www.langleytimes.com The Langley Times
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 25
GARY AHUJA @LangleyTSports 604.514.6754 • sports@langleytimes.com
ALYSSA O’DELL Langley Times
Ten-year-old Anthony Chu (above, left) of the Langley Olympians’ Swim Club, hits his rhythm during his heat in the mixed 50 metre butterfly event; Olympians’ Raya Stene, 7, kicks her way at the half-way point of her race. The swimmers were competing at the Olympians’ novice swim meet on Saturday morning at the Walnut Grove Aquatic Centre.
Kosterman excited to play close to home GARY AHUJA Times Sports
He has represented his province and his country, but never has Jack Kosterman suited up for the Fraser Valley zone. But that will change this week as the 15-year-old from Langley will lead Team Fraser Valley in wheelchair basketball at the B.C. Winter Games. The Games are being held in Mission — with a few other sites, such as the Walnut Grove Aquatic Centre in Langley — from Feb. 20 to 23. See story below for full list of local athletes. And while the athletes are all the same age, Kosterman looks forward to sharing his vast experience with the squad’s younger players. Kosterman played for Canada in September at the world junior (U23) wheelchair basketball championships in Tur-
key, as Canada finished sixth. He has also previously competed at the 2011 Canada Games competition and a pair of Western Canadian championships. “It is the first step towards a competitive environment for them,” he said. “It is always exciting to play with new players and show some leadership skills and help them develop the best I can.” And while travelling east through the Fraser Valley isn’t as glamourous as hopping a plane and heading to another country, but Kosterman doesn’t mind. “Playing close to home is nice,” he said. “Travelling is great but every once in a while it is nice to play in your home province and get an opportunity for some family and friends to watch.” The majority of the Team B.C. players — including Kosterman — are all mem-
bers of the Langley Gold Rush, with Kosterman. The Gold Rush are a club basketball program. This is the start of a busy stretch for Kosterman. Earlier this month he was named to Team B.C. for the 2014 junior wheelchair basketball championships. They will be held March 28 to 30 in Edmonton. Kosterman, who one day dreams of playing for Canada at the Paralympics, says it can be challenging playing a high-level sport while balancing the demands of everyday life. “But basketball comes first in my life, it is what I want to do so it is the priority all the time,” he said. Kosterman is a Grade 10 student at Langley Fine Arts School. “School isn’t too tough (and) as long as I keep on top of it, I don’t fall too behind,” he said.
Langley well represented at Winter Games
photo courtesy of www.sombilon.com
Langley’s Jack Kosterman is hoping to lead Team Fraser Valley to the gold medal at the B.C. Winter Games in Mission this week. The 15-year-old has previously represented both his province and country.
Altogether, 44 athletes and four coaches from Langley, Fort Langley and Aldergrove are taking part in the B.C. Winter Games, which begin Thursday and run until Sunday in Mission. Here is a complete breakdown of athletes and coaches from the area, by sport. Special Olympics Basketball — Christian Burton, Kailyn Potomak, Alexander Singh, Christopher Beugh and Karl Beugh.
Wheelchair Basketball — Joel Aukema, Tanner Jung and Jack Kosterman. Mitch Kosterman will serve as an assistant coach. Curling — Scottie Kryski and Joshua Derosiers. Diving — Kurt Breure, Breanna Nichols and Jessie Nowotny. Figure Skating — Haleigha Bull. Gymnastics — Maya Crutch, Carl Froese, Brendan Thomlinson, Sophia
Walters and Ben Strybos. Jonathan Osers is serving as an assistant coach. Hockey — Sophia Christopherson, Danika Pasqua and Amy Potomak. Sarah Beattie is serving as an assistant coach. Judo — Leo Goldberg. Karate — Mihir Budshah, Kimya Naiafi, Chandan Teja, Swaraj Aravindhan, Jeremy Lohnes, Brian Ma and Mackenzie Penner. Shakiba Fadaie is serving as an as-
sistant coach. Ringette — Ireland Bellsmith, Shaylyn Campbell, Jessica Douglas, Tracie Fawcett, Kassidy Karras, Hailee McMillan, Hailey Nowotny, Hannah Woodman, Rebecca Young and Kate Dolinski. Alpine Skiing — Myles Kowalczyk and Grace Scharf. Speed Skating — Joshua Klassen and William (Seung Min) Park.