North Bay Canoe Club athletes paddle their way to Nationals

The North Bay Canoe Club (NBCC) delivered an exceptional performance at the Eastern Ontario Division (EOD) Championships this past weekend at the Rideau Canoe Club in Ottawa,

The event saw NBCC athletes earning multiple qualifications for the National Championships in Welland, Ontario, from August 20-24, and the CanMas competition on August 25.

Exceptional Performances Lead to National Qualifications

Nathaniel Suppa stood out with remarkable qualifications, securing his place in the U16 Men’s C1-200m, C1-1,000m, and C1-6k events. Suppa also teamed up with Wes Clouthier to qualify for the U16 Men’s C2-500m and C2-1,000m, as well as the U18 C2-200m. Demonstrating their synergy, Suppa, Clouthier, along with Caleb Allingham and Eddie Masse, further qualified in the U16 Men’s IC4-500m and C4-500m.

 “It’s been a tough season of training so far, but seeing these results makes it all worthwhile," said Suppa in a release. 

"We’re ready to give it our all at Nationals."

Haley Sebesta was another standout, qualifying for the U16 Women’s C1-1,000m and C1-6k events. Her partnership with Evelyn Ross proved formidable as they secured qualifications in the U16 Women’s C2-500m and C2-1,000m, as well as the U18 C2-200m. Together with Sophie Williams and Lily McClelland, they demonstrated excellent teamwork, qualifying for the U16 Women’s IC4-500m and Canadian C4-1000m.

“I’m thrilled with our performance. It’s been a fantastic experience working with such a dedicated team. We’re all excited about Nationals," said Sebesta. 

Oscar Graves delivered stellar performances in the men’s kayak division, qualifying in all three K1 U18 singles distances: 200m, 500m, and 1,000m. Graves, alongside Carson Vierich, also qualified in the K2 U18 men’s 200m and 500m races.

“The hard work and long hours of training have really paid off," Graves said about qualifying for Nationals again.  

"Teaming up with Carson has been great; we push each other to be better."

In the women’s kayak division, Abbey Krawczuk qualified for nationals in all three singles K1 races: 200m, 500m, and 1,000m. She will partner with Nancy Olmsted in the 500m open K2 and with Tessa DeSouza and Tonya Cunningham in the open K4. Olmsted and Cunningham also excelled in the Masters division, taking first and second places, with Cunningham achieving a personal best and qualifying for her first national championships.

Team Effort

Coach Mihail Oghina expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating, “Our athletes have shown incredible dedication and resilience. Their performances this weekend have set a high standard, and I’m confident they will continue to excel at the National Championships. The support and camaraderie among the team members have been exceptional.”

Oghina highlighted the significance of this event as a stepping stone for the young athletes.

“This competition was crucial for us," said Oghina.  

"It provided a platform for our athletes to test their skills and endurance against some of the best in the region. The results speak volumes about their potential and hard work.”

Building Momentum for Ontario Championships

As NBCC gears up for the Ontario Championships on August 9-10, also at the Rideau Canoe Club, the team is riding high on the momentum from their recent success. The upcoming event will serve as another opportunity for the athletes to hone their skills and prepare for the national stage.

Oscar Graves shared his thoughts on the team’s performance. 

“It’s inspiring to see everyone push their limits and support each other," said Graves.  

"The camaraderie we’ve built is phenomenal and it’s showing in our results. We’re more than ready for the challenges ahead.”

Paddling Ahead

The EOD Championships have set a positive tone for the NBCC’s season. With numerous qualifications secured, the team is poised to make a strong impact at the National Championships and beyond. The dedication and hard work of the athletes, coupled with the strategic guidance of Coach Oghina, promise a bright future for the North Bay Canoe Club.

As the team continues their preparations, the community eagerly anticipates their performance at the Ontario Championships. The NBCC’s recent achievements have not only highlighted the club’s talent but also underscored their potential to compete and succeed at the highest levels.