Last weekend, the Loyalist College Cross Country teams participated in the Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) National Cross Country Championships in Kingston. Thirty-three colleges were represented at the competition, coming from as far away as British Columbia and New Brunswick.
“Loyalist has a small but committed group of runners on this year’s team,” said Jim Buck, Assistant Athletic Director at Loyalist. “Although we did not place in the top three this year, we saw a significant improvement in the team’s personal best which is always our primary goal. When runners set their sights on improving their times and dedicate their season to achieving that, we feel they have had a successful year. Four of our ten runners were new to the team and it was exciting to watch them grow. By competing at the national and provincial levels they have had a great opportunity to learn and develop. We look forward to seeing the strength and experience they will bring to next year’s teams.”
“Being part of the team has made me develop a passion for running that makes me feel amazing and I love the adrenalin boost that it gives me,” said Jessica Walker, a second-year Nursing student. “I know that I am a better student because of it. I feel better physically and I’m much more organized because of the time commitment that my studies and the team require. The team is such a close-knit group and we are all very supportive of each other. I’m glad that we competed in the Nationals. The experience was so different from that of just practicing. Just seeing all the other runners running against me was very exciting.”
Coach Rick Helman described his objectives. “If they don’t already have it, I want them to develop a love for running. The training techniques they learn should be helpful in improving their skill level and I want them to know how much fun competing can be, even if they are not elite athletes. I am very proud to have had the opportunity to coach this group.”
For more information regarding the College’s athletic programs, click here: Loyalist College Athletics.
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332, e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca or Jim Buck at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2245