Three of Bentley’s talented athletes have been included in the elite group of competitors vying to triumph at the Alberta Summer Games, which starts in Lethbridge this week.
For Kolton Hueppelsheuser, the nervousness the Games bring is there but so is the experience. This will be his second time participating in the Summer Games; he attended two years ago in Peace River.
Several weeks ago Hueppelsheuser attended at tryout meet in Edmonton. “I was kind of nervous; I’d never been to a meet that large.”
Hueppelsheuser has competed in javelin and high jump but he won’t be competing in those events this summer. He claims he has no talent for javelin and stopped practicing for high jump.
“High jump is just ridiculous, I didn’t have a chance,” Hueppelsheuser said, referring to a memorable six-foot competitor who could jump nearly two metres.
This year Hueppelsheuser is competing in four events: 4x100 metre relay, triple jump, octathalon, and 110 metre hurdles. “I really like hurdles,” Hueppelsheuser said.
But Hueppelsheuser won’t be in Lethbridge alone, his brother, Tyson, also made it to the games.
Like his brother, Tyson competes in several events, including his favorite; triple jump. “I was pretty sure I was going for triple jump.”
Tyson’s gym teacher encouraged him to go to the tryout in Edmonton. “I was excited and ready for new experiences.”
Unlike his brother, this will be Tyson’s first Summer Games; he’s only ever watched them. However, having already seen the skill level of the athletes’ doesn’t worry him. Tyson has confidence in his abilities, especially in triple jump.
“I think it’s just fun to do, and it’s got a lot of technique to it.”
For the Games, Tyson’s been prepping both mentally and physically. To practice shot put he uses socks so his muscles will remember and focus on their proper positions.
Family Legacy continues
Track and fielder Ian Vanderhoek is carrying a bit of a family legacy to the Games when he goes.
Vanderhoek’s father was an athlete also, but no longer competes.
“My dad pressured me to go tryout,” Vanderhoek said. “He was excited for me, encouraged me.” Vanderhoek says his father gives him tips to do better and encourages him to do his best.
Two weeks after competing at tryouts, in mid-June, Vanderhoek was told he’d be going to the Games for his first time.
Vanderhoek’s been practicing at Lindsey Thurber High School in Red Deer and attended basketball camp to improve his stamina.
All three athletes will compete for zone 4 at the Alberta Summer Games.