(Ottawa, Canada---14 December 2024) Max Gerundin competing at the Candy Cane Relays hosted by the Ottawa Lions at the Dome @ Louis-Riel. Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Gerundin’s Triple Gold Headlines Strong EOSSAA Showing in Brockville

by High Schoollinkinbio

Ottawa Lions athletes made their mark at the EOSSAA Track and Field Championships this past Thursday and Friday in Brockville, with 13 club members advancing to this week’s OFSAA East Regional Championships at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

Leading the way was Bishop Smith’s Max Gerundin, who turned in one of the most dominant performances of the meet. The junior boy not only swept the distance events but also etched his name into the EOSSAA record books. Gerundin took a commanding win in the 800 metres, stopping the clock in 1:58.26 to erase the meet record set just last year by fellow Lion Malachi Kenny. Prior to his 800m success, he opened the meet with a runaway victory in the 1500m, crossing the line in 4:15.85—ten seconds clear of the field—before completing the golden treble in the 3000m with a 9:38.39 finish.

A double gold-medal performance came from Opeongo standout Quinn Coughlin. The reigning national U18 champion in the 400m hurdles and current Ontario U20 400m titleholder proved her class in the senior ranks, sweeping the flat and hurdles double. She captured the 400m in 57.70 seconds, nearly three seconds ahead of the next best competitor, and clocked 1:01.35 to win the 400m hurdles—just four-tenths shy of the EOSSAA meet record.

In the novice boys 3000m, it was Oscar Lorrain who claimed gold in 9:58.20, cruising to victory by more than eight seconds. The talented youngster also battled to a silver in the 800m, narrowly edged at the line. One of his main competitors throughout the meet, Glengarry’s Rowan Blaine, earned top honours in the 1500m, winning in 4:39.99.

On the girls’ side, North Dundas’ Evelyn Cooper captured the novice 400m crown, powering to a 1:03.55 finish to take the win.

With strong performances across all event groups and age classes, the Lions contingent now turns its attention to the OFSAA East Regional Championships, which take place this Thursday and Friday back home in Ottawa. There, athletes will aim to secure their spots at the OFSAA Championships in Toronto, set for the first weekend in June.

Full results from the EOSSAA Championships are available on our website.

(Ottawa, Canada---14 May 2025) Zach Jeggo competes at the NCSSAA East Conference Track and Field Championships. Photograph Copyright 2025 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Records Tumble as Lions Shine at NCSSAA Track and Field Championships

by High Schoollinkinbio

The road to OFSAA rolled through the nation’s capital this week, with more than 100 Ottawa Lions athletes booking their place at next week’s East Regionals following standout performances at the NCSSAA Track and Field Championships, held Wednesday and Thursday at Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

The top five in each event earned the right to advance to the OFSAA East Regional Championships, set for May 29–30 back in Ottawa, with the ultimate goal being a berth at the OFSAA Championships in Toronto this June. And for the Lions contingent, the city championships served up no shortage of excellence—complete with record-breaking marks, dominant displays, and a preview of what could be in store for the provincial stage.

Jeggo Repeats with Record Run

Zachary Jeggo led the charge for the Lions, reclaiming his senior boys 400m title in emphatic fashion by breaking his own meet record with a time of 47.50 seconds. Running in cool, rainy conditions, Jeggo surged past teammate Stephan Balson in the final 40 metres to edge the Lisgar standout and reigning East Conference champion, whose 47.49 remains the fastest time this season in the region. Jeggo, last year’s Canadian U18 champion, also cruised to victory in the 400m hurdles in 54.69, finishing more than a second clear of clubmate Kyle London.

London Leaves His Mark

While Jeggo claimed gold, Kyle London impressed with his versatility. The budding combined events athlete—silver medalist in the heptathlon at the Canadian U20 Indoor Championships—qualified for Regionals in all three of his events. He finished fourth in both the 400m (49.95) and shot put (12.73m), in addition to his silver in the 400m hurdles.

McGregor and McMullin Rewrite the Record Books

Two more Lions etched their names into NCSSAA history this week. In the junior girls 800m, Ellie McGregor broke the meet record for the second week in a row. Her time of 2:15.67 narrowly eclipsed the 2013 mark set by former Lion Emma Galbraith. McGregor’s dominance was undeniable, finishing nearly 17 seconds ahead of the field. She also captured gold in the 400m with a swift 58.33 clocking.

In the throwing fields, Mallea McMullin continued her reign as one of the top young talents in the country. The defending Canadian U16 champion launched the javelin 39.44m—just shy of her personal best but enough to surpass Madison McLean’s 2017 meet record of 38.64m. McMullin also secured gold in the discus with a mark of 26.12m, more than three metres ahead of her nearest challenger.

Cova Eyes History

One of the week’s most anticipated races came in the senior boys’ 3000m, where Louis-Riel’s Daniel Cova took aim at a meet record that has stood for over three decades. While he didn’t quite reach Sean Kaley’s 1994 standard of 8:26.15, Cova delivered a commanding win in 8:28.57. A month removed from his 8:20.89 personal best, the Lions distance runner also took gold in the 1500m, outkicking training partner Saul Taler in 4:01.14.

Taler, representing Glebe, added a bronze in the 3000m and edged fellow Lion and schoolmate Russell Heins in a tight 800m duel, 1:57.11 to 1:57.32.

Harris Dominates Novice Division

Grade 9 standout Alexandra Harris swept the novice girls’ distance events in impressive fashion, capturing gold in the 800m (2:26.56) and 1500m (4:59.41) — both personal bests. The John McCrae student narrowly missed her personal best over 3000m, but her winning time of 10:56.50 left her more than 18 seconds clear of her nearest competitor.

Lebel’s Distance Triple

Colonel By’s Laila Lebel also made her presence felt in the junior girls division, earning silver medals in the 800m and 1500m before claiming gold in the 3000m to cap her championship triple.

With the spotlight now shifting to next week’s East Regionals, Lions athletes are one step closer to representing Ottawa on the provincial stage. 

Full results available on our website.
Updated Club rankings available at https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/

(Ottawa, Canada---23 May 2024) Ange-Mathis Kramo of ESC Paul-Desmarais - Stittsvil races in the 100m at the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCSSAA) Track and Field Championships. Photograph Copyright 2024 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Champions Rise at NCSSAA West: Records Fall and Future Stars Emerge

by High Schoollinkinbio

The 2025 NCSSAA West Conference Track and Field Championships wrapped up with a flurry of standout performances Wednesday at Terry Fox Athletic Facility, as the athletes  battled for spots at next week’s city finals. Among the more than 70 Lions, a handful stood head and shoulders above the rest—both literally and figuratively.

Kramo Outduels Defending Champion in Sprint Sweep

Ange-Mathis Kramo was untouchable in the senior boys’ sprints, pulling off a rare sweep of the 100, 200, and 400 metres. The Grade 11 student from Paul-Desmarais sent a message in the 100m final, edging past defending champion Will Batley 10.83 to 10.89. Kramo turned up the heat in the 200m, setting a new meet record of 21.61 seconds to Batley’s 22.09. His 400m performance was equally impressive—a personal best of 49.05 seconds that won his heat by nearly seven seconds and placed him fourth on the Lions’ U18 all-time list.

Baetz Blasts Meet Record in Javelin During Throws Triple

Holy Trinity’s Parker Baetz turned the junior boys’ throws into a personal showcase, sweeping the shot put, discus, and javelin with ease. His javelin performance was the highlight—a monstrous 51.12-metre throw that shattered a meet record set back in 2005 by former Lion Ben Engel. That throw currently leads the Ontario rankings. Baetz also cruised to victory in the discus with a 40.68m toss—over six metres ahead of the next closest athlete—and held off a strong challenge from Ty Taylor in the shot put to win 13.61m to 13.36m. 

Gardiner Dominates Jumps in Triple Gold Performance

Roxy Gardiner made the sand fly in her triple-gold performance, sweeping the junior girls’ long jump, triple jump, and high jump. Her most dominant showing came in the triple jump, where she soared 10.97 metres—nearly two metres clear of the field and just two centimetres shy of a 24-year-old meet record. The mark also moves the Grade 10 standout into 10th place on the Ottawa Lions’ all-time U18 list. Gardiner added titles in the long jump (5.07m—the only competitor to surpass five metres) and high jump (1.35m), proving herself one of the most versatile talents on the runway.

Mackay Breaks Hurdles Mark, Leads Holy Trinity Relay Teams

Norah Nitta Mackay’s day was highlighted by a record-breaking run in the junior girls’ 300m hurdles. The Grade 10 student from Holy Trinity crossed the line in 46.06 seconds, besting the previous record of 46.62 set in 2012. She also claimed the 400m title in 1:01.25 and aided her school’s junior girls 4x100m relay to victory. Mackay’s efforts helped Holy Trinity secure second place in the open 4x400m relay, capping a busy and productive meet for the Grade 10 standout.

McGinnity Nearly Breaks 400m Record in Middle Distance Double

Grade 9 standout Declan McGinnity made an immediate impression with wins in both the novice boys’ 400 and 800 metres. Running in a class of his own, the All Saints student nearly erased a 47-year-old meet record in the 400m, stopping the clock at 52.64—just 0.34 seconds off the mark. The time also ranks third all-time among U16 Lions. He returned to dominate the 800m, running away from the field to win by six seconds in 2:13.86.

Next Stop: NCSSAA Championships

With the West Conference Championships in the books, qualified athletes now set their sights on next week’s NCSSAA Championships, where city titles and advancement to the OFSAA East Regionals will be on the line. The road to the OFSAA provincial championships continues to run through Ottawa, and these Lions look ready to roar.

Full results from the West Conference meet are available at: ottawalions.com

(Ottawa, Canada---14 May 2025) Stephan Balson of Lisgar C.I. - Ottawa competes at the NCSSAA East Conference Track and Field Championships. Photograph Copyright 2025 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Records Fall as Lions Dominate NCSSAA East Championships

by High Schoollinkinbio

Ottawa Lions athletes put on a commanding display at the NCSSAA East Conference Track and Field Championships on Wednesday, combining record-breaking performances with provincial-leading marks. With over 80 Lions finishing among the top eight athletes in their respective event, they earned their place at next week’s NCSSAA Championships at Terry Fox Athletic Facility, and for many of them, qualification was just the beginning.

One of the top performances of the day came from Stephan Balson, who broke a 14-year-old meet record in the senior boys’ 400 metres. The Lisgar Collegiate standout stopped the clock in 47.49 seconds, eclipsing the 2010 mark of 48.98 set by former national U20 team member Devin Bicocchi. Balson also won the 200m in 21.73—just shy of Olympian Oluwasegun Makinde’s record of 21.62—and the 100m in 10.75, narrowly missing both his personal best (10.71) and the 1997 meet record of 10.65.

After missing last year’s high school season after switching schools, Jorai Oppong-Nketiah delivered yet another impressive showing – winning the senior girls’ 100m, clocking 11.96 (+0.2). Jorai’s performance bettered the previous meet record of 12.02 set by Louis-Riel alumna Kayla Vieux in 2019.

In the field, Mallea McMullin launched a meet-record throw of 39.87 metres in the junior girls’ javelin, breaking a 50-year-old record set in 1974 by Cathy Knight (38.08m). McMullin, the defending Canadian U16 girls champion, now owns the farthest throw in Ontario this spring among junior girls—more than four metres ahead of the next-best mark.

Ellie McGregor of Immaculata was in dominant form in the junior girls’ middle distances. She broke the 20-year-old meet record in the 800m with a winning time of 2:13.85, surpassing the previous mark of 2:17.97 held by Lion alum Danelle Woods. McGregor also cruised to victory in the 400m, clocking 59.88 to win by three seconds.

In the novice boys division, Maxime Cazabon sprinted to a meet-record 11.20 (+1.9) in the 100m heats. Though a tight hamstring slowed him in the final, he still managed to take top spot and better the previous record of 11.57 again – crossing in 11.33. Cazabon also advanced in the high jump, clearing 1.60 metres to finish in a tie for second.

Charlie Mortimer picked up the win in the open boys 2000m steeplechase, pulling away from Colonel By’s Owen Siderius to win by nearly five seconds. His time of 6:15.76 not only ranks ninth all-time among U18 Lions but also stood as the third-fastest in Ontario this season as of Wednesday night. Mortimer later added a strong fourth-place finish in the senior boys’ 3000m.

In that 3000m final, Daniel Cova showed the form that made him the OFSAA cross country champion. The Louis-Riel senior dominated the race, pulling away from training partner Saul Taler to win by nearly 20 seconds. Cova will look to end his high school career on a high note before heading to Iona University this fall. Taler, meanwhile, got the better of Cova in their earlier head-to-head, winning a tactical senior boys’ 1500m in 4:11.21 to Cova’s 4:12.69—a modest pace for two of the region’s most accomplished distance runners.

Other notable club performances came from Taisei Tan and Matilda Edwards, who both added to the Lions’ medal haul. Tan claimed victory in the senior boys’ 110m hurdles, clocking 14.49 (+0.5) to move into fifth place on the Club’s all-time U18 rankings. Edwards placed fifth in the open girls’ 2000m steeplechase with a time of 9:14.05, the 10th fastest ever by a U16 Lion. She also showcased her range by winning the novice girls’ triple jump, closing out a strong day across multiple disciplines..

With momentum building and top performances across the board, the Lions head into the NCSSAA Championships next week with eyes on OFSAA qualification—and perhaps more history to be made.

Full results are available on our website.

MRR20250118_uOttawa_Winter_Classic_111-Enhanced-NR_web

Lions Athletes Shine at Myrtle Beach Collegiate Challenge

by High Schoollinkinbio

After a week of training under the sun in what has become an annual pilgrimage to South Carolina, Ottawa Lions athletes kicked off their outdoor season with a strong showing at the Myrtle Beach Collegiate Challenge, posting multiple personal bests and top finishes.

Leading the way was Daniel Cova, who delivered a pair of standout performances – taking top spot in the1500 metres and capturing a bronze over 3000 metres. The future Iona University student eclipsed the four-minute barrier for the first time, taking victory in a time of 3 minutes and 59.27 seconds. At 3000 metres, Cova took home bronze and another personal best with a time of 8:36.55 – to move to 16th on the Club’s all-time U20 list.

Teammate Mikel Fortier also excelled at 1500 and 3000 metres, posting new lifetime bests in both events. Fortier, became the 24th U18 athlete in Club history to break 9 minutes for 3000m when he placed 14th in 8:59.15. At 1500m, Fortier won bronze behind Cova, running a personal-best 4:14.56.

Coming off a strong indoor season, Ellie McGregor demonstrated she’s well positioned to excel this spring on the high school circuit. The grade 10 student at Immaculata placed 13th in the Collegiate section of the 400 metres in a speedy 57.96 seconds – just three hundredths off her personal best. Teammate Shannon Dewar finished 22nd in 59.38 seconds and earlier won the open section of the 800 meters in 2:20.91, trimming nearly four seconds from her previous best.

Sprinter Livia Buffone also produced a pair of impressive results in both of the short sprints. Buffone opened with an impressive early season personal best of 12.89 seconds in the 100 metres – leading the Lions’ women. As a follow up, she trimmed a half second off her previous best at 200 metres, placing 30th in the Collegiate section in 26.84 seconds. 

Relays provided another highlight for the Lions, as the men’s 4×800-meter relay team of Brennan Lee, Charlie Mortimer, Mikel Fortier, and Daniel Cova combined for a time of 8:13.33, securing a strong seventh-place finish. In addition to the impressive finish, the time ranks as the fourth fastest among U20 men in Club history. The 4×200 relay team of Jonah Gratton, Jesse Costanzo, Xavier Placid, Jamie Meikle also ran their way into the top-10 rankings. The quartet placed 13th in the Collegiate men’s relay with a time of 1:32.30 – the seventh fastest for a U20 relay team in Club history.

With the outdoor season now underway, the Ottawa Lions’ athletes have set a high standard, and their performances in Myrtle Beach signal an exciting path ahead as they prepare for the high school and summer seasons.

MRR20240717_OTTL_Twilight_7_033_web

Lions Look to Make a Statement in Myrtle Beach Season Opener

by High Schoollinkinbio

More than 30 high school athletes from the Ottawa Lions have spent the past week training under the South Carolina sun, preparing for the outdoor season at a camp that has become an annual tradition. Now, after days of intensive workouts, they will put their training to the test at the Myrtle Beach Collegiate Challenge.

Among the notable competitors is Daniel Cova, who returns to the track for the first time since capturing OFSAA gold in cross country and leading the U18 boys to a bronze medal at the Canadian Championships. Known for his prowess in the steeplechase, the Louis-Riel student is set to race in the 1500 and 3000 meters, as well as the 4×800-meter relay. Cova, who holds personal bests of 4:00.00 in the 1500m and 8:44.56 in the 3000m, will be looking to translate his endurance and closing speed into a strong season opener.

Charlie Mortimer, a winner in last year’s open mile event, will be stepping up in distance this weekend, joining Cova in the 3000 meters. Mortimer, who owns a personal best of 8:48.87 in the 3000m, will be aiming to test his strength over the longer race and build momentum for the outdoor season.

On the sprints side, Ellie McGregor will compete in the 400 meters, where she holds a personal best of 57.93. The Immaculata student last raced at the Ravens Last Chance meet, where she clocked 1:34.62 in the 600 meters, moving to fourth on the club’s all-time list—suggesting a strong speed endurance base she will be looking to exploit in her 400m opener.

Amy LeBlanc is also set for a strong showing following an indoor season that saw her set personal bests of 7.99 in the 60 meters and 42.78 in the 300 meters. This weekend, she will look to challenge her outdoor marks of 12.37 in the 100 meters and 25.54 in the 200 meters.

With a mix of returning athletes and fresh talent, the Ottawa Lions are poised to make an impact as they open their outdoor campaign in Myrtle Beach.

For live results, visit Snap Timing.

(Ottawa, Canada---04 November 2024) Daniel Cova of ESP Louis-Riel (Ottawa) competing in the Senior Boys race at the 2024 OFSAA Cross Country Championships at Mooney's Bay Park.. . Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Historic Win for Cova, Podium Finish for Harris Highlight Lions’ OFSAA Success

by High SchoollinkinbioProvincial

When Ottawa last hosted the OFSAA Cross Country Championships in 2011 at the Hornet’s Nest in Gloucester, it was Lion Yves Sikubwabo who claimed the senior boys title. Thirteen years later, Ottawa saw another Lion rise to the top at Ontario’s premier high school event.

Following a second-place finish at the National Capital Championships, Louis-Riel’s Daniel Cova arrived at OFSAA with determination. The grade 12 student surged to the front early in the six-kilometre race, taking command of the 273-strong field. Holding a seven-second lead at the halfway mark, Cova powered through to claim a six-second victory, clocking in at 19:32.02. This triumph makes Cova the 16th Ottawa Lion to capture an OFSAA XC title and only the fifth senior boy to do so.

While Cova capped off his high school cross country journey with a win, NCSSAA Champion Alexandra Harris of John McCrae made an impressive debut in the novice girls division. In seventh place halfway through the four-kilometre race, Harris increased her pace, ultimately overtaking Martingrove Collegiate’s Mackenzie Sherwin in the final 100 metres to secure bronze in 15:33.29.

Louis-Riel’s senior boys team added to the Lions’ success, earning team bronze with key performances from Mikel Fortier, Cohen Kaye, and Olivier Young, who placed 37th, 100th, and 135th, respectively.

Notable top-20 finishes from the Lions also included Mackenzie Community School’s Isla Kittmer, who placed 12th in the novice girls race with a time of 15:54.35, and Glebe’s Saul Taler, who finished 12th in the senior boys race with a time of 20:12.81. Taler’s performance helped Glebe secure a seventh-place finish in the team standings.

Additional Results from OFSAA by Race Category:

Novice Girls

  • Reve McInnes, NC Glebe Collegiate (Ottawa): 52nd place, 16:49.76
  • Charlie Fee, NC Nepean HS (Ottawa): 60th place, 16:57.35
  • Kira Coldrey, NC Colonel By SS (Ottawa): 88th place, 17:23.46
  • Alyssa Nash, NC ESP De La Salle (Ottawa): 99th place, 17:42.66
  • Julie Cabasson, NC Colonel By SS (Ottawa): 151st place, 18:32.15
  • Mia Lloyd, NC Sir Robert Borden HS (Nepean): 259th place, 22:42.53

Novice Boys

  • Rowan Blaine, EO Glengarry DHS (Alexandia): 49th place, 15:01.05
  • Declan McGinnity, NC All Saints CHS (Kanata): 113th place, 15:40.23
  • Maxime Cazabon, NC ESC Garneau (Orleans): 225th place, 17:17.41

Junior Girls

  • Riley Daniels, NC The Element HS (Ottawa): 27th place, 20:30.82
  • Bianca Arabackyj, NC ESP De La Salle (Ottawa): 54th place, 21:15.43
  • Dahlia Loreti, NC ESC Pierre Savard (Barrhaven): 77th place, 21:49.57
  • Emily Munro, NC Hillcrest (Ottawa): 115th place, 22:42.33
  • Brynn Blackadder, NC South Carleton HS (Richmond): 170th place, 23:41.64
  • Olivia Gardiner, NC Colonel By SS (Ottawa): 193rd place, 24:23.68

Junior Boys

  • Luke Van Brabant, NC Earl of March SS (Kanata): 56th place, 18:24.71
  • Samuel Schuler, EO North Dundas DHS (Winchester): 89th place, 19:00.32
  • Jakob Lafferty, NC St. Pius X CHS (Ottawa): 123rd place, 19:26.66

Senior Girls

  • Grace Streek, NC Peak Centre Academy (Kanata): 24th place, 24:14.45
  • Tessa Knight, NC ESC Franco Cite (Ottawa): 26th place, 24:15.31
  • Ciara Villeneuve, NC ESC Paul Desmarais (Stittsville): 37th place, 24:34.87
  • Bridget Jeffrey, NC St. Francis Xavier (Ottawa): 39th place, 24:40.04
  • Kyra Lauter, NC ESC Franco Ouest (Ottawa): 40th place, 24:40.76
  • Kate Johnston-Zemek, NC Ashbury College (Ottawa): 107th place, 26:26.25
  • Bronwyn O’Ray, NC ESC Paul Desmarais (Stittsville): 111th place, 26:32.43
  • Adrienne Fraserwalls, NC ESC Franco Cite (Ottawa): 112th place, 26:33.17

Senior Boys

  • Charlie Mortimer, NC Hillcrest (Ottawa): 21st place, 20:33.49
  • Noah Smith, NC Immaculata (Ottawa): 30th place, 20:48.04
  • Jackson McKercher, NC John McCrae SS (Ottawa): 79th place, 21:41.46
  • Brennan Lee, NC St. Mother Teresa (Barrhaven): 83rd place, 21:46.10
  • Conlin Burnett, NC Lisgar Collegiate (Ottawa): 86th place, 21:46.43
  • Barrett Goold, NC Sir Robert Borden HS (Nepean): 91st place, 21:56.65
  • Austin Walker, NC Colonel By SS (Ottawa): 111th place, 22:17.58
  • Matteo Padoin-Castillo, NC Immaculata (Ottawa): 128th place, 22:33.61
  • Dean Kontogiannis, NC Earl of March SS (Kanata): 139th place, 22:42.18

Full results from the Championship can be found on TrackDatabase.com

Championship Photos are available from Mundo Sport Images

(Ottawa, Canada---23 May 2024) Saul Taler of Glebe Collegiate - Ottawa races in the 100m at the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCSSAA) Track and Field Championships. Photograph Copyright 2024 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

On the road to OFSAA: 41 Lions Qualify for Provincial High School Championship

by High Schoollinkinbio

With Ottawa set to host the OFSAA Cross Country Championships this year, the number of qualifying spots at the NCSSAA Championships was doubled, giving local athletes more opportunities to compete at the provincial high school meet. Lions athletes seized the chance, with 41 athletes securing their spots at OFSAA either through team qualifications or individual performances.

To reach OFSAA, the top four teams in each event advanced to the provincial championship, while individual athletes qualified by placing among the top 10 non-team finishers.

Novice Girls 4km

After claiming the West Conference title a week earlier, John McCrae’s Alexandra Harris added city champion to her resume as she topped the Novice Girls 4km field with a time of 16 minutes and 18.9 seconds. Joining Harris on the podium was Reve McInnes of Glebe CI, who nabbed the bronze medal in a 17:06.2.

On the team side, Kira Coldrey led her Colonel By Cougars to top spot with her fifth place finish overall. Coldrey was helped by fellow Lion Matilda Edwards who placed seventh overall. 

Joining these three ladies in the Novice Girls race at OFSAA will be:

  • Charlie Fee (Nepean) 3rd Place Team
  • Mia Lloyd (Sir Robert Borden) 4th Place Team
  • Alyssa Nash (De La Salle) 9th Place 

Junior Girls 5km

East Conference champion Laila Lebel of Colonel By claimed another victory, finishing nine seconds clear of the field in 20:56.5. Close behind was The Element’s Riley Daniels, who finished second in 21:05.1. West champion Dahlia Loreti from Pierre Savard took bronze with a time of 21:12.8.

Lebel’s win contributed to Colonel By’s silver in the team event. Olivia Gardiner (29th) joined Lebel in the team effort, while Alexis McElheran finished 62nd to help Glebe secure bronze.

Individuals punching their ticket to OFSAA included: 

  • Bianca Arabackyj (De La Salle) 4th Place 
  • Emily Munro (Hillcrest) 11th Place 
  • Brynn Blackadder (South Carleton) 15th Place 

Senior Girls 6km

St. Francis Xavier’s Bridget Jeffrey claimed the Senior Girls’ city title, finishing in 22 minutes and 40.6 seconds. Her victory capped a Lions sweep of the top five, with Peak Centre Academy’s Grace Streek taking silver in 23:00.4 and Franco-Cité’s Tessa Knight earning bronze. Ciara Villeneuve (Paul-Desmarais) finished fourth in 23:23.3, and Kyra Lauter (Franco-Ouest) took fifth with 23:32.2.

In the team standings, Olivia Voros helped Nepean secure first place with her 44th-place finish. Kate Johnston-Zemek’s 20th-place effort led Ashbury to second, while Bronwyn O’Ray and Villeneuve guided Paul-Desmarais to third. Rounding out the team qualifiers, Maya Allibon (19th) and Abby Thompson (54th) lifted John McCrae into fourth.

Additional qualifiers advancing to OFSAA include:

  • Adrienne Fraserwalls (Franco Cité) 14th Place 

Novice Boys 4km
All Saints’ Declan McGinnity led the Lions in the Novice Boys race, finishing ninth to secure an individual OFSAA spot. Joining him is Garneau’s Maxime Cazabon, who, despite being better known for high jumping, placed in the top 20 with a time of 16:51.5 to help his team win the title. 

Junior Boys 5km
Luke Van Brabant from Earl of March took the top spot in the Junior Boys 5km race, finishing in 18:24.0. Van Brabant also helped Earl advance to OFSAA as a team with their third place finish. Joining him in the qualification pool is Jakob Lafferty from St. Pius X, who finished 17th in 20:04.7 to secure the final individual qualification spot. 

Senior Boys 6km
Former OFSAA Cross Country gold medalist Saul Taler proved he’s ready for a second provincial title, winning the city championship with a dominant 18:28.3 finish. After a friendly finish with clubmate Daniel Cova at the East Conference meet, Taler surged ahead this time, claiming victory by an 18-second margin. Cova took silver but led his Louis-Riel Rebelles to the team title over Taler’s Glebe Gryphons, aided by strong performances from Mikel Fortier (7th) and Cohen Kaye (12th).

First-year senior Charlie Mortimer of Hillcrest rounded out the podium with a 19:10.7 finish.

Qualifying for OFSAA through team performances were Austin Walker (16th) for third-place Colonel By, along with Noah Smith (6th) and Matteo Padoin-Castillo (20th) from fourth-place Immaculata.

Additional individual qualifiers included:

  • Conlin Burnett (Lisgar), 10th place
  • Barrett Goold (Sir Robert Borden), 15th place
  • Dean Kintogiannis (Earl of March), 23rd place

The OFSAA Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Monday, November 4 at Mooney’s Bay Park. For full details, visit the Championship Website.

MRR20231125_ACXC_0587_web

On the Road to OFSAA: Lions Excel at NCSSAA Cross Country Conference Championships

by High Schoollinkinbio

For the first time in 13 years, the Ontario High School Cross Country Championships are returning to Ottawa. This year’s crop of runners took their first strides toward OFSAA glory this past week, battling it out for conference bragging rights at the NCSSAA Championships.

The East Conference Championships kicked things off last Wednesday at the Hornet’s Nest in Blackburn Hamlet, where Ottawa Lions athletes captured three individual titles.

In the Novice Girls 4k, Reve McInnes (Glebe CI) claimed silver with a time of 15:57, followed closely by Kira Coldrey (Colonel By SS), who took bronze in 16:10.

The Junior Girls 5k saw an impressive victory from Laila Lebel (Colonel By SS), crossing the line in 19:49. Hot on her heels was Riley Daniels (The Element HS), who secured the silver medal with a time of 20:08.

In the Senior Girls 6k, Tessa Knight (ÉSC Franco-Cité) continued the Lions’ success, winning gold by a comfortable 10-second margin, clocking in at 24:19.

The Senior Boys 6k produced a thrilling finish as Daniel Cova (ÉSP Louis-Riel) and Saul Taler (Glebe CI) crossed the line almost in unison. Cova was awarded the victory by just 0.2 seconds, with both athletes finishing at 20:01.

The following day, attention shifted to the West Conference Championship at the Kanata Recreation Centre, where Lions athletes delivered similarly outstanding performances.

In the Novice Girls 4k, Alexandra Harris (John McCrae SS) dominated the field, winning gold with a time of 15:28. Charlie Fee (Nepean HS) took the silver medal, finishing more than a minute later in 16:30.

Dahlia Loreti (ÉSC Pierre-Savard) claimed the Junior Girls 5k crown with a time of 20:31, while Luke Van Brabant (Earl of March SS) showcased his strength by winning the Junior Boys 5k in 17:38.

The Senior Girls 6k saw a Lions podium sweep. Bridget Jeffrey (St. Francis Xavier HS) took gold in 23:17, followed by Grace Streek (Peak Centre Academy) in silver with a time of 24:04, and Kyra Lauter (CC Franco-Ouest) rounding out the top three with bronze in 24:22.

On the boys’ side, it was another Lions sweep as Jackson McKercher (John McCrae SS) led the way in the Senior Boys 6k, winning in 20:29. Brennan Lee (St. Mother Teresa HS) finished just two seconds behind to claim silver in 20:31, while Barrett Goold (Sir Robert Borden HS) took bronze in 20:41.

Next up is the NCSSAA Championships, scheduled for Thursday, October 24, in Kanata. Athletes will have the chance to qualify for the provincial championships by finishing in the top two in any of the six team title races or being among the top five finishers not on a qualifying team.

Good luck to all the runners as they continue their journey toward OFSAA!

(Ottawa, Canada---10 June 2023) Zachary Jeggo of Louis-Riel - Ottawa competes in the intermediate hurdles (gold) at the 2023 OFSAA Ontario High School Track and Field Championships. Photograph Copyright 2023 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Jeggo leads 19 medal haul for Lions at OFSAA Championship

by High Schoollinkinbio

Ottawa Lions athletes made a remarkable impact at last weekend’s OFSAA Track and Field Championship in London as they captured an impressive 19 medals. In addition to the hardware collection, which included seven golds, the more than 50 athletes in attendance also set a total of 38 personal bests over the three day event.

As he did a year ago, Zachary Jeggo took home gold in both the 400 metres and intermediate hurdles.The Louis-Riel student produced lifetime bests in each of the two finals he contested. 

In the flat 400 final, Jeggo lined up inside of Clubmate Stephan Balson who took the race out hard and had a narrow edge as the pair entered the home stretch. However, over the final 100 Jeggo showed why he’s become king of the 400 as he crossed the finish line in a blazing 47.82 seconds. Balson finished in the silver medal position with a time of 48.27. 

Over the hurdles, Jeggo utilised his superior speed to run away from the competition, as he took down the defending champion in time of 53.72 seconds. The performance moved Zachary to 10th on the Club’s All-Time U20 list.

After a bronze last year, Grace Streek added a gold and silver medal to her OFSAA medal collection. The grade 11 student took top spot in the 2000 metre steeplechase with a time of 7 minutes and 1.61 seconds, finishing four seconds ahead of second place. At 3000 metres, Streek put forward a strong finish to pull herself from fourth into the silver medal position over the final 200 metres. 

Ange-Mathis Kramo made a significant mark at the OFSAA Track and Field Championship, capturing the junior boys’ 200-metre title and narrowly missing the top spot in the 100 metres by a mere 0.01 seconds. Kramo’s victory in the 200 metres, clocking in at an impressive 21.69 seconds, not only secured him the gold but also marked an upgrade from his silver in 2023. The Paul-Desmarais student’s time ranks second all-time for U18 in Club history. Over 100 metres, Kramo’s remarkable time of 10.72 seconds gave him the silver and moved him to equal third on the U18 list.

Winning the novice girls long jump with a personal best leap of 5.41 metres was Tahlia Aird-Greaves. The Gisele-Lalonde students jump bettered Keira Christie-Galloway’s 10-year-old U16 Club record of 5.38 metres. 

Similar to Christie-Galloway, Aird-Greaves also demonstrated some prowess in the sprint hurdles as she nabbed bronze, finishing in a personal best of 11.75 seconds. Her hurdle time was just six-hundredths of a second short of Christie-Galloway’s Club U16 record.

Rounding out the list of double medalists was Taisei Tan who quickly signalled he was a force to be reckoned with in the hurdles. The grade 10 student grabbed silver and bronze in the sprint and intermediate hurdle events respectively. Tan’s time of 39.45 seconds in the 300 metre hurdles now ranks him 9th all-time among U18 runners.

A pair of medals came in the open men’s 2000 metre steeplechase as Glebe’s Derek Strachan won the event in a personal best time of 6:00.83. Joining Derek on the podium was training partner Daniel Cova who placed third at 6:06.94. Cova’s time was also a lifetime best. With their efforts, Strachan moved to tenth  on the Club’s U20 list while Cova moved to third on the U18 list.

Rounding out the list of gold medal winners was Eli Mordel, who captured top spot in the junior boys pole vault. The grade 10 student at Sir Robert Bordern was the only jumper to clear 3.95 metres – securing his first OFSAA victory. Mordel’s leap was a 45 centimetre improvement on his East Regional winning jump and moved him into seventh on the Club’s U18 all-time list. 

Other medalists from the OFSAA Championships included:

Quinn Coughlin – Senior Girls 400m Hurdles (Silver)
Safwan El Mansari – Senior Boys 800m (Silver)
Maxime Chartrand – Novice Boys Pole Vault (Bronze)
Balqis Chouikhi – Senior Girls Pole Vault (Bronze)
Liam Davis – Senior Boys Shot Put (Bronze)

This year’s medal haul was the largest since 2009 when Club athletes won 22 medals. The highest total is 25 medals from the 2007 Championships held in Ottawa. 

For updated Club rankings, please visit https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings