Cochrane High graduate Jessica Wytrychowski is thrilled her rink will be representing Alberta at the upcoming national U18 championships in Sherwood Park, AB. Apr. 2-7.

After skipping her former team to a provincial berth last year, having the opportunity to represent Alberta in her final season of U18 curling is special. 

"I was so happy just to finally get to represent Alberta at nationals and in general compete on the national stage before I age out," says the 18-year-old. "I was ecstatic!"

Jessica Wytrychowski skipped her team to gold in the U18 provincial championship and will be Team Alberta at the nationals, Apr. 2-7.

Three times they met the Bakos Rink, which includes Cochranites and former teammate Julianna MacKenzie, in the Optimist U18 provincial championship in Medicine Hat last week. After splitting their first two encounters, the Wytrychowski Rink made use of the hammer in the finals against Team Bakos to claim gold.

"The first time we just fell short of the win and that got us fired up to continue our week. Our coach (Joe Brown) spent hours off the ice working with us and really going over strategies to make us the strongest we could be to play in the finals."

Team Wrtrychowski focused upon having the hammer for the even ends, especially the eighth and final one.

"It came down to the very last rock and I had to draw to the full eight and my team swept it perfectly."

Wytrychowski says she has no problem with pressure at moments like this.

"I find I do best under pressure. It brings the best out of myself and my team."

Her rink includes third Olivia Jones, of Edmonton, second Micayla Kooistra, of Strathmore, and lead Emily Kiist, of Foothills. The team was formed about a year ago.

"The curling community is really nice because most of us are a big family and we're all friend so it's easy to start conversations with anybody. The hardest part was actually getting together because our team is so spread out across Alberta."

"We have a very dedicated team that meets once a week somewhere central, if not Cochrane, Airdrie or sometimes we're in Edmonton. We try to make the most of it."

It has paid off with numerous wins and placements through the season, not only in U18 curler but in women's events and bonspiels. Here in Cochrane, for one, they were second in the 'A' event of the ladies bonspiel.

At the U21 provincials, Team Wytrychowski also won bronze this season.

"We've had a great season so far. We're all really great friends and we enjoy spending time with each on and off the ice. as well as with our amazing coach. He has an 88-year old dad who is our biggest cheerleaders."

Wytrychowski gives a great deal of the credit to their coach Joe Brown, of the Airdrie, He has coached her for two seasons.

"Without his hard work, we wouldn't be where we are because he puts in so many hours off the ice."

She and her teammates also appreciate the many sponsors who stepped forward to make their season possible.

While she won't be eligible to curl U18 next season, the team will be competing again next season.

"We're sticking together and we're going to compete in U21 and hopefully go for gold at provincials again."

Wytrychowski lives just outside Calgary city limits and is a member of the 2018 Cochrane High graduating class. She was introduced to the sport here in Cochrane nine years ago. Currently, she curls six days a week and two of those nights are in leagues of the Cochrane Curling Club. She was a part of the teams that both recently claimed the ladies league and mixed doubles league titles.

She also tied for third in the Alberta Mixed Doubles championship with partner Mathias Babin.

The Bakos Rink will also be competing in the nationals as the Alberta Host team after winning silver. Last year, Hannah Airey, also a Cochrane curler, competed at the U18 nationals as part of Team Bakker that went on to win the bronze medal.