow camp of the year at Silver Star Mountain in B.C. Additional details and background are included in the attached press release. For further information please visit www.albertaworldcup.com or contact:

Mike Cavaliere - AWCA Racing Director – mcavaliere@albertaworldcup.com
Ken Hewitt – AWCA Committee Chair – hewitt@albertaworldcup.com