Returning to the tough 2.5 kilometre course where University of Calgary Dinos cross-country team captain Geoff Kerr set a course record two years prior, the Dinos cross-country team overcame strong winds and an uphill final 400 metres to win both the men’s and women’s Canada West titles at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport championship on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec.
Entering the weekend head coach Doug Lamont felt that the women were in strong position to medal – they were officially ranked fourth in the CIS top-ten rankings– and the men to place top six.
After the points were tallied the women won bronze and the men placed fifth.
“As a group it was probably one of the few times that they exceed my expectations,” said Lamont. “They stepped up on the day more than any other team.”
Captain Heather Sim placed highest for the women, finishing eighth and getting second team all-Canadian honours.
Two other Dinos women followed her to strong finishes, with Debby Querengesser and Erin Sask placing 16th and 18th respectively. All three were awarded first team Canada West status.
“All the women ran the best they could on the day,” said Lamont.
CIS rookie of the year Nyial Majock ran the quickest race for the men’s side, placing fifth.
“For him to place as well as he did is pretty outstanding considering the experienced guys he was running against,” said Lamont.
Gavin Hamilton also had a strong race for the Dinos, finishing eighth to become a second team all-Canadian.
Many of the athletes now turn their attention to the indoor track and field season.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to sweep the indoor titles with men’s and women’s Canada West, as well,” said Lamont.