Friday marked the culmination of the university cross country regular season, as top athletes from the OUA and RSEQ gathered at Hamilton’s scenic Bayfront Park for one final tune-up ahead of their respective conference championships on October 24. Under partly cloudy skies and mid-teen temperatures, the course along the shores of Lake Ontario provided a fast but competitive setting. The field featured three of the top four nationally ranked men’s teams, along with half of the women’s top 10, making it one of the deepest meets of the season.
Gardiner Leads Gee-Gees Women
Graduate transfer Zoe Gardiner once again led the University of Ottawa women’s squad, placing 21st in 28:57.4 over the 8km course to cap a strong regular season. Gardiner’s result helped the Gee-Gees to an 11th-place team finish. She was followed by Merissa Anderton (97th, 32:05.5), Ciara Villeneuve (105th), Elliot Tyman (122nd), and Taylor Brown (131st).
Pascalli Paces Gee-Gees Men
On the men’s side, Ben Pascalli led the way for the Gee-Gees, finishing 62nd in 25:46.2. The fourth-year business student is in his first season with the Gee-Gees and has made an immediate impact with the garnet and grey—serving as the team’s top finisher in both races he has started this season. Close behind were Max Wilson (64th, 25:53.2), William McLeish (72nd), Zachary Sikka (73rd), and Matteo Padoin-Castillo (125th), as Ottawa placed 10th overall in the team standings.
Lions Compete Across Multiple Programs
Several current Ottawa Lions athletes contributed to strong team results for other universities. Nicolas Belan played a key role for the Guelph Gryphons, finishing 32nd (24:59.3) overall as the team’s fifth scorer to help secure a third-place team finish. Representing McMaster, second-year athletes Derek Strachan (77th, 26:15.8) and Kiefer Melinz-Dupuis (103rd, 26:59.0) contributed to the Marauders’ fourth-place showing. On the women’s side, Tessa Knight, a freshman competing for Queen’s, placed 69th (31:17.6) to bolster the Gaels’ depth.
Ravens Round Out the Field
Carleton Ravens athletes also gained valuable race experience heading into championship season. First-year runner Duncan Gray continued to lead the Ravens men, finishing 84th in 26:23.6, while Macauley Blaine crossed in 128th. On the women’s side, second-year journalism student Sara Gross was first across the line for the Ravens in 96th (32:01.2), followed by Chloe Ranahan (107th) and freshman Bronwyn O’Ray (120th).