Five Paddlers Earn Shot at Making National Team

Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Race Team had a big weekend in California as the team competed in the U.S.A. Canoe/Kayak Sprint National Team Trials. 

The team's paddlers traveled to Chula Vista to qualify for this year's Junior National Team. 

Bryse Paffile, the No. 1 canoeist in the country, has qualified to compete in Germany for the Junior World Championships, said head coach Alan Anderson.

Five other paddlers from the community also have a shot at competing in Germany. Kayakers Natalie Griffin, Katie McKeever and Alyson Morse and canoeists Sara Jane Rucci and Dustin Sousley will train in Lake Placid, N.Y., from June 20 to July 5 this summer. At the end of the camp, the paddlers will race in the Lake Placid Invitational to attempt to qualify for the U.S. team. That team will compete in the Junior World Championships on July 29-31 in Brandenburg.

Meanwhile, four Gig Harbor paddlers qualified for the Lake Placid "development pool." Canoeists Brittany Bakken, Andrew Field and Makenzie Sousley and kayaker Brynn Munday will be groomed to compete in the 2013 Junior Worlds.

"I am very proud of this crew. This winter was pretty tough weather, but they worked hard and their work paid off," said Anderson. "I am excited to see how many make the Junior World team, the highest honor a Gig Harbor paddler can achieve."

Anderson said he will go to New York to help the U.S. team prepare for Germany. 

"We put more kids in New York than any other team in the country," said Anderson.

He said the team appreciates any help from the community. Anderson is committed to matching the expenses for any athlete who qualifies for national competitions or camps.

He said his racing team will continue to train this spring in preparation for an upcoming race in Canada next month and Seattle in early June.