The NAIT Ooks cross-country team is preparing for a season filled with both challenges and opportunities as they gear up for the 2024/25 campaign. Under the guidance of Head Coach Ron Barnhart, the Ooks will compete in four Running Room Grand Prix events, starting with their first race in Edmonton on Saturday, September 7th, hosted by the Concordia Thunder. The team's ultimate goals include a strong showing at the ACAC Championships on October 26th in Calgary, hosted by St. Mary's University, and qualifying for the CCAA Nationals in Windsor, Ontario, on November 8-9, hosted by St. Clair College.
Coach Barnhart is taking a cautious but optimistic approach to the season. "The cross-country team is approaching this season cautiously but optimistically," Barnhart shared, emphasizing that while the team has undergone changes, the focus remains on steady improvement and competition at the highest level.
The team's composition has shifted, with only two returning runners from last year's squad. However, those two athletes, Hannah Warford and Shawn Gunnink, are set to take on leadership roles as captains. Their experience from last season, which included participation in both the ACAC season and the CCAA National Championships in Nova Scotia, will be crucial as they guide the younger athletes. "Hannah and Shawn bring the experience they garnered from last year's ACAC season and the CCAA National Championship in Nova Scotia. They'll be key to leading the team this year," Barnhart noted.
In addition to the returners, the Ooks have added fresh talent to the roster. Aelyn Switzer joins the women's team, bringing with her a wealth of competitive experience from high school and club competitions. "She will be a strong presence on the team," Barnhart said of Switzer.
On the men's side, nationally ranked club runner Tyson Versteeg joins the squad and is set to raise the competitive bar for the entire team. "Tyson Versteeg is a nationally ranked club runner who will surely help lift the competitive level of our entire team," Barnhart remarked.
Rookies Karmyn Aebly and Pamela Rutto are also expected to bring new energy to the women's side, gaining valuable experience in their first cross-country season with the Ooks. Meanwhile, the men's team welcomes several newcomers, including Cameron Bakal, Taylor Hudak, Wyatt Suess, and Will Townsend, who will round out the roster and add depth to the squad.
Despite the influx of new talent, Barnhart acknowledges that the team will face some challenges early on, especially with such a young squad. However, he remains confident that with the leadership of Warford and Gunnink, the team will develop quickly and perform well in the ACAC competition. "This season is about building a solid foundation and helping our younger athletes grow while remaining competitive at every event," Barnhart explained.
With their first test coming up quickly on September 7th in Edmonton, the Ooks will look to establish themselves early in the Running Room Grand Prix series. Let's go Ooks!