Local skiers reign over their hometown hill

After four days of racing, the hometown Searchmont Ski Runners proved to be the kings and queens of their own mountain.

The first ever Mealey Classic, which replaced the former Wolfman Classic, saw the local Ski Runners capture five of the six overall categories.

David Ghent-Kyle had a big weekend for the Ski Runners as the Sudbury native, who trains as a member of the Ski Runners, won the overall men's title along with the K2 division crown for 13 and 14 year-old skiers.

Ghent-Kyle edged Timmin's Joshua Murphy and Ski Runners Greg Mosher for the overall title while edging Mosher for the K2 championship. Ski Runner Josh Dugas finished third overall.

Searchmont's George Payne won the K1 title, for 11 and 12 year-old competitors, ahead of Timmin's Adam Bussiere and the Sault's Matthew Horbatuk.

In women's action, Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick completed a stellar weekend of action by claiming the K2 title ahead of Ski Runner and Sudbury native Gillian Scott and North Bay's Sarah Richardson. Fitzpatrick won four gold medals at the event.

Meghan DiAngelo won the K1 title over Goulais River's Heidi Poldmaa and Ski Runner Nicole Gignac.

Overall, Timmin's Lauren Bobby captured the top honours followed by Fitzpatrick and DiAngelo in the second and third spots, respectively.