Bobcats Race at Ontario Provincials, Burkit Wins Again

Hammond Hill, Ontario ~ Fifteen members of the Paul Smith's College Snowshoe Team took part in the 2023 Ontario Provincial Snowshoe Championships held at Hammond Hill Resort in Hammond, Ontario on Sunday, with a continuation of very strong performances from the collegiate runners. 

The Paul Smith's College men fielded five among the top ten finishers, paced by Noah Kuc placing third in 27:48.  Alex Cameron placed 6th in 29:57, followed closely by Sam Finger in 30:04 in 7th.  Carson Wohlers placed 8th in 31:26, while Nate Shader finished 9thin 31:54 and Dermot O'Connor placed 10th in 32:04.  

Bernie Hogan currently leads the Ontario Snowshoe Series points and was again the leader on Sunday with a winning time of 23:24. He was followed by Charley Murphy in 24:48, also of Ontario.  

Wes Burkit won the women's 6K in 32:18, defeating the current points leader in the Ontario Snowshoe Series, Katy Murphy in 33:07, while Ellen Haas placed third in 33:31.  Madison Reardon placed fourth in 34:39 for the women. 

The Paul Smith's College runners were the only competitors from the United States, on what was announced as the host venue of the Canadian National Snowshoe Championship in 2024.  Hammond, Ontario is rather close, with about a 2:15 drive from the college, making this a rather close national championship event next winter. 

The final competitive events on the calendar are the Brookhaven 5K Snowshoe Race in Porters Corners, NY next Saturday followed by the Garnet Hill Lodge 5K in North River, NY to conclude the winter snowshoe racing season for the collegiate team. 

Paul Smith's College Snowshoe Team Results