The NAIT Cross-Country Team is back, and this season marks the restoration of a long-awaited program. Under the guidance of Head Coach Ron Barnhart, the team is gearing up for an inaugural season filled with excitement and possibilities.
"I am excited for our student-athletes that NAIT has restored the cross-country program," Coach Ron Barnhart shares. "Starting from the ground up also allows me the opportunity to set the tone for the team."
With the ACAC Championship hosted by Lethbridge College on Saturday, October 28th, and the CCAA Nationals set to take place in Truro, Nova Scotia, on November 10th and 11th, the team is diving headfirst into a season filled with challenges and aspirations.
"I am hopeful that athletes have anticipated a quick start to this season and have done the necessary base preparation work on their own," Coach Barnhart states. The road ahead won't be easy, as he acknowledges that "this season will be a steep learning curve for most athletes, so it will likely be mid-season before we are truly prepared to compete at a conference level."
As this is the team's inaugural season, there are bound to be uncertainties. "Our team will be comprised of ACAC rookies, so we cannot rely on experience," Coach Barnhart explains. "Hopefully, our enthusiasm will make up for our lack of experience. I am confident that we will represent NAIT well at the ACAC Championships."
But it's not just about representation; it's about setting the stage for future success. Coach Barnhart sets the bar high, saying, "If things go as expected, we might even produce a few qualifiers for Nationals." The team's journey is not just about this season; it's about building a legacy for NAIT cross-country.
The NAIT Cross-Country Team is set to make its mark on the ACAC cross-country scene once again. The season kicks off on Saturday, September 9th, at Gold Bar Park.