Best Sports Stories of 2021 – Revelstoke Review

The Revelstokians have made waves in the sports world this year.

Empty stadiums filled again, local athletes were recognized nationally and new limits were reached in the backcountry.

Here are the sports stories from last year that made it to the podium:

Nordic skiers from Revelstoke in Finland for the world championships

Almost a third of the skiers who represented Canada at the Nordic Junior and U23 World Championships in cross-country skiing February 6-13 in Finland were from Revelstoke.

Alexandra Luxmoore, 16, competed in the U20 category, while Elizabeth Elliot and Beth Granstrom were in the U23 category.

Elliot was the only Canadian to place in the top 30 in the individual start 10 kilometer skate-ski race at the championships, finishing 28th.

NCAA Championships Swimmer from Revelstoke

James LeBuke, who grew up in Revelstoke, was a first year member of the University of Michigan men’s swim team and was fortunate enough to compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association championships.

LeBuke swam in the 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle, and later that year won a CSCAA All-America Honorable Mention for the 200-yard freestyle.

James LeBuke, a Revelstokian at the University of Michigan, qualified for the National Collegiate Athletic Association championships later this month. (Submitted)

Three Revelstoke volleyball players inducted into the Volleyball BC Hall of Fame

Revelstoke volleyball was once again honored at the annual BC Volleyball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies on March 17, 2021 in Vancouver.

Jerry Story, John Markwart and Keith Gallicano were former Revelstoke volleyball players (RSS).

The 1977/78 British Columbia Olympic Games (BCO) men’s volleyball team. Recently three members were inducted into the BC Volleyball Hall of Fame, Keith Gallicano is number 1, Jerry Story is number 3 and John Markwart is number 7. (Contributed)

Nationally recognized Revelstoke football legend

Janet Lemieux was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame this year.

She was one of the original members of Canada’s first women’s national team in 1986. In total, Lemieux played six games with the national team. The first took place at a tournament in Minnesota, where Canada won 2-1 over the United States.

Canadian national soccer players, left to right, Janet Lemieux, Sue Simon and Tracy David are pictured after defeating the United States at the North American Cup in Blaine, Minn, in 1986. Lemieux and Simon are two of eight women in the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame class of 2021. (Photo by Canada Soccer / The Canadian Press)

Revelstoke Cricket

Every evening in the summer, if it isn’t raining, there is a group of people playing cricket at the old school pitch on Third Street.

“It’s a big part of our culture,” said organizer Baldeep Singh.

The main cricket nights in Revelstoke are Tuesday through Thursday between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the field next to the Old School Eatery. Singh said anyone is free to register. (Liam Harrap – Revelstoke Review)

Kids learned life lessons at Revelstoke skate camp

Children were reminded that skating is more than just sport under a marquee at Kovach Park on July 9.

The five-day summer camp was held July 5-9 and aimed to teach children not only how to skate, but also life skills, such as resilience and companionship.

The excitement was high at the first skating camp this summer. (Photo: Madeleine Duff)

Revelstoke Football Club

Revelstoke Rangers Football Club played their first home game on July 25 against the Salmon Arm Hideaway Beer Badgers, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

The team was made up of Revelstoke residents from all over the world, including Englishmen, Canadians, a Moroccan, an Australian and an Irishman.

Revelstoke FC play on Sunday July 25. (Tim Van Der Kroght / Revelstoke Review)

New limits reached at Rogers Pass

Two climbers were the first to complete the gigantic Horse Shoe Traverse in one push.

Eric Carter and Leif Godberson completed the route in Rogers Pass on July 17 in 24 hours and 20 minutes, a route that takes 3-4 days for most groups.

Leif Godberson descending Uto Peak, MT Sir Donald in the background Photo credit: Eric Carter, July 17, 2021

Revelstoke Company Breaks Barriers for Women in Backcountry Skiing Community

Ascent Mentorships is a Revelstoke-based non-profit company committed to breaking down barriers for women interested in ski touring and snowboarding, through mentorship programs.

Ascent Mentorship is a non-profit company dedicated to matching women for ski touring and snowboarding mentorships throughout the season. (contributed)

Revelstoke Grizzlies captain gets the job done on and off the ice

The Revelstoke Review had the chance to meet Grizzlies captain Cole Berg ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season.

Berg spoke about his childhood, his favorite pizza, and his role as captain on the team.

Revelstoke Grizzlies captain Cole Berg stands in front of Mount Begbie, a place he enjoys hiking. (Josh Piercey / Revelstoke Review)

Revelstoke Grizzlies remain unbeaten in November

The Revelstoke Grizzlies were the only KIJHL team to go undefeated throughout November, outscoring their opponents 36-10 during that span.

The Grizzlies enjoyed an eight-game winning streak in December.

Stavros Koutsantonis scored the opening goal in the Grizzlies’ home opener of the regular season on October 23. (Jocelyn Doll-Revelstoke Review)

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