SuppliedSasha Eccleston
Phys & Rec IV
Hometown: Hinton, AB
Team: Biathlon
Why biathlon?
Growing up, I was always really outdoorsy, that’s just what my family was like. And so I was in cross-country skiing. And my family has a background in shooting; my dad did precision target shooting when he was younger. So biathlon just seemed like a good fit, with a good mix of both.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen on the trails?
It was last year, in Camrose. I was coming on a downhill and I almost ran over a porcupine. I came over the top of the hill and started going down pretty good and stopped just in time as it was waddling onto the trail.
What’s your favourite gun to shoot?
If I had to choose, it would definitely be my biathlon rifle. I guess it’s because I’m used to it. It has precision and speed and everything you want to have in a rifle.
What sets Augustana’s biathlon team apart from other sports teams?
One of the things is just the sport itself. Biathlon’s a pretty unique sport. With Camrose and Augustana having the only team outside Europe, that’s the big deal I guess, being the only ones out here.
What’s your favourite memory on the biathlon team?
It was my first year on the team, my first race. It was going down to Canmore with everyone I grew up admiring and looking up to when I was younger. And actually being on the team with them and racing with them and training with them.
What are you looking forward to?
For this year, it would be to race back home in Hinton for Alberta Championships. For next year, it would be to compete in the World University Games.
