The 2025 OUA Nordic Ski Championships took place over three days at Hiawatha Highlands, where athletes from 11 universities braved winter conditions in a true test of endurance and skill. Hosted by Algoma University in partnership with the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club, the event challenged competitors with fresh snowfall, cold temperatures, and demanding race courses.
The weekend began on Friday with the 15km interval start freestyle race. Racing against the clock, Waterloo's men's team, a mix of experienced OUA skiers and promising young athletes, took on the course with determination. Thomas Storer (Ottawa, ON) led the way, finishing in 33rd place after a steady and well paced effort. On the women's side, a veteran group of Warriors showed their experience, with Katie Victoria Sefton (North Bay, ON) securing the team's top finish in 41st place. The course tested their endurance with rolling terrain and slick conditions, but the Warriors remained focused and composed on day one of competition.
Saturday's 12km classic mass start brought a different challenge, with all skiers launching off the start line together. The opening moments were fast and tactical as athletes fought for position. Thomas Storer (Ottawa, ON) once again emerged as Waterloo's top men's finisher in 33rd, staying strong in the tightly packed field. Abby Towaij (Ottawa, ON) led the women's team, placing 40th after a consistent race. The cold air and soft snow made pacing critical, but the Warriors showed patience and resilience as they worked their way through the course.
The championship wrapped up on Sunday with the 5km classic relay, where strategy and teamwork played a key role. Waterloo fielded three relay teams: Thomas Storer (Ottawa, ON), James Pedersen (Collingwood, ON), and Liam Sonoski (Pembroke, ON); Andrew Cummins (Kitchener, ON), Liam Marshall (Parry Sound, ON), and Nick Sammon (Nottawa, ON); and Katie Victoria Sefton (North Bay, ON), Jennelle Smeltzer (Point Clark, ON), and Abby Towaij (Ottawa, ON). Thomas Storer (Ottawa, ON), one of the youngest skiers in the lineup, had an impressive start, handling the crowded mass start with confidence and holding pace with the provinces top competitors. Each leg of the relay was a test of balancing speed and endurance, which all three teams passed as they delivered strong performances to close out the weekend.
Despite challenging conditions, the Warriors demonstrated grit and consistency throughout the three days of racing. With a mix of seasoned athletes and emerging talents, the team gained valuable experience while competing against the province's top skiers. This weekend showcased their dedication to the sport and their ability to push through the demands of high level competition.
