A top athlete from Lacombe’s Central Alberta Christian School recently placed in the top 10 at track and field provincials in Edmonton.
Ian Vanderhoek, who was named top Grade 10 male athlete at track and field zones, took his talent on the road.
At provincials Vanderhoek placed second in shot put, ninth in long jump, sixth in high jump and ninth as a member of a 4 x 100 m relay team.
At zones, Vanderhoek placed first in shot put, long jump, high jump and was a member of the winning 4 x 100 m relay team.
“It’s kind of an honour. I was really surprised,” Vanderhoek said. In each of his events Vanderhoek competes against seven to nine people.
Provincials held more competition. An average of 16 people were in each of Vanderhoek’s events.
“I’m a little bit nervous,” Vanderhoek said before provincials. For the event he pushed himself harder by training at home and school.
Vanderhoek got involved with track and field through school. The self-proclaimed natural says his father also pushed him into it. In previous years Vanderhoek hadn’t competed in shot put, but did this year, also due to his father’s encouragement.
“I’m not much of a runner,” Vanderhoek admits. “I like the individual ones better,” he said, referring to his other events.
Last year Vanderhoek broke school records for high jump and long jump.
If he continues to do well Vanderhoek is considering pursuing track and field after high school.
By Amelia Naismith