On your marks, get set, GO! Today marked the 37th annual Western International Cross Country Invitational. The Thames Valley Golf Course and UWO welcomed, teams ranging from the Alberta Golden Bears to the Dalhousie Tigers. With the sun just peaking through the clouds, and dew feathering the grass, all 17 women’s teams anxiously took their designated blocks. Leading the first mile mark was Toronto Varsity Blues’ runner, Tamara Jewett. As the 5 km race continued, Jewett held her position, while Guelph and Western’s runners followed close behind. Jewett dominated the last stretch of the race, finishing by herself. As a team, the Guelph Gryphons took the win with 42 points. Following with only two points behind, were the McMaster Marauders and the Western Mustangs placed an honourable third. Overall, the Women’s 5 km event was a huge milestone for the UWO Mustangs. According to Assistant Coach, Guy Schultz, this marks the second best team run in Westerns history, since 1997.
The excitement and energy reverberating from the Women’s race simultaneously carried over to the Men’s 10 km event. As the race began and the runners looped through the golf course, coaches, parents and UWO staff swiftly followed the pack. The start of the race saw a bold statement on behalf of the UWO male runners as they grouped together 1, 2, and 3. As the race continued however, Matt Walters of the Windsor Lancer’s took the lead, but not without a fight from Ross Proudfoot of the Guelph Gryphons. In the end, the Windsor Lancer’s snatched the win with 38 points. The Guelph Gryphons finished second, only with a one point difference, and the Western Mustangs came in third with 77 points.
Today’s meet, was a showcase of some of UWO’s cross country talent, ranging from its veterans to its Rookies. Despite, losing four of his seven male runners, including the team’s number one, Head Coach Bob Vigars’ has “faith in the youth of his team”. There is no denying that the team did take a loss, according to Assistant Coach, Guy Schultz. But it at the same time the team “gained some awesome recruits”. First year Kinesiology student and Rookie, Melissa Caruso, is among this list of new talent. She not only had the 12th fastest time in UWO history, but also set a Rookie record following today’s meet. Despite Rookie successes, there is still a thing or two to learn from Mustang Veterans Becky Pieterson and Kyle O’Neill. Both runners are still among the best on the team, and never fail to disappoint. Coach Vigar’s was pleased with today’s overall and individual results and stated that this event was a “huge confidence boost for everyone”.
This “confidence boost” is the ignition that the team needs to compete in the Loyola Lake Front Invitational next week. The event will be held in Chicago, and is the largest University meet in North America. Coach Vigars welcomes the challenge and says that “it is too early to back off”. This competitive attitude and thirst for a standing spot at Nationals, is what drives the UWO Cross Country Team.
