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Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary

by Clublinkinbio

Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Since the first practice was held on April 25, 1974, led by head coach Bob Staveley and a team of dedicated individuals, the club has been a cornerstone of athletics in the Ottawa region for half a century.

In its inaugural year, the East Ottawa Lions, as they were initially known, held their first practice at the old Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe track. Under the leadership of Bob Staveley, the club welcomed athletes aged 12 and up, with a mission to provide opportunities for youth in track and field within the community. Originally sponsored by the East Ottawa Lions Club, the club’s membership was initially limited to athletes residing within specific boundaries north of the Queensway and east of the Rideau River.

Reflecting on the early days of the club, Staveley at the time remarked, “There was a need for a second track and field club in the city, and I’m proud to have been a part of establishing the Lions.” Assisted by a team of dedicated coaches including Owen Froggett, Ken Parker, Rae Ellen Desloges, Dick Cardill, and Greg Moses, the club quickly gained momentum, fostering talent and passion for athletics in the region.

The original Board of Directors, led by President Major Angus Read and Vice-President Bob Staveley, played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s direction and ensuring its success in the years to come.

Over the past five decades, the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club has grown from its humble beginnings to become a powerhouse in Canadian athletics, producing 22 Olympians, 17 Paralympians, nearly 200 international medals, over 1700 national championship medals, and in excess of 3600 provincial medals. The club’s legacy extends beyond the track, instilling values of dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship in generations of athletes.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we extend our gratitude to all past and present members, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who have contributed to the success and longevity of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club. Here’s to the next fifty years of excellence in athletics!

(Langley, Canada---27 July 2023) Kevin Robertson competing on day one of the Canadian Track and Field Championships at the Macleod Athletic Park Stadium. Copyright 2023 Miles Ryan Rowat/ Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Robertson moves to second on all-time steeplechase list

by Clublinkinbio

After a 2023 season which saw steeplechaser Kevin Robertson qualify for his first NCAA Championship, win a bronze medal at the Canadian Championships, and take top spot at the NACAC U23 Championships you may be left wondering what could he have in store for an encore. Friday night in Charlottesville, VA we got a pretty good glimpse and the future is bright. 

Opening his season at the Virginia Grand Prix, Robertson easily took top spot in his heat of the 3000 metre steeplechase in a personal best time of 8 minutes and 33.88 seconds. The Syracuse University student won by more than 11 seconds over Princeton’s Jackson Shorten. Robertson placed eighth overall.

In addition to a new lifetime best for Robertson, his performance Friday evening had him leap frog Joshua Karaja into second place on the Club’s all-time list. Alain Boucher set the current Club standard of 8:33.65 at the Commonwealth Track and Field Challenge in Sydney in 1990.

In Louisiana with the national team in preparation for the upcoming World Athletics Relay Championships, Lauren Gale took home a pair of fourth place finishes at the LSU Alumni Gold Meet. Gale  improved her seasonal best over 200 metres to 23.30 seconds in Baton Rouge – moving into third spot on the early season national rankings. Over 400 metres, Gale finished the one lap race in 52.42 seconds, two hundredths off her season’s best. . 

On the road, Josh Cassidy completed his second marathon in the span of a week rolling to an eighth place finish in the wheelchair section of the London Marathon Sunday morning. Following his fifth place finish in Boston on Monday, Cassidy finished the 26.2 mile course in a time of 1:35.40 – a scant seven seconds off another fifth place finish. 

Despite being on the other side of the country, there were a number of familiar faces on the start line of this year’s Vancouver Sun Run 10km. First across the finish line among the small group was Kyle Porter, who placed 32nd overall with a 31:58 clocking. Behind Porter were a pair of masters runners, Jay Sneddon and Sam Shi, who finished 25th and 42nd respectively in the men’s 30-34 age category. Jay was clocked in 34 minutes and 27 seconds, while Sam set a new lifetime best of 36 minutes and 16 seconds. 

For updated Club rankings, click here.

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Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club Announces Exciting Opportunities for Athletes, Coaches, and Volunteers

by Clublinkinbio

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is proud to announce a series of exciting opportunities aimed at fostering growth, development, and community engagement within the sport of athletics.

As Ottawa emerges as a central hub for Track and Field and Cross Country, the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is committed to providing a platform for athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers to thrive on provincial, national, and international stages.

Over the past decade, Ottawa has played host to a prestigious lineup of major events, solidifying its status as a premier destination for athletics. These events include the Canadian Track and Field Championships, Canadian Cross Country Championships, and various other national and international competitions.

In preparation for the upcoming events, the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is pleased to offer a range of opportunities for individuals to get involved and enhance their experience in the sport.

Coach and Officials Education:

  • Run, Jump, Throw Clinic: Taking place on May 12th at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, this clinic provides newcomers to coaching and seasoned athletes alike with the chance to bolster their skills and gain valuable experience. Registration is open here.
  • Officials – Para Ready Seminar: In conjunction with the Spring Kick Start event on May 11th-12th, a para-ready officiating seminar will be held to equip officials with the necessary skills to work with para-athletes. Registration details will be available soon.
  • AO Officials Evolution Seminars: On April 25th and 27th, Athletics Ontario will host seminars in Ottawa to introduce interested individuals to the world of officiating in Track and Field. Registration is now open here.
  • Throws Clinic: Athletes, coaches, teachers, and officials are invited to participate in a throws clinic on May 5th at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Learn more and register here.

Volunteer Opportunities:
The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club relies on the support of volunteers to ensure the success of its events. Opportunities to volunteer include:

  • High School Series: Volunteers are needed for events such as the Raven Relays, uOttawa High School Invite, and National Capital Classic. Volunteers can earn credits towards the 2024-2025 program. Details can be found here.
  • Spring Kick Start: Volunteers are needed for the event on May 11th-12th.
  • Twilight Series: Volunteers are essential for the success of these weekly events from June 5th to August 14th. Express interest here.
  • Lees Dome Fundraising Project: Volunteers are urgently needed for a major fundraising project to support the 2024-2025 season. Details can be found here.
  • Race Weekend: Volunteers are needed for various roles during the Ottawa Race Weekend from May 24th-26th. Express interest here.

“We are thrilled to offer these opportunities for individuals to engage with the sport of athletics and contribute to our vibrant community,” said Richard Johnston, Executive Director of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club. “Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or volunteer, there’s something for everyone to get involved and make a difference.”

For more information about these opportunities and how to get involved, please visit Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club or contact Richard Johnston at rjohnston@ottawalions.com.

(Langley, Canada---27 July 2023) Maddie Seaby competing on day one of the Canadian Track and Field Championships at the Macleod Athletic Park Stadium. Copyright 2023 Miles Ryan Rowat/ Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Maddie Seaby Cracks 5000m Top-10 in California Opener

by ClublinkinbioUniversity

In what felt like the unofficial kick off to the outdoor season, Lions athletes put forward a number of outstanding performances over the past four days in California, Florida, Massachusetts, and even here in Ottawa. 

Starting on the west coast, over half a dozen Club athletes were in action at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa. First on the track was Maddie Seaby in the 5000 metres and her result did not disappoint. The first year student at the University of Louisville put forward her second straight personal best at the distance, finishing in a time of 16 minutes and 35.43 seconds. Seaby’s previous best was 16:46.20 at the BU Valentine Invitational in February. 

At the Club level, Maddie’s time ranks her fourth all-time among U20 athletes and ninth overall. In addition, she is now just 5.43 seconds off Athletics Canada’s qualifying standard for this year’s World U20 Athletics Championship scheduled for Peru in September. 

Staying at Azusa, Stephen Evans showed he’s ready to attack the season as he opened up with a 1:48.80 effort for 800 metres following an injury that curtailed his indoor season. USport silver medalist David Adeleye had a tough time with his opener as he battled some strong winds in running 14.61 in the 110 metre hurdles. 

Rounding out the competing contingent at Bryan Clay, Keito Newman ran 55.32 for 400 metre hurdles while Sydney Smith posted a 2:09.65 in a tactical 800 metres. André Alie-Lamarche also opened up his 2024 campaign with a 3:52.05 effort over 1500m.

Fresh off being named to Canada’s entry at the World Relay Championships in The Bahamas next month, Lauren Gale was in action at the Tom Jones Memorial on the campus of the University of Florida. Repeating her performance from two weeks prior, Gale again ran 23.33 seconds for 200 metres, which ranks her third fastest in Canada. Over 400 metres, Gale posted a time of 52.40 seconds to sit equal sixth on the national rankings. 

Up the coast in Massachusetts, Josh Cassidy kicked off his Boston Marathon Weekend with a fifth place finish in the wheelchair 5k. His time of 10 minutes and 58 seconds left the Paralympian 28 seconds off the podium. Cassidy will be back on the road Monday morning for the full marathon where he will look to improve upon his 19th place from a year ago.

Closer to home, the high school season officially kicked off with the Louis-Riel Indoor Meet #2 as a pair of Lions gave a glimpse of what may be in store this spring. Colonel By’s Mason Brennan topped the senior boy’s high jump with a leap of 1.90 metres – height that moves him to equal number seven on the Club U18 all-time list. As well, Louis-Riel’s own, Zachary Jeggo, put together an impressive run of 39.08 seconds in the 300 metre hurdles. Impressively, the time beats his previous best at the distance despite running over hurdles three inches higher. 

Full results from Bryan Clay Invitational can be found on our website.

Update Club rankings are available at https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/

OTTAWA - August 11, 2021: Freya Hurst and Elana Tyman competing at Ottawa Summer Twilight #15 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Photograph Copyright 2001 Miles Rowat / Mundo Sport Images

Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club Announces Exciting Lineup of Meets for Summer 2024 Season

by Clublinkinbio

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated lineup of track and field meets for the upcoming summer season. From seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, athletes of all levels are invited to participate in a series of events that promise to showcase the best of Canadian track and field talent.

The action-packed season kicks off with the Ottawa Spring Kick Start on May 11-12, 2024. Designed to provide athletes with a stellar domestic opportunity to launch their outdoor season, this meet sets the stage for an exhilarating summer of competition.

Following the Ottawa Spring Kick Start, the Ottawa Lions proudly present the return of the Twilight Series for its 37th season. With 10 thrilling meets scheduled from June 5 to August 14, 2024, the Twilight Series stands as the largest series of meets in Canada. Athletes and spectators alike can expect nothing short of electrifying performances and fierce competition throughout the series.

Capping off the summer festivities, the Ottawa Lions will host the prestigious CTFL Final on July 6, 2024. This one-day championship for the Canadian Track and Field League, will feature some of the nation’s top athletes competing in a competition that has received World Athletics Class D status. As the host, the Ottawa Lions are honored to welcome athletes and fans from across the country to witness this pinnacle event.

“We are thrilled to announce our lineup of meets for the summer 2024 season,” said Richard Johnston, executive director of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club. “These events not only provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talents but also offer an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of track and field.”

Athletes, coaches, and spectators are encouraged to mark their calendars and join the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club for an unforgettable summer of athletic excellence.

For more information about the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club and its upcoming events, visit ottawalions.com/schedule or contact Richard Johnston.

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Call for Volunteer Leaders: 2025 and 2026 Canadian Track and Field Championships

by Clublinkinbio

Are you passionate about track and field? Do you have experience in event management or a keen interest in contributing your skills to a prestigious sporting event? The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club, in partnership with Athletics Canada, is thrilled to announce the recruitment of volunteer leaders for the 2025 and 2026 u20/Open Canadian Track and Field Championships, which will also serve as the World Athletics Tokyo Trials in 2025.

Position: Local Organizing Committee
Type of Position: Volunteer
Event Date: Summer 2025 & 2026
Deadline: February 10th, 2024
First Meeting: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024

Volunteer Description:
We are currently seeking dedicated individuals to form the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the upcoming championships. The LOC will play a crucial role in managing various aspects of the event and will meet regularly as we approach the event dates.

Leadership Roles Include:

  • LOC Chair
  • Officials Coordinator
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Para-Athletics Lead
  • Medical/Doping Control
  • Timing/Audio/Visual
  • Catering/SOP
  • Sponsorship
  • Awards & Ceremonies
  • Security
  • Special Events
  • Transportation
  • Media

Responsibilities:
Each leader will be responsible for managing a team of volunteers, ranging from 10 to 80 individuals, primarily during the event days. Experience in the respective area you wish to manage is essential, with a priority given to candidates with a track and field background. First-aid/CPR training and a Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be beneficial.

Qualifications:

  • Track and field background
  • Experience in event management
  • First-aid/CPR training (beneficial)
  • CRC required

How to Apply:
If you believe you have the skills and experience to contribute to the LOC, please contact Richard Johnston to express your interest and provide relevant qualifications.

Deadline for Applications: February 10th, 2024

Benefits of Joining the LOC:
Joining the LOC offers a unique opportunity to be part of a prestigious sporting event, network with professionals in the field, and gain valuable experience in event management. Previous experience in hosting championship events will be an advantage.

Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something extraordinary! Join us in making the 2025 and 2026 Canadian Track and Field Championships a resounding success.

For more information or inquiries, please contact rjohnston@ottawalions.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

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Timeo Atonfo and Zachary Jeggo Receive Orléans Outstanding Youth Awards

by ClublinkinbioLocal

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of two remarkable athletes, Timeo Atonfo and Zachary Jeggo, recipients of the prestigious Orléans Outstanding Youth Awards for their exceptional contributions to athletics throughout the 2023 calendar year.

Timeo and Zachary with their Orleans Outstanding Youth Awards

Timeo Atonfo’s Remarkable Track and Field Achievements in 2023:

Timeo Atonfo, an outstanding member of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club, showcased his exceptional athletic prowess throughout the 2023 season. Atonfo secured a triple-medal victory at the OFSAA Track and Field Championships held in Ottawa, including silver medals in the junior boys long and triple jump events, and a bronze in the 100-metre hurdles. His achievements continued with a pair of bronze medals at the Ontario U18 Championships and valuable contributions to three relay teams at the provincial championship level. Atonfo concluded his outstanding season with a silver medal in the long jump at the Canadian U18 Championships.

Zachary Jeggo’s Phenomenal Season Highlights:

Zachary Jeggo, another exceptional athlete from the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club, had an outstanding season, beginning with a pair of gold medals at the OFSAA Track and Field Championships in the 300 metre hurdles and 400 metres, respectively. At the provincial level, Jeggo secured a bronze medal in the U20 400 metre hurdles. Following two 4th place finishes at the Canadian U20 Championships, Jeggo claimed three silver medals at the Canadian U18 Championships, excelling in the 400 metres, 400 metre hurdles, and as a key member of the record-setting 4×400 metre relay team.

Celebrating Excellence in Youth Athletics:

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club extends heartfelt congratulations to Timeo Atonfo and Zachary Jeggo for their well-deserved recognition with the Orléans Outstanding Youth Awards. Their remarkable achievements not only bring pride to the club but also serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the community.

 

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Lions set nearly 2200 personal bests in 2023

by Clublinkinbio

With 2023 set to wind down we will be taking some time to look back on the year that was over these remaining days. 

Ask any track and field athlete their personal best is and they are likely to rhyme it off to you before you even uttering the question. It is the key measuring stick for performance improvement and in 2023, we saw lots of improvement!

More than 800 athletes registered a performance in competition over the past 12 months and an astounding 624 of them recorded a new personal best in at least one event. Combined, they amassed a total of 2181 personal best performances in 2023. 

Looking at the ten athletes with the most personal bests in 2023, there are a few similarities among the group. Kyle Waldrum led the list with an incredible total of 16 personal best performances this year. Among the contributing factors was Waldrum’s engagement in the decathlon – an event in which he placed ninth in at the Canadian U20 Championships this summer. 

Kyle was one of three combined events athletes among our top-10 in 2023 for personal bests. University of Ottawa students Thomas Kukla-Colby and Kathryn Moreland each found their way onto the list with a total of 13 and 12 personal bests respectively. 

Table 1 – Top 10 List of Personal Bests by Athlete in 2023

RankName# of Personal Bests
1Kyle Waldrum16
2Augustine Uche15
3Jacqueline Aubin13
3Mason Brennan13
3Thomas Kukla-Colby13
6Connor Rennie12
6Kathryn Moreland12
6Moise Sebakunzi12
9Dylan Dignard11
9Grace Streek11

Among event groups, the sprints saw the most personal bests in 2023, with 892 in total. Not too surprisingly, the largest share came from in the 100 metres with 220. The seldom run 500 and 60 metre events occupied the smallest share with just 38 and 87 personal bests respectively. 

Chart 1. Personal Bests by Event Group

The next highest total of personal bests came from those in the middle distance events. These events include everything from 600 to 3000 metres but excludes the steeplechase. Nearly half of the new lifetime bests were set in either the 800 and 1500 metres with each event producing 110 personal bests during 2023.

Surprisingly, an indoor distance led the way for personal bests among the hurdle events. A total of 95 personal bests were set over the 60 metre hurdles in 2023.

The jumps was more concentrated as the long jump produced 163 of the 258 personal bests in 2023. Next on the list was the high jump with 48 PBs.

Shot put topped the throwing events with 84 personal bests, while the 2000 metre steeplechase and 5km led long distance and road running events respectively.

Rounding out the list, Lions athletes produced five new personal bests in the pentathlon and another three in each of the heptathlon and decathlon respectively.

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Lions mourn passing of Srboljub Radojevic

by Clublinkinbio

The Ottawa Lions mourn the sudden passing of Srboljub Radojevic on November 26, 2023 at the age of 67. While his son competed in the sprint events for the Lions in late 90’s, Srboljub was an ardent Club supporter. The kind hearted man was twice recognized with one of the Club’s highest honours, the Sean Cole Memorial Award for dedication to Club Service. 

The following is an excerpt from Srboljub’s obituary.

He was a man of remarkable character, an optimist with a kind heart who touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. We will miss his warm encouragements and wise advice, his funny stories and countless games he made up for his grandchildren. Devoted husband of Mirjana, loving father of Igor (Sonja) and Bojan. Proud Deda of Lara and Nikola. Dear son of Katarina and the late Milan and brother of Nenad (Sabaheta). Ostaces zauvijek u nasim srcima. Volimo te. 

Visiting will be held at the Pinecrest Visitation Center, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa, on Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Society. 

Online condolences can be made at pinecrest-remembrance.com

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Lions celebrate success of 2022-23 season at awards banquet

by ClublinkinbioLocal

Under the famous sunset of the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, the Ottawa Lions celebrated the best of the 2022-2023 season Saturday night at their annual Awards Banquet. The evening provided all involved with an excellent opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments of the past season including a second straight Canadian Championship for our U18 girls cross country team, multiple international medalists, and a number of Canadian records. 

The highest honour bestowed upon a Lions athlete is the Gilbert Award, named in honour of Olympic Champion Glenroy Gilbert. Handed out to the most outstanding male and female athletes in the Club for both track and field events. 

For the second straight season, Lauren Gale took home the honour in the women’s track category. The 23-year-old set a new Club record this year at 300 metres with a time of 37.02 seconds. Gale now holds Club sprint records at 200, 300, and 400 metres. 

In addition to her record setting performance, the 2020 Olympian took home bronze and silver medals in the 200 and 400 metres respectively at the Ontario Championships. As well, she finished the season ranked second nationally over 200 metres.

Long jumper Maria Okwechime took home the award for top female in the field events. Okwechime moved to number four on the Club’s all-time list early this season with a leap of 6.13 metres at the Bob Vigars Classic. She would equal the mark two months later as she finished in the top spot at the Canadian Championships. 

On the men’s side, the track award was shared between two recent victors – David Adeleye and Stephen Evans. Adeleye, the winner in 2022, set a Club U23 record indoors over the 60 metre hurdles and followed that up outdoors with his first ever sub-14 second 110 metre hurdles race. The University of Toronto student was also named to his first national team in athletics, representing Canada at the NACAC U23 Championships. Adeleye rounded out his season with his first senior national medal, finishing in the bronze medal position.

Evans finally produced the breakthrough season he had been working for. After besting the Club’s 1000 metre record indoors, the University of Ottawa graduate focused his attention on one of the longest standing records – the 800 metres. The previous mark of 1:47.24 had been set nine years before Evans was born, and in the national final Evans bested it by more than two tenths on his way to picking up his first national medal – bronze. 

Bianca Borgella was recognized for the third straight year as the Club’s top para athlete. The Sam Estwick Award winner had a banner season in 2023 that included her first national team appearance. Competing at the World Para Athletics Championship in Paris, Borgella signalled to the world that she will be a strong medal contender next year at the Paralympics. The University of Ottawa student captured bronze in the T13 100 metres and silver in the 200 metres – both in Canadian record time.

Among the age group award winners, Connor Fraser and Elizabeth Vroom each took home top honours in the Under-20 category. Fraser was a double provincial champion in the shot put and discus in addition to winning gold in the shot put at the Canadian Championships. Vroom placed second in the 3000 metre steeplechase at nationals and was provincial champion. The Queen’s University student also took home the honour of Most Outstanding Cross Country performer. 

Quinn Coughlin and Zachary Jeggo continued what has felt like the longest game of “anything you can do, I can do” as the pair took home top honours among U18 athletes. The pair of grade 11 students had dominating seasons in both the 400 and 400 metre hurdles, with each finishing fourth in both events at the Canadian U20 Championships and picking up a pair of individual medals at the Royal Canadian Legion Championships. 

Topping the U16 category were a pair of record breakers in sprinters Jorai Oppong-Nketiah and Ange-Mathis Kramo. Oppong-Nketiah was a dominating force this summer taking top spot at the provincial championships with the second fastest 100 metres in Canadian history by a 15-year-old. She would follow that up a week later by becoming the first woman in Club history to claim gold in both the 100 and 200 metres at a single Legion National Championship. 

Kramo smashed the Club’s U16 record at 300 metres with a dazzling 35.64 second clocking this summer. The Paul Desmarais student also posted top-5 all-time performances over 100 and 200 metres and helped the Lions’ U20 4×100 metre relay to a provincial title. 

Honours in the Under-14 category went to Atalia Williams and Maxime Cazabon. The pair combined for four medals at the Ontario Championships. Cazabon was provincial champion in the high jump and completed the full set of medals with silver in the 300 metres (Club U14 Record) and bronze over 80 metres. Williams captured a pair of silver medals over 80 and 150 metres.

The remaining award winners were as follows:

  • Mike Conway & Erinn Joseph – Masters
  • Nina Günther & Liz Maguire – Road Running
  • Saul Taler – Cross Country
  • Seb Lalonde & Kirk Dillabaugh – Sean Cole Memorial Award (Dedication to Club Service)

For a full list of current and past award winners, please visit the Annual Awards section of our website.