The Lightning Cross Country team had a strong showing at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Cross Country Championships on November 12, hosted by Medicine Hat College.
On a cold but clear day, the women’s team competed in the six kilometre event, placing seventh out of the 18 teams competing from across the country. This marks our best team showing at Nationals in the history of our cross country program!
The scoring team members were Maria Fox (15th), Cadence Laplante (18th), Sydney Zissos (59th) and Elizabeth Krueger (87th). Philine Schmidt (99th) and Sarah Foscarini (100th), rounded out the team. Maria and Cadence ran smart races, moving up in the field in the last two km to secure top 20 finishes. Although hampered by an injury, Sydney managed to push through and put in a solid performance. And despite the icy footing and flying snow, Elizabeth and Sarah ran their fastest times of the season!
The men’s team of Dan Quibell (102nd), Riley Follensbee (108th), Rowan Seerup (111th), and Jack Herron (113th), raced the eight km course and placed 17th in the team competition. Riley ran his fastest time of the season, while all of the men rose to the occasion of competing at Nationals among strong runners from across the country.
Coaches Donna Dixon and Randi Palyga were pleased with the team’s performances, and thrilled to see our women’s team break a program record.
“Everyone had strong and focused races at Nationals and supported each other in the challenging conditions. It has been a great season and we will carry that momentum into the Indoor Track season,” said Donna.
“This was a strong finish to our cross country season and we are so proud of all the work our athletes have put into training and competing,” echoed Randi.
Full results are posted here: https://www.racepro.ca/ccaa/
CCAA event reporting is here: https://www.ccaa.ca/sports/xc/index
Go Lightning!
