Championship Recap:

The cross country team had a stellar day at the ACAC Championship, with both the women's and men's teams claiming bronze medals and securing their spots at Nationals!

For the women's team, Aelyn Switzer led with an 8th place finish, while Pamela Rutto and Hannah Warford followed closely in 17th and 18th. Kamryn Abely completed the team's strong showing, placing 21st.

On the men's side, Tyson Versteeg led with an impressive 5th place finish, joined by Shawn Gunnink in 11th, Taylor Hudson in 21st, and Roman Tiessen in 29th, sealing the team's bronze finish.

Congratulations to both teams on their bronze medals and qualification for Nationals!

Championship Preview: 

After four exhilarating Grand Prix races, it's time for the ACAC Cross-Country Running Championships. 11 athletes will be representing NAIT at the tournament. Hannah Warford, Aelyn Switzer, Kamryn Aebly, and Pamela Rutto will make up the women's team, while the men's side has Shawn Gunnink, Tyson Versteeg, Cameron Bakal, Taylor Hudak, Roman Tiessen, Will Townell and Wyatt Suess. Head Coach Ron Barnhart is confident in his runners, who will be hoping to earn spots at the CCAA National Championship. 
 
As a team, the top five teams qualify to go on to Nationals. Coach Barnhart says his teams are aiming for a top three finish, given their performances throughout the season so far. "The women unofficially finished 2nd in Camrose. Throughout the season, the men have been a top three team," he stated.   

To qualify as an individual, athletes must finish within the top 15. Aelyn Switzer and Tyson Versteeg have been consistent top-5 finishers throughout the season, while Shawn Gunnink has been placing within the top 10. Teammates Kamryn, Hannah, Cameron, Taylor, and Roman are all top-20 finishers who have a shot as well.  

Coach Barnhart praised the team's hard work and dedication throughout the season, saying that the main body of preparation happens far before the championships through speed and strength endurance work. At this point, the priorities are more about refining tactics, keeping a healthy mindset, and not letting the pressure get to them. 

While the pressure to qualify can be substantial, Coach Barnhart emphasizes that the most important thing is effort. "Take nothing for granted," he says. "At the end of the day just know you did your best." With effort follows improvement, and for most, there will be another opportunity next year.  

The Championship will be hosted at St. Mary's University on October 26th at 12 pm.