On day three of our countdown of the Club’s best OFSAA track and field competitors of all-time, we turn to the distance events and North Dundas’ Murray Link at number 8. The Winchester product was a dominating force during his high school career, capturing an impressive 10 OFSAA medals including 4 gold over his five yer high school career.
The medal haul was on from the word “go” for Link who burst on the scene with a trio of medals in his grade nine year, including pulling off the 1500/3000 metre double. In addition to his longer distance prowess, Link also showed his range his he collected a bronze in the 800m in a swift 2:01.
This would mark the only year where Link would attempt the distance triple. Those familiar with the OFSAA schedule understand the difficulty that presents with 1500 metre races on Thursday and Friday followed by heats and finals for the 800 metres and a 3000 metre final on the Saturday.
Grade 10 added two more medals to Link’s collection and was also the first example of the tri-battle that would play out over the coming years between himself and other future national team members Jay Cantin and Matt Kerr. The trio all broke the four minutue barrier for 1500 metres with Link taking bronze. A day later, Link was able to move up a spot over 800 metres, taking silver behind Cantin in 1:58.68.
A year later, Link would get back on top of the podium with a return to the 3000 metres, winning a tight fought battle over Rob Krar and Kevin Peirobon in 8:44.20. However, at 1500 metres Cantin had the upper hand, winning 3:55.07 to 3:57.16 over Link to complete the 8/15 double.
After another bronze at 800 in grade 12, Link returned for his OAC year to capture his third gold at 3000 metres, winning by over three seconds in 8:22.32. At 1500 metres, it was another battle between Cantin and Link, with the St. Claire Secondary School student coming out on top again with Link winning silver in 3:49.79, two seconds behind the victor.
After a standout high school career, Link accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Arkansas where he would help the Razorbacks capture nine NCAA team titles. In addition to his team success in Fayetteville, Link was also seven-time All-American in Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track, capturing three NCAA medals along the way.
Despite retiring from competitive running following his collegiate career in 2001, Link’s performances still rank among the Club’s top ten all-time at 1000, 3000, 5000, and 10,000 metres. While he’s not running, you can still find Murray around the track as his son Jack runs with the Aspire Program.
We’ll be back again tomorrow with number seven on our list. Stay tuned.