NNSL (Jan 10/97) - Yellowknifer Tara Hamer has qualified for the national junior curling championship for a record-breaking fifth time.

Tuesday, Hamer's Truro, N.S., rink captured the provincial title. The foursome will advance to the national women's junior bonspiel in Selkirk, Man., Feb. 8.

The nineteen-year-old has represented the NWT at four previous national playdowns -- 1992 (Vernon, B.C.), 1993 (Trois Rivieres, Que.), 1994, (Truro), 1996 (Regina).

Hamer -- a second on the Meredith Doyle rink -- is attending Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax and skipped her own rink to a fifth place finish at the Nova Scotia provincials last year.

Meanwhile, another NWT curler may join Hamer in the record book.

Yellowknife skip Kerry Koe is gunning for her fifth appearance at the nationals at this weekend's territorial championship at the city curling rink.

Hamer's rink won the provincial crown with a 7-5 win over Angela Sawler's Chester foursome. The victory capped an undefeated 6-0 tournament record.

Hamer says representing another province makes this year's victory special.

"It's really nice to make it (to the nationals) representing somewhere else. But it's equally exciting every time and it's great to go again," she says.

While this is the first time Hamer will represent Nova Scotia, it's not the first time she'll compete alongside Doyle.

Hamer's 1994 territorial rink added Doyle as an injury replacement during the nationals in Truro. When Hamer went looking for a new team this year, Doyle answered the call and brought the NWTer along for the victory ride.

"Meredith's great," says Hamer. "I have to admit, it's worked out nicely."

Doyle's rink finished third at the nationals this year and Hamer says big things are expected this time around.

"A lot of people will be looking out for us," she says.

"We have to take it the way we did during the provincials, step-by-step. As long as we play calmly we should be OK.

It's a long, unpredictable week."

Hamer makes the 45- minute drive to Truro three times a week and admits balancing school and curling can be difficult.

"It's been a challenge learning to juggle things, for sure," she says.

"I do a lot of studying at the rink. I've gotten used to it. I'm having fun and that's the main thing.

My professors have been very supportive and they keep me updated. I'm away a lot but they're always there for me."

Despite the hectic schedule, Hamer says she wouldn't have it any other way. "I've always been active as a child. If I wasn't doing something I'd feel like I was missing out."