Sports | DrumhellerMail

Second annual triathlon doubles participation

    One of Drumheller’s newest athletic events is looking ahead to bigger and better things after a huge turnout this past weekend.
   On the morning of Saturday, June 8, individuals and teams gathered for the second annual DinoFest Triathlon.
   Participants were divided into two distances. Seven triathletes took part in the Olympic distance race, in which they had to swim 60 lengths of the pool, bike 40 kilometres, and run 10 kilometres.
   The remaining thirteen individuals and four teams did the sprint race, which is half the distance.
   Brad Hale took top spot in the Olympic distance with an overall time of 2:33:35. Mike MacDonald took second with a time of 2:43:18 and Morgan Syvertsen placed third with a time of 2:47:40.

Olympic distance triathlon winner Brad Hale during the swim. Hale won the race with a time of 2:33:35.

Laura Hegberg was the champion of the sprint distance, finishing it in 1:20:18. Ben Borkovic placed second with a time of 1:23:53 and Kali Wade came in third with a time of 1:27:39.
The top team finished with a time of 1:34:50.

Laura Hegberg, picutred here during the 5 kilometre run, took the gold in the triathlon sprint distance with a time of 1:20:18.

   The race is being counted as a success by organizer Morgan Syvertsen and discussions have started to make the race bigger and better for next year.
   “I think it went really well. I talked to a few people who are really into triathlons and are keen to form an organizing committee next year. Next year, we could go public and advertise outside the valley. It could triple the numbers, which would change the logistics quite a bit,” said Syvertsen.
   Creating an official organization would require organizers to jump through a few more hoops next year.
   “If we go bigger, we’re going to have to connect with the ATA (Alberta Triathlon Association), which means everyone would have to get a one day membership, which is $35, so the cost will go up,” said Syvertsen. “If we do advance registration and payment, we’ll know the budget we’re working with. We could do t-shirts, other swag, and awards.”
   Despite the challenges, the goal is to keep growing the triathlon and continue it as an annual event.
   “We had a good crowd last year and more than doubled it this year,” said Syvertsen. “We demonstrated we could do it, now it’s just a matter of buckling down, planning further ahead, and working out some of the little problems.”

Andrew Kloot continues undefeated streak

    The star is rising for mixed martial artist and Drumheller native Andrew Kloot.
   On Friday, June 7, Kloot was in Red Deer for the Havoc Fight Club Fight Night. Kloot stunned the crowd, and his opponent, Brett Alberts, by winning with a technical knockout 38 seconds into the fight.
   So far, Kloot has gone undefeated in three fights in his amateur mixed martial arts career.
   “It feels pretty amazing. You get nervous before the fight, so it’s great when it ends up in your favour,” said Kloot. “I’ve finished all my fights in a minute or less, so others guys will probably have theirs eyes on me for sure.”
   When the fight started, it didn’t take long for Kloot to get the upper hand and the win.
   “He came out, we circled for a bit, and exchange some combinations. I managed to get him in a clinch and hit him with some knees in the stomach, and then an uppercut. It rocked him pretty good. He stumbled and I hit him with a couple more shots. Then, the ref stepped in and he dropped to the ground,” said Kloot.

Andrew Kloot (right), with his dad, Colin, continued his three fight undefeated streak in mixed martial arts on Friday, June 7, in Red Deer. Kloot won in only 38 seconds with a punishing series of blows.

   For now, Kloot will continue to concentrate on his training and may take another fight should the opportunity arise. If all goes well, Kloot may head to the big leagues as a professional fighter.
   “I’ll take a little bit of a break and maybe try to get my blue belt in Brazilian jujitsu,” “But, if my manager approaches me with another fight soon, I might take it,” said Kloot.
   “I’m thinking about going pro pretty soon. I’d like to get my blue belt before doing that, though. I’m hoping maybe by the end of this year or early next year. There would be much tougher competition.”

St. Anthony’s awards top athletes

    Athletes and St. Anthony’s School were recognized for another great year this week.
   On Monday, June 10, students were awarded for the various sports at the school and the school’s top athletes were named.
   The Senior High Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Grade 12 student Tanner Borowicz. Borowicz played on the senior boys Sabres, where he led the team in points, and on the Drumheller Titans.
   Stephanie Hirsch, a Grade 11 student, was named the Senior High Female Athlete of the Year. Hirsch was recognized for her physicality in basketball and volleyball, and, most importantly, the leadership and passion she brings to the court.
   The Junior High Athletes of the Year were awarded to Riley Gaudet and Rachel Graf for their athletic prowess and leadership they bring.
   Megan Boland was recognized as the Saint of the Year and Issa Montoya was named the Sabre of the Year.
   In addition to being awarded, students were able to learn some valuable life lessons from one of St. Anthony’s most accomplished alumni.
   Andrew Poznikoff, son of Dr. Kenneth Poznikoff and Karen Almquist Silverberg, was the keynote speaker for the awards, speaking about setting goals and how to pursue them, and shared the story of his career in swimming.
   He attended St. Anthony’s School from Kindergarten to Grade 11.
   “It’s great. Coming back is so nostalgic. There are a lot of differences. Drumheller has changed so much since I was last here, like this new facility is great,” said Andrew.
   “To have a life of impact is something that’s always been a desire of mine. It’s been a long journey and something I want to pursue more is to start using my accomplishments to make an impact on others. I love talking to younger athletes. If they have a dream and a vision, it’s really encouraging to be able to help them out.”
   Andrew began swimming with the Aquadinnies when he was seven. By age 10, he had received numerous provincial qualifying times and 10 Aquadinnies club records.
   By Grade 10, after pressure from his friends, he dropped out of swimming. It wouldn’t be until college when he began to swim again. In 2007, he received an athletic scholarship from Simon Fraser University, which renewed his passion for swimming.
   Since then, he has competed in a number of international competitions, such as the 2010 and 2011 World Cup Series, and 2012 World Championships. In addition, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology.
   Some students took his message to heart, such as junior high student Shawn MacTaggart who took some time to speak to Andrew afterwards.
   “I just really wanted to talk with him about how his speech really motivated me to consider options between what I do now and high school sports, but also consider what I do past that and putting a goal inside my mind and actually doing something beyond that and maybe make a living off of it,” said MacTaggart.
    Pick up later editions of The Drumheller Mail and inSide Drumheller for more award photos from the 2012/2013 St. Anthony’s Athletic Awards.

Celeste Shrock (left) presented the Senior High Athlete of the Year awards to Tanner Borowicz and Stephanie Hirsch. Each were tough, physical players, but also demonstrated exceptional leadership and passion.

Celeste Shrock presented the Junior High Athlete of the Year Awards to Riley Gaudet and Rachel Graf, who demonstrated all the qualities of exceptional athletes.

Drumheller native Andrew Poznikoff shared his experiences with swimming in the keynote talk at the St. Anthony’s Athletic Awards. to help inspire students to set goals and achieve them.

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