Current and past members of the Apex Freestyle Club shone in the Toyo Tires Canada Cup Series event at Apex Mountain Jan. 14 to 15.
“They were awesome,” said AFC coach Kenni Kuroda of his current athletes. “The two girls (Ainsley and Jordan MacDonald-no relation) that I had in the event, they came in 22nd and 23rd in single moguls (out of 32), which is fantastic for their first big event like that. They held it together and they skied very strong.”
Skiing like they always do, Kuroda said neither let nerves get to them.
Kuroda also spoke highly of Ethan Phillips and Alec Henderson, who placed 22nd and 28th, respectively among 46 skiers.
“That is really good for being in the men’s division,” he said.
Heading into the weekend, Kuroda didn’t expect his athletes to finish in the top half and said if they managed the top third, it would be fantastic.
“That just shows how strong they skied,” he said.
Kuroda watched as Phillips skied fast and strong. After hitting a growth spurt, Phillips has overcome balance problems. In the dual moguls, Phillips made the final eight, placing 14th. Heading into this weekend’s Timber Tour, Kuroda said the performances are huge for the athletes confidence.
“Everything will show at Timber Tour (at Apex Mountain),” said Kuroda.
Kuroda was very happy on how well his former skiers performed. In female dual moguls, West Kelowna native Mackenzie Schwinghamer earned a bronze medal. On the men’s side, Brayden Kuroda was fifth, while Koleton Phipps, competing with Team Alberta was sixth.
In moguls, Schwinghamer earned a silver medal, while Madison Parker was eighth and Chloe Kober was ninth. On the men’s side, Phipps was two points out of third. Kuroda was eighth and Person was ninth.
Kuroda said the coach from Team B.C. was happy with the performances of the AFC alumni.
“It’s great to see my ex athletes do well,” he said. “It makes me feel really good.”