Whistler Secondary School (WSS) made a strong impression at the 2025 North Shore High School Mountain Bike Series, capturing two championship banners—one for the Grade 8/9 girls team and another for the Grade 9 boys.
Among the standout performances were Austin Lewis and Alva Campos, who delivered top-10 finishes at the provincial championships in Powell River, B.C. Competing in the bantam cross-country category, Lewis secured sixth place while Campos followed in 10th. In the junior division, Lily McGowan placed fifth in cross-country and ninth in enduro.
WSS coach Lesley Clements credited her young riders for their dedication and team spirit. “They worked especially hard and consistently,” she said. “They never missed training rides and always showed up with positive, enthusiastic attitudes.”
Clements highlighted the achievements of Campos, Lewis, Mikayla Goldrick, Cece Burton, Ella Winter, and Josie Cooper. For several of the girls, it was their first experience racing. “Mikayla, Ella, and Josie were new to competition. Alva had done some enduro racing before but not cross-country,” Clements noted.
This year marked a significant shift in team demographics, with more girls participating than boys in the younger grades. “We had six Grade 8/9 girls and only two Grade 8 boys, which is a big change,” said Clements. “The girls are eager to return next year, and many plan to bring friends into the program.”
On the boys’ side, the team included Max and Reed Murray, Leo Pullen, Sawyer Munn-Gotto, Tyler Swain, Caius von Raven, Owen Levitt, Ben Carriere, Jeremy Smerychynski, Cooper Olson, and Hayden Keam.
Clements acknowledged both enthusiasm and challenges among the boys. “Sawyer was probably the most consistent and enthusiastic,” she said. “Reed was always eager, and Cooper Olson maintained a great attitude even though he couldn’t attend provincials. That said, we did face challenges with some Grade 9 boys not wanting to pedal during training, which was a first for me.”
Final Race and Celebration
The series concluded on May 14 with a home event in Cheakamus, drawing 300 riders. The finale featured not just racing but also music, a Lucia Gelato fundraiser, and community celebration.
“The course at Cheakamus was a hit,” said Clements. “We usually hold it at Lost Lake, which is good but not a favorite. This year’s course included new trails like Flashback, AM/PM, and After Hours, which all the athletes loved.”
Beyond results, Clements emphasized the social aspect of the event. “The best part was seeing the camaraderie between students from different schools. It’s about building connections, not just competition. Parents were emotional, and the pride was visible.”