Race Recap:
The NAIT Ooks cross-country team capped off their season with a strong showing at the CCAA National Championships in Windsor, Ontario, on November 9th. Racing against nearly 200 athletes from 38 schools across Canada, both the men's and women's teams pushed through challenging competition and posted personal bests to close out their season.
On the women's side, Aelyn Switzer led the Ooks with an impressive 28th-place finish, clocking a personal best time of 24:58 in the 6k race. Pam Rutto followed in 59th with her own personal best of 27:19, while Kamryn Aebly crossed in 66th at 27:46 for another season best. Hannah Warford, one of the team's returners from last year's Nationals, finished in 83rd place with a time of 29:08, rounding out a solid team performance.
In the men's 8k race, Tyson Versteeg, who had been a top-five finisher throughout the season, was unfortunately unable to finish due to injury. However, the rest of the men's team stepped up, with Shawn Gunnink finishing in 43rd place at 27:17, marking his best time of the season. Taylor Hudak followed closely in 83rd, clocking a personal best of 30:09. Cameron Bakal and Roman Tiessen crossed the finish line just behind him in 84th and 87th, with times of 30:22 and 30:33, respectively—each setting their own season records.
Despite the challenge of competing at the national level, the Ooks showcased their depth and resilience, with multiple athletes achieving season-best times and finishing in the top ranks. After taking home two bronze medals at the ACAC Championships and gaining valuable experience at Nationals, both teams have a lot to be proud of as they wrap up a successful season.
National Preview:
The Cross-Country team is gearing up for an exciting finish to their season! Both the men's and women's teams have qualified for the CCAA National Championships after taking home two bronze medals in the ACAC Championships.
Tyson Versteeg and Aelyn Switzer will be leading the charge as top contenders who consistently placed within the top five during the season's official meets. Versteeg placed fifth in the ACAC Championship, while teammate Shawn Gunnink finished in 11th. On the women's side, Switzer placed 8th with Pamela Rutto and Hannah Warford following in 17th and 18th place. Warford and Gunnink are returners who previously qualified individually for last year's Nationals. Kamryn Aebly, who placed 21st, will round out the women's team, while Taylor Hudak, Roman Tiessen, and Cameron Bakal will add their strength on the men's side.
The team will be facing off against nearly 200 athletes from thirty-eight schools across the country as they race to the finish line.
The competition will be on Saturday, November 9th, at Malden Park in Windsor, Ontario. The women's 6k race will start at 12pm ET, followed by the men's 8k at 1pm.
Click the link here for the CCAA website and more information about the event.