Cowichan Valley Athletes Shine at B.C. Track and Field Championships!

Lady Lake, Canada - From June 5-7, 2025, the provincial track and field championships unfolded in Langley, bringing together young talent from across British Columbia. Among the competitors were athletes from seven schools in the Cowichan Valley, showcasing their skills on a vibrant stage. This event not only highlighted individual achievements but also illustrated the growing enthusiasm for athletics in the region.

Frances Kelsey was one of the standout schools, with Nova Wedmann-Kent shining brightly in the senior girls high jump. Upgrading from bronze last year, she secured a silver medal, a commendable effort that reflects her dedication. Although she also competed in the 100m and 200m races, the finals eluded her. Tenth-grader Charlotte Gough made considerable strides too, finishing third in the junior girls 800m preliminaries and improving her placement in the 1500m from 10th to 7th this year. It’s encouraging to see such growth among the athletes from Frances Kelsey, setting the bar for future competitions.

Achievements Across Schools

Queen Margaret’s School had its share of remarkable performances as well. Jessica Tshibangu and Cohen Bartfai represented their school with tenacity, placing seventh in the junior girls high jump and ninth in the junior boys long jump, respectively. Despite not qualifying for the finals, Mike Chen and Elsie Jones gave commendable efforts in the senior boys triple jump and junior girls shot put, placing 19th and 27th, respectively. Their marks reflect noteworthy potential, and both schools can look forward to their athletes continuing to improve.

Ladysmith Secondary’s William Cram brought home a silver medal in the junior boys 800m final after a solid preliminary performance. He also showcased his versatility by scoring sixth in the junior boys 400m race. Meanwhile, Lila Jeffries and Lina Anh Chay rounded out the team’s efforts with respectable placements in their events. These results highlight the competitive spirit of Ladysmith Secondary and its athletes‘ commitment to their sport.

Brentwood College School had its lone representative in Ava Heenan, who tackled both the senior girls 400m dash and hurdles. Though she did not advance past the preliminaries, her participation underscores the spirit of competition at Brentwood. The same can be said for Shawnigan Lake School, where Thabisa Mangena-Jellema competed as a senior girl thrower, finishing 11th in the discus and 21st in the shot put. Competing against tough opponents is invaluable, no matter the outcome.

Expanding Athlete Engagement

Such events are more than just athletic competitions; they are a chance for schools to foster a community spirit. Platforms like Athletic.net have enhanced meet management and athlete engagement, providing tools for coaches to track and support their athletes‘ growth. This technology helps simplify entries and improve communication among participants, encouraging a more enthusiastic environment for everyone involved. After all, it’s this camaraderie that brings out the best in every athlete.

Meanwhile, meet organizers and schools have increasingly adopted services from DirectAthletics, which provides a seamless registration process and real-time performance tracking. This has been pivotal for events of all sizes, ensuring competitors can focus on their performance without the distraction of administrative challenges. Their innovative approach to managing athletic meets is elevating the experience for schools and athletes alike.

This year’s championships celebrated not just the medals won but the spirit of community and development evident among the athletes. Each performance, whether it brought home silver or simply a personal best, contributes to a growing culture of respect for athletics in the Cowichan Valley. The results and experiences will undoubtedly lead to even greater heights in the future.