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Yukon Northern Novas head for Espoire in Montreal

As a Yukon team, the Novas getan automatic bye-in to the Games, but following the recent Western CanadianChampionships, they earned their own spot as well.

“It feels really good, likethat’s a qualifying meet for Canada Games,” said coach Aura Lea Harper.

The team finished in the top 15at the meet that was attended by synchronized swimming groups from B.C.,Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

With their finish, the Novasalso earned a berth in the upcoming national competition in Montreal, calledEspoir.

“We basically got invited afterwe competed at Westerns,” Harper said.

This will be the team’s firsttime competing at Westerns – it was their first time attempting to qualify aswell.

The club has seven members, andfour of those girls will be attending Espoir; Olivia Duncan, Katie Link, TaylorHanna and Simone Kitchen.

Since hearing they would beattending Espoire, the girls have been hard at work learning a new routine thatthey will debut at a competition May 26 ahead of nationals.

“We only have probably about amonth and a half,” Harper said.

While the routine isn’t yetcomplete, Harper said what they have learned is looking good.

“Right now they’re not doneyet, but they’re looking very well,” Harper said. “It is quite a time crunch.”

The MASY meet on May 26 willgive the coach a chance to see what the girls have accomplished before Espoireon June 3.

“It was quite a squeeze inthere,” she said of the short few weeks in between competitions.

The Northern Novas usually headoutside the territory about three or four times a year.

They also hold a small meet oftheir own, the Yukon Championships in February every year.

The girls practice three timesa week, and are currently attending morning practices as well.

With two weeks to go untiltheir next meet, Harper is happy with what has already been done in practice.

“We’re getting down there,” shesaid.

While she doesn’t expect to seethe girls take home gold, she’ll be happy to see them come away with their ownpersonal best performances.

“They’re not obviously going toget first or second,” Harper admitted, citing a switch to a higher level ofcompetition.

“It’s hard for this kind ofgroup, because it’s a new level for them.”

The Yukon Northern Novas JuniorCompetitive Swimmers have also recently returned from a successful meet at theB.C. sectionals.

Team member Katherine Sealearned first place for her solo routine, and Jane Bovine and Asthyn Gibbs had afirst in their duet.