“My grandpa and family all drove up together,” said Dubyk.
She started to get serious about the timeless sport in 2004, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, two cousins and a brother.
“It’s nice, because I don’t know a lot of people around my age who play it,” said Dubyk. “So it’s nice to do it with my family.”
And for grandfather Ernie, it helps him share his love with his family.
“It keeps him going, because he thinks if he quits the kids will quit,” said Dubyk’s mom Jean. “It’s good motivation for him.”
To play in the national championship, a participant must compete in three qualifing tournaments through the season.
“I’ve been to a few tournaments now and I’ve been practising,” said Dubyk. “I’ve been getting a lot of help from the older members in the (Prince Albert) club.”
Four girls competed in the category at nationals, playing each other five times. Dubyk won 13 of her 15 games. Her only two losses were to Jaala Curren of Saskatoon, but Dubyk went on to beat Curren three times to be crowned champion.
“It was a close game,” said Dubyk. “Beating her the first time gave me the confidence. I thought, ‘Maybe I do have a chance.’”
Dubyk’s ringer average went to 16 per cent after the national tournament from from 5.95 per cent entering the competition.
Dubyk and cousin Donovan MacDonald, who placed second in his event at the national tournament, have been asked to attend the 2007 national championship in Woodstock, Ont.
“It’s usually boring because there are only four people ever (in the division) at tournaments,” said Dubyk. “But I competed against new people this time. It’s more interesting when you play different people.”
Dubyk said her plans are to continue competing in the junior category until she is 18, but is not certain if she will continue beyond that.
“It will always remain a family thing, though,” she said.
Gerry Wingham and Bob Riou of the Prince Albert Horseshoe Club also won their divisions at the national tournament.
Prince Albert’s Sheena Dubyk demonstrates the form that made her the Canadian junior girls’ horseshoes champion.