Well it is safe to say it was another exciting day for the UNB VREDS who traveled to Moncton to compete in the final AUS race of the season. Despite the cold weather every single runner ran the race as hard as they could, leaving it all on the course. Their hard work and dedication throughout the year shone through as they challenged themselves to get up the hills of the tough Moncton course.
The first race for the UNB VREDS was the Atlantic open held at 10:50 with four members of the team racing. These included the two women's team alternates Caroline MacIsaac and Laura Clarke, as well as the two males team alternates Marc Manuel and Mike Yitayew. All four runners ran exceptionally well with Marc Manuel finishing first for the 18-19 male age group.
Not long after the Atlantic race the female AUS race was ready to get on its way. Although the seven girls standing at the start were feeling extremely nervous, they knew that they had put the training in and were excited to see the results. As the gun fired the girls flew off the line anticipating the tough 6km course they were about to take on. Captain Sarah Myatt led the girls team with the very talented first year runner Katie Robinson right on her tail. The girls had a solid race, and a strong finish, coming across the line in 6th and 8th place. The next runner to come across the finish was second year runner Katie Wallace, finishing in 21st. Following Katie was Nathalie Cecire (22nd), Kelsey Hogan (29th), Priya Bhutani (30th), and Courtney Barbour (35th). All of the girls ran an awesome race and as a team stole the 3rd place medal, only 35 pts from 2nd!
After cheering on and supporting the girls, the guys were ready to begin their 5 lap, 10km race. Wearing their white singlets proudly, the boys made their way to the start to prepare themselves for what they had trained for all season. With a team consisting of 5 returners and 2 first year runners, the guys were looking strong and ready to take on the other six teams. As the gun went off the boys bolted out of the gate ready to prove to both themselves and the spectators just what UNB was capable of. Leading the team was Captain James Murphy who ran extremely well finishing in 16th. Following James, was returner Taylor Lamarche who looked strong, running his best race of the season finishing in 23rd. Chris McNamara (24th), Colby Craig (25th), Jonathan Bunn (27th), Brent McCumber (31), and Clayton Holteen (32nd) all ran outstanding races making their coaches proud. The Boys finished fourth as a team only 13pts behind MUN.
Following the boys race the athletes went and got ready for the AUS Cross Country Banquet which began at 3:30pm. The athletes shared some laughs, ate some delicious food, and joined together to congratulate the athletes who won awards. Two awards were presented to two of our very own female athletes. Sarah Myatt who finished in 6th place was named one of the AUS Allstars, and Katie Robinson was named Female Rookie of the year. The two girls are very excited to be traveling to London, Ontario with coach Tim Randall in two weeks to compete against the other females in the country at the CIS Cross Country Championship.
Even though the official cross country season is over for most of the athletes the training never stops for this team. The runners will be back on their feet Monday for more practices, high milleage, and gym workouts preparing them for the upcoming indoor track season!!
No comments:
Post a Comment