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The Colchester Sun | Thursday, December 24, 2015 11 THE COLCHESTER SUN / DECEMBER 24, 2015 SPORTS Embracing winter takes practice and dedication. To appreciate blustery afternoons, the silence of the coldest mornings and the seasonal pause of growth, one must commit to the warmth of a thick blanket as well as the bite of cold air. For the past seven years, women have gathered at the Ladies Nordic Ski Expo, hosted by the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, to welcome the winter season and embrace its greatest offering: snow. The expo, held on Jan. 9, gives all women — regardless of age, experience or skill — the opportunity to join a supportive and fun community of winter enthusiasts for a day of Nordic ski instruction on the Trapp family’s world-class trail system, which winds through picturesque hills and forests. A unique event led by women for women, the Expo links participants up with skilled instructors teaching a variety of ski techniques including classic, skate, telemark and backcountry. Participants can enjoy the amenities of the Austrian-style Trapp Family Lodge, along with a midday lunch sure to drive out the cold from the morning session. Jan Reynolds, Stowe resident and adventure writer/photographer, is this year’s guest lecturer and is sure to inspire all with her tales and photos of adventure in some of the earth’s most remote regions. Winter can be cold and dark, but having the opportunity to get outside and exercise can make these months bearable and even something to look forward to each year. Nordic skiing opens up opportunities for affordable winter adventure, finding solitude in the snow-draped mountains of Vermont, a relaxing post-work jaunt through fields and forest or a multi-day trip along the Catamount backcountry ski trail. At the eighth annual Ladies Nordic Ski Expo, one can expect to learn or improve techniques, gain confidence on skis, find good humor and camaraderie around every bend in the trail, and meet all kinds of women who are excited to make the most of winter. For more information about this event, contact the Catamount Trail Association at 802-864-5794, or visit www.catamounttrail. org. schedule Lakers’ A group of women listen to instruction during last year’s Annual Ladies Nordic Ski Expo at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. PHOTO | COURTESY OF CATAMOUNT TRAIL ASSOCIATION Women hit the trails at eighth annual Ladies Nordic Ski Expo Three second-period goals were too much to overcome for the girls’ hockey team, who fell to Essex 5-1 on Saturday. Dakota Bilodeau provided the lone bright spot for the SeaLakers, while Jenna Blondin had a busy night in goal, stopping 45 shots total. Maddy Young led the Hornets with two goals and an assist, while Olivia Miller-Johnson had a goal and an assist as well. Kaitlyn Butkus and Amanda Sinkewicz added a goal each, and Lindsay Hallowell had six saves for Essex. Burlington-Colchester (1-4) faced off against Mt. Mansfield on Wednesday in a game that concluded after The Colchester Sun went to print, and will take on South Burlington at 5:20 p.m. on Monday. GIRLS' HOCKEY 12/28 CHS vs. Mt. Mansfield – 4:30 p.m. 12/30 CHS vs. Harwood – 4:30 p.m. NORDIC SKIING 12/31 CHS vs. CVU Skate – 10 a.m. BOYS’ BASKETBALL 12/29 CHS @ CVU – 7 p.m. GIRLS’ BASKETBALL 12/30 CHS vs. Mt. Mansfield – 7 p.m. Girls’ hockey falls to Essex TOP: BCHS goaltender Jenna Blondin readies for a shot from Essex's Piper Desorcie during Saturday's game, which Essex won 5-1. RIGHT: BCHS goaltender Jenna Blondin makes a save early in the first period of Saturday's game. PHOTOS | KYLE ST. PETER COLIN FLANDERS The Colchester Sun Two Colchester residents have been chosen to receive awards from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) New England, which will be presented during a ceremony on Jan. 9. Lynda Van Kleeck was named as the USTA League Coordinator of the Year, while Bill Romond was chosen as the USTA League Male Captain of the Year. Van Kleeck, who has been playing tennis for 10 years, said the award was a “pleasant surprise.” “It’s a real honor because theres a lot of volunteers. I just try to do my part,” Van Kleeck said. Van Kleeck said she’s on three teams during the spring- summer season, and also plays on a team in Florida during the winter. “I really love the camaraderie the social aspect of this sport, connecting with other women who enjoy in athletic competition,” Van Kleeck said. Romond, who estimates he’s been playing for 45 years and captains two teams based in Essex, echoed Van Kleeck’s sentiments. “It’s quite an honor. I play with many, many other friends and people from all over New England and I’ve met so many people,” Romond said. “The people are just great.” Romond also wished to highlight the efforts of the USTA volunteers who make it all possible. The awards will be presented at an 11:30 a.m. at a luncheon ceremony held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Marlborough, Mass. More than 100 people are expected to attend. “Our award winners exemplify the very best of tennis in New England. We are so proud of each of their remarkable efforts on and of the court in 2015,” said Scott Steinberg, president and CEO of USTA New England, in a press release. “It is our pleasure to celebrate these wonderful people and their dedication to the sport. Colchester residents receive New England tennis awards Lynda Van Kleeck poses with a hefty racket at the Rogers Cup, a professional tennis tournament held in Montreal. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
