July 8, 2009 – Team Newfoundland recently held its first Dryland Camp of the year in Corner Brook, Newfoundland under new coach Will Fitzgerald. The athletes are in good hands as Will brings a wealth of knowledge as a former NTDC Thunder Bay athlete and multiple National’s medal winner.

Under the tutelage of six Newfoundland coaches and the Eastern HP Coordinator, twenty athletes aged 12 to 17 attended for two days of grueling testing and technique training. This is an outstanding turnout considering the cost of traveling across the province can be as much as flying across the country.

Although a young team, the athletes are a determined bunch. With an increased focus on summer training, and commitment to the sport, the athletes have great potential for the future. Watch out for them down the road.

A torrential downpour put a damper on the Friday night hike planned, but provided a great opportunity for athletes to get to know one another playing team building games. Saturday brought forth the “Pain Train”, as the athletes made use of the mountainous terrain of the West Coast running up the Alpine ski hill. In the late morning, using the only flat stretch of road in Corner Brook, the athletes were given an in depth technique session on double pole, and later skate and balance techniques.

Sunday brought in cool conditions which were ideal for the NST Strength Test and circuit training. The afternoon had them battling the ski hill once again for ski striding technique but this time under hot and humid conditions. I guess you can say, “If you don’t like the weather in Newfoundland, just wait ten minutes”.

This was my first trip to the “rock” of Newfoundland and I was astounded by both the beauty and the ruggedness of the West Coast. I have also heard stories of the hospitality that Newfoundlanders provide, and this too was outstanding. Many thanks to Blow Me Down coaches, Judy May and Mark Tierney for taking time to make my first visit most enjoyable and memorable.