Keith McNeill
About 100 youngsters from Blue River, Vavenby, Raft River and Barriere elementary schools participated in cross-country ski races in Blue River on Thursday, Feb. 16.
Now approaching its 20th anniversary, the race is a joint project of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, Blue River Bruderschaft, and School District 73 (Kamloops-Thompson).
For the past two years it has been held at the Sparks Start Loop trail in Blue River.
The event was re-named in 2014 the Andy Aufschnaiter Memorial in memory of one of the event’s principal 
organizers.
“Andy inspired many local kids to reach the cross-country podium,” said his wife, Daniela Aufschnaiter.“This event gives local kids an opportunity to reach new levels, through the sport of skiing.”
Now a Blue River Bruderschaft board member and MWHS guest relations manager, she helped Mike Wiegele distribute the awards following the races and a lunch at the heli-ski lodge.
The following youngsters had the fastest times during the ski races held in Blue River. All are from Raft River Elementary unless otherwise noted.
Kindergarten girls: 1, Anna Walton; 2, Emelia Rotzetter; 3, Kelsey Rexin (Vavenby).
Kindergarten boys: 1, Cohen Cooke; 2, Joshua Norman (Blue River).
Grade 1 boys: 1, Kash Baker; 2, Nixon LaChapelle (Blue River); 3, Gion Volk.
Grade 2 girls: 1, Olivia Wall; 2, Bailey Rotzetter; 3, Lexy (Barriere).
Grade 2 boys: 1, Chace Smith; 2, Cole Dulaba; 3, Blake Irvine.
Grade 3 girls: 1, Missy Kjelstrom (Barriere); 2, Dayna (Barriere); 3, Cadence Cisna.
Grade 3 boys: 1, Torin Murray; 2, Theron McLarty; 3, Riley Munson.
Grade 4 girls: 1, Lilly Dulaba; 2, Cleo Coates; 3, Michaela Nesterski (Blue River).
Grade 4 boys: 1, Reid Muddiman; 2, Curtis (Barriere); 3, Kalan Priede.
Grade 5 girls: 1, Sam Jensen; 2, Abby Christensen; 3, Joey Ressler.
Grade 5 boys: 1, Jaden Phillips; 2, Devin Holland; 3, Soren Coates.
Grade 6 girls: 1, Noelle Muddiman; 2, Kylie Fischer; 3, Sage Barstow.
Grade 6 boys: 1, Charlie Guinn (Blue River); 2, Alex Belle; 3, Aidan Beaton (Blue River).
Grade 7 boys: 1, Olin Coates; 2, Teagan (Barriere).
Inset photo: Curtis (no last name given), a student from Barriere, receives a third place medal in the Grade 4 boys race from Daniela Aufschnaiter during an awards luncheon at Mike Wiegele Heli-ski Lodge.