(Canton, United States---21 September 2024) Zach Sikka of Ottawa University [JR] competing at the Ronald C Hoffman XC Invitational on the campus of St Lawrence University 2024 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Cross-Country Season Kicks Off South of the Border

by linkinbioUniversity

Crisp September air and the rolling hills of St. Lawrence University set the stage Saturday for the 33rd Ronald C. Hoffmann Invitational, marking the official start of the collegiate cross-country season. With teams from across the Northeast and Canada toeing the line, the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Ottawa Lions athletes all opened their fall campaigns with promising efforts on the Canton, New York campus course.

The University of Ottawa men placed seventh in the team standings, collecting 204 points in a field of 11. Fourth-year computer science student Zachary Sikka led the way, clocking 26:50.2 over the 8km route for 35th overall — an improvement of nearly two minutes and 16 places on his showing at the same meet last year. Sophomore Max Wilson followed close behind in 46th (27:06.5), with rookie Matteo Padoin-Castillo (74th), Russell Niedre (108th), and Theo Dai (128th) rounding out the scoring five.

Carleton was represented on the men’s side by freshman Duncan Gray, who crossed the line 56th in 27:58.5, while Lions masters runner Sam Shi placed 72nd in 28:39.8. Running in Queen’s colours, Saul Taler impressed in his Gaels debut, finishing 12th in 25:59.8. His performance added depth to the powerhouse Queen’s squad, which cruised to the team title with 30 points, 21 clear of second-place Middlebury.

On the women’s side, the Gee-Gees mirrored their male counterparts with a seventh-place finish, scoring 189 points. Freshman Ciara Villeneuve paced the group with a 51st-place finish in 25:10.8 over 6km, followed closely by fellow rookie Daphnee Houde in 67th. Senior Elliot Tyman (68th), Molly Taylor (76th), and Taylor Brown (82nd) completed the scoring order. Carleton’s top woman was first-year runner Chloe Ramadan, who finished just behind Villeneuve in 52nd with a time of 25:13.9.

Queen’s also flexed its depth in the women’s race, led by Elizabeth Vroom’s fourth-place effort in 22:15.0. Newcomer Tessa Knight added a 21st-place finish in her Gaels debut, helping Queen’s to silver medal team showing.

Meanwhile, in London, Ont., several Lions tested themselves at the Vigars & Salter Western Invitational. UNB rookie Bridget Jeffrey made an immediate impact, finishing 16th overall in the women’s 8km with a time of 30:35. Guelph’s Jocelyn Giannotti, coming off a standout track season, followed in 18th (30:42), while fellow Gryphon Nicolas Belan ran 27:02 for 43rd in the men’s race. McMaster’s Derek Stachan placed 53rd in 27:25.

The local cross country season continues this weekend with the Capital XC Challenge at Mooney’s Bay Park. The two-day event begins Friday with the Gryphon XC High School Open and concludes Saturday with the Eastern Elementary School Championship and the Open/University races.

Full details are available at ottawalions.com/capital-cross-country-challenge.

(Windsor, Canada---02 June 2024) Lauren Gale races to win the 400m in meet record time at the 2024 Johnny Loaring Classic held at the University of Windsor. The competition is part of the Athletics Canada National Track and Field Tour and the World Athletics Continental Tour. Photograph Copyright 2024 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Lions Roar in Boston: 17 Medals and 27 Personal Bests

by ClublinkinbioUniversity

What a weekend in Boston it was for the Ottawa Lions family. Competing against elite NCAA fields at Boston College, Boston University, and Harvard on Friday and Saturday, the Pride rose to the occasion, amassing an impressive 17-medal haul, including eight golds. Over the two days of competition, athletes achieved an incredible 27 personal bests.

Lauren Gale stole the show on the track, securing victories in all three of her events and reaffirming her status as one of Canada’s top sprinters. Her 400-metre performance was the highlight of the weekend—at the Boston University Scarlet and White Invitational on Saturday, the two-time Olympian dominated the field, stopping the clock in 51.79 seconds. The time currently ranks 12th in the world this year.

Gale also showcased her range the day before at Boston College’s Showdown at the Heights, sprinting to gold in the 200m in 23.39 seconds—the second-fastest time by a Canadian this season and the fourth-fastest of her career. She capped off her triple-gold weekend with a 7.50-second victory in the 60m, finishing just 0.04 seconds off her personal best.

Stephan Balson made a statement of his own, delivering personal bests in all three of his events while climbing the Ottawa Lions’ U20 all-time rankings. The Saint Kitts and Nevis international shined in the 400 metres, setting a lifetime best of 47.78 seconds. His time now ranks 16th in the world this year among U20 athletes and fifth on the Club’s U20 all-time list.

Competing at Boston College the day before, Balson’s form was equally impressive. He blazed to 6.83 seconds in the 60m, making him the third-fastest U20 athlete in Club history. In the 200m, he carried that momentum into a 21.64-second finish, securing ninth place on the all-time list. With each race, Balson continues to prove he has the speed, range, and potential to compete at the highest levels.

Stephan Balson wasn’t the only Ottawa Lion to shine in the 400m this weekend. He was one of seven athletes to break the 50-second barrier, a testament to the club’s strength in the event. Joining him with new lifetime bests were Ange-Mathis Kramo (49.24), James Compeau (49.29), and Safwan El Mansari (49.44). This success carried over to the University of Ottawa’s 4x400m squad, as Joel Gurnsey, El Mansari, William Harris, and David Moulongou combined for a time of 3:16.42—the third-fastest in Gee-Gees history and the school’s fastest since 2013.

Elizabeth Vroom and Jessica Gyamfi also etched their names into the Ottawa Lions record books. Vroom, competing for Queen’s University, claimed gold in the mile at the Showdown at the Heights, clocking 4:49.26, a time that now ranks seventh-fastest in Club history. Meanwhile, Gyamfi continued her dominance in the shot put, winning the event with a personal-best throw of 13.85 metres—breaking her own University of Ottawa school record set just a week earlier. The mark also moves her up to eighth on the Club’s all-time list.

Kyle Waldrum and Liam Davis left their mark at the Windsor Team Challenge, delivering standout performances that reshaped the Ottawa Lions’ all-time rankings. Waldrum, a freshman at the University of Guelph, put together three lifetime bests en route to a heptathlon total of 4,544 points, a score that now ranks ninth in Club history. His Gryphons teammate Liam Davis also had a career-best showing in the shot put, launching a throw of 15.23 metres—good for 10th all-time in Club history and ninth nationally on the U SPORTS qualifying list. Davis wrapped up his weekend with a silver medal in the weight throw, reaching 16.20 metres, just a week after securing his automatic U SPORTS qualifying mark in the event.

With momentum on their side, the Ottawa Lions and their varsity programs now turn their focus to the final stretch of the indoor season. This weekend, they’ll have the opportunity to build on their success as they host the Ravens Last Chance Meet at the Louis-Riel Dome. Set for Friday evening and Saturday, the meet will serve as a key tune-up ahead of upcoming conference and national championships, providing athletes with one last chance to sharpen their performances and chase qualifying standards.

Full results from last weekend are available on our results page.
Updated Club Rankings are available at https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/

SB20240721AthOnt735_web

Records Fall as Lions Shine Across North America

by linkinbioUniversity

Lions athletes enjoyed a historic weekend, achieving numerous outstanding performances on both sides of the border. From Massachusetts to Montreal, and even at home in Ottawa, records fell and personal bests were shattered.

At the Harvard Invitational in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sydney Smith sprinted to an impressive 1:13.16 finish in the 500m race. She crossed the line just a hair’s breadth behind former three-time All-American Bianca Stubler. Smith’s time is the second fastest in club history, trailing only Club record holder Esther Akinsulie.

Liam Davis made a splash at the York Open. Competing in only his fourth-ever weight throw competition, the University of Guelph rookie launched the 35 pound ball an impressive 17.64 metres. This remarkable throw not only secured the third-best mark in club history but also surpassed the USports standard of 17.05 metres, positioning him as a serious national contender.

Meanwhile, in Montreal, at the Ontario vs Quebec U16 Duel Meet at Complexe Sportif Claude Robillard, Maxime Cazabon was a double-winner. He dominated the competition with victories in both the high jump (1.88m) and the 60m sprint (7.32s) moving to second on the Club’s U16 all-time list in both events. Cazabon’s high jump performance was just nine centimetres shy of Olympian Brian Marshall’s club U16 record, while his lightning-fast 60m sprint moved him into second place on the club’s all-time list, surpassing even two-time Olympian Oluwasegun Makinde.

The record-setting spree continued at the Louis-Riel Dome in Ottawa, where the Lions hosted their first-ever Field Events and Relays Meet. Jessica Gyamfi etched her name in the University of Ottawa record books, setting two new marks. She first broke the weight throw record with a 15.98 metres effort, edging past Ty Coulter’s 2018 mark. Gyamfi then shattered the shot put record with a throw of 13.22 metres, surpassing Christina Hertner’s 2018 distance.

Carleton University’s Brianna Asiamah also rewrote her school’s shot put record for the third time. Her Sunday throw landed at 13.36 metres, adding five centimetres to her previous best.

The outstanding performances of both Asiamah and Gyamfi earned them automatic berths to the USports Championships, capping off a truly historic weekend for the Lions.

The athletes will be back in action this weekend, with the Lions travelling to Boston for a series of competitions at Boston College, Harvard, and Boston University.

(Ottawa, Canada---25 January 2025) Jessica Gyamfi competing at the Saints Indoor Invitational at Newell Field House on the campus of St. Lawrence University. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Cross-Border Success: Lions Shine with 39 Personal Bests and 14 Wins

by linkinbioUniversity

A weekend of competition spanning two countries saw Lions athletes deliver nearly 40 personal bests and claim 14 victories. The McGill Team Challenge in Montreal and the Saints Indoor Invitational in New York provided the stage for a host of standout performances.

Gyamfi Dominates Throws at St. Lawrence

Jessica Gyamfi of the University of Ottawa turned in a stellar performance at the Saints Indoor Invitational, claiming victories in both the shot put and weight throw. Gyamfi’s 12.92m throw in the shot put narrowly edged Carleton’s Brianna Asiamah by a mere centimeter to secure gold. She followed that up with a commanding performance in the weight throw, launching the second-best throw of her career at 15.20m to win by nearly half a metre.

Carleton freshman Veronica Tedford also delivered a noteworthy performance, setting a personal best of 11.40m in the weight throw to finish seventh.

Courteau Shines in the Pentathlon

At McGill, Vienna Courteau led the charge for the Gee-Gees with an impressive pentathlon victory on Friday. Courteau tallied a career-best 3,380 points, aided by personal bests in the 60m hurdles (9.00), long jump (5.55m), and 1000m (2:40.59). Her teammate, Kathryn Moreland, secured second place with 3,300 points, boosted by strong performances in the 60m hurdles (9.67) and 800m (2:21.48).

Vroom Excels in Middle Distances

Fresh off a personal best in the 3000m last week in Ottawa, Queen’s University’s Elizabeth Vroom continued her streak of lifetime bests with impressive performances in the 1000m and 1500m in Montreal. Vroom clocked 2:58.34 in the 1000m before delivering a swift 4:32.27 in the 1500m, placing fourth and shaving 1.5 seconds off her previous best from the 2023 Canadian U20 Championships. Her 1500m time now ranks 13th in U SPORTS.

Moreland Takes Triple Jump Crown

Elizabeth Moreland added another highlight to the Gee-Gees weekend, winning the triple jump at McGill with a lifetime best of 11.42m. The jump moves her into fourth place on the University of Ottawa’s all-time rankings.

Mordel Soars in Pole Vault

In the men’s pole vault at McGill, Eli Mordel delivered a standout performance, clearing 4.16m for fourth place. This marked a significant improvement from his previous best of 4.00m, achieved at the Ontario Legion Championship last summer. Carleton’s Nathan Parlebas also impressed, clearing 3.86m to secure seventh place and strengthen his position as the second-best vaulter in Carleton’s history.

Oppong-Nketiah and Kramo Sprint to Victories

Jorai Oppong-Nketiah continued her impressive run of form, capturing first place in the women’s 60m at St. Lawrence. Her time of 7.58 seconds was the second-best of her career after last week’s U18 record setting performance.

In the men’s events, Oppong-Nketiah’s training partner, Ange-Mathis Kramo, delivered dominant performances to secure top spots in both the 200m (22.31) and 400m (49.75), narrowly missing meet records in each event.

Results and photos from the weekend can be found on our website.

20250110_Tim_Nedow_DePaul_HOF

Throwing Greatness: Tim Nedow Inducted into DePaul Hall of Fame

by linkinbioUniversity

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is proud to celebrate one of its own, Tim Nedow, on his induction into the DePaul University Athletics Hall of Fame last night in Chicago.This prestigious honour recognizes Nedow’s exceptional collegiate career as a Blue Demon, where he set numerous records and regularly proved himself as a one of DePaul’s best ever.

Nedow’s time at DePaul was marked by extraordinary achievements, including being a four-time All-American and a four-time BIG EAST Champion. More than a dozen years after graduating, Tim remains the BIG EAST Indoor Championship record holder in shot put while also holding DePaul school records for indoor shot put, outdoor shot put, as well as the discus. A great testament to his prowess in the circle that redefined the standard of excellence for DePaul athletics. 

“All of my favourite memories as a Blue Demon revolve around being part of the team,” reflected Nedow on his time in Chicago. “Shot put is an individual sport, but I really felt like part of a team at DePaul.”

Beyond his collegiate accomplishments, Nedow’s success extended onto the international stage. He would go on to represent Canada in numerous global competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships, further cementing his legacy as one of DePaul’s greatest athletes. 

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame means a lot to me,” Nedow expressed. “Growing up in a really small town in rural Canada, I never thought I would be part of a team at a prestigious school like DePaul University. I’m honoured that my alma mater has followed my career and played a huge part in my success as an athlete.”

“Tim’s induction into the DePaul Athletics Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication, talent, and hard work, both as an athlete and a leader,” said Lions executive director RIchard Johnsonton. “We are incredibly fortunate to have him as part of our team, shaping the future of our youth programs.”

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tim Nedow on this well-deserved honour. His induction into the DePaul Athletics Hall of Fame is a proud moment for the entire Lions community, and we look forward to seeing his legacy in our sport continue to grow.

alie-lamarche_seaby_feature_web

Blazing Trails Indoors: Alie-Lamarche and Seaby Lead Lions’ Weekend Success

by InternationallinkinbioUniversity

Boston University’s Track and Tennis Center, known for its lightning-fast surface and supportive crowds, kicked off the indoor season with the BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener this past weekend. Renowned for producing personal bests and national records, the meet once again lived up to its reputation. Among the many stellar performances, Lions athletes André Alie-Lamarche and Maddie Seaby stood out, seizing the opportunity to showcase their talent on one of the world’s fastest tracks.

In the men’s 3000 metres, Alie-Lamarche ran a scintillating 8:01.96 to place 43rd overall. The performance, a personal best by over 12 seconds, vaulted him to seventh on the Club all-time list. It was a remarkable display of endurance and speed, made even more impressive by the fact that he had raced at the Canadian Cross Country Championships just a week prior.

Seaby, competing for the University of Louisville, set a new club standard in the women’s 5000 metres. Clocking a time of 16:22.39, the second year student improved her personal best by over 23 seconds, moving to fourth on the Lions’ all-time list and setting a new Club U20 record. Her time was the fastest by a Lions athlete in the event since Sarah Dillabaugh’s 16:16.12 in 2002. It also secured her a spot as the third-fastest runner in Louisville history, highlighting her continued rise on the collegiate stage.

While Alie-Lamarche and Seaby were making waves in Boston, Lions, Gee-Gees and Ravens competitors crossed the border for the Saints Holiday Relays in Canton, NY. At St. Lawrence University, in a commanding show of depth and talent, the collective amassed 14 victories in the 23 events they entered. 

Carleton’s Rosalie Lupien delivered one of the weekend’s standout performances by setting a Ravens record in the pole vault with a clearance of 3.50 metres. Balqis Chouikhi, also representing the Lions, matched the height but finished second on a countback.

On the track, University of Ottawa freshman Safwan El Mansari continued to assert himself among collegiate competitors, producing his second straight personal best at 600 metres – winning in 1:21.28. His performance places him third in the early season USports rankings and establishes him as a contender heading into the indoor season.

Sprinter Rose Basu continued her winning streak in the 60 metres, claiming victory in 7.86 seconds. She later led Carleton’s 4×200-metre relay team to a win in 1:50.06, a time that ranks among the top 10 in school history.

Field events also provided moments of dominance. Brianna Asiamah showcased her prowess in the shot put with a winning throw of 13.11 metres, well ahead of the competition.

In the triple jump, Carleton swept the titles, with Ella-Grace Gilbert capturing her second consecutive win (11.06 metres) and Osaze Osawe earning gold on the men’s side with a leap of 12.81 metres.

With momentum building, the Lions, Gee-Gees, and Ravens will set their sights on the Vert et Or Invitational in Sherbrooke this January, poised to continue their standout indoor campaigns.

For full results from Canton, please visit our results page.

Photos from the competition can be found on Mundo Sport Image’s website.

Update Club and School Rankings are also available.

Ottawa Lions All-Time Rankings
University of Ottawa All-Time Rankings
Carleton Ravens All-Time Rankings

QuinnCoughlin_GraceStreek

Lions Stars Streek and Coughlin Set to Shine in NCAA

by linkinbioUniversity

For 50 years, the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club has been synonymous with developing student-athletes ready to excel at the highest levels of sport and academia. The latest names to carry this proud tradition forward are Grace Streek and Quinn Coughlin, who last week announced their commitments to Miami University in Ohio and Colorado State University, respectively.

Both athletes will begin their NCAA journeys next fall, joining a legacy of Lions alumni who have balanced academic success with athletic excellence in the intensely competitive world of collegiate sports.

Coughlin’s Path to Colorado

For hurdler Quinn Coughlin, Colorado State represents not just the next chapter in her career but the realisation of a lifelong dream. “It’s been a dream for a few years now, so I feel confident this is the right place to continue my athletic and academic careers,” she shared on Instagram. “I’m ready to start this next chapter of my life and see what’s in store for the future.”

Coughlin’s accomplishments speak volumes. She captured gold in both the 400 metres and 400-metre hurdles at the 2024 Athletics Ontario U20 Championships, adding to her national title in the U18 400-metre hurdles. From a novice silver medalist at OFSAA to one of Canada’s top hurdlers, her journey has been defined by determination and the unwavering support of her Lions community.

Now heading to Fort Collins, Colo., Coughlin joins a Rams program known for its focus on personal and athletic development. The school’s track and field tradition includes Ottawa Lions alum Lauren Gale, a 2022 graduate who represented Canada at the Olympics and World Championships.

Streek’s Journey to Miami

Grace Streek, a talented distance runner and steeplechase standout, will bring her impressive skill set to the Miami RedHawks in Ohio. In her announcement, she wrote, “I am truly blessed and sure that this is the path God has intended for me.” Streek expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and coaches at the Lions and Peak Centre Academy, crediting them with shaping her into the athlete and person she is today.

Her 2024 season hinted at even greater achievements to come. Streek captured gold in the 2000-metre steeplechase and 3000 metres at the Athletics Ontario U18 Championships and added an OFSAA title in the steeplechase alongside a silver medal in the 3000 metres. Her performances showcase her ability to excel in high-pressure moments.

Miami University offers Streek the chance to compete in the Mid-American Conference, following in the footsteps of Lions alum Owen Day, who graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2021. The program is poised to further develop her immense potential.

A Tradition of Excellence

Streek and Coughlin’s NCAA commitments are the latest chapter in the Ottawa Lions’ storied history of producing exceptional athletes. Their achievements reflect the resilience, discipline, and community support that have long defined the Lions’ program.

As they prepare to compete for Colorado State and Miami University, both athletes carry the hopes and pride of the Lions family. Their journeys exemplify the remarkable possibilities that arise when passion meets preparation.

The entire Lions community will be cheering Quinn and Grace on as they step onto the NCAA stage and into their bright futures.

(Ottawa, CANADA - 28 September 2024) André Alie-Lamarche competing at the Capital XC Challenge at Mooney’s Bay Park. 2024 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Alie-Lamarche Shines at Capital XC Challenge, Lions Dominate Elementary Races

by linkinbioLocalUniversity

The Ottawa Lions were out in full force yesterday at the Capital XC Challenge, hosted at Mooney’s Bay Park under clear, sunny skies. Temperatures in the mid-20s set the stage for a great day of racing, and André Alie-Lamarche delivered the headline performance, securing second place in the open/university men’s 6km race.

Alie-Lamarche, fresh off a victory at St. Lawrence the previous week, made an aggressive start, surging to the front of the pack. However, Laval’s defending USports Champion, Philippe Morneau-Cartier, proved too strong, breaking away in the second lap to win comfortably in 18:14.86. Alie-Lamarche crossed the line in an impressive 18:41.59, capping off a strong week of competition.

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees men finished 7th overall with 193 points, led by William McLeish, who completed the course in 20:36.31. Carleton University’s top finisher was Nicholas Parsons, placing 95th overall.

On the women’s side, Melina Hamel once again led the Gee-Gees, finishing 23rd in a time of 24:07.53. The Gee-Gees women mirrored the men’s result, also placing 7th in the team standings. Carleton’s Sarah Gross, a first-year student, made a strong debut, finishing 45th overall. Notably, Liz Maguire, fresh from a silver medal in the World Masters 1500m, placed 48th.

In the elementary school division, the Lions dominated the day, capturing all six team titles across three age groups, showcasing the strength of the club’s developmental programs.

In other cross-country action, Amelia Van Brabant made her collegiate debut for Boston College, running in the prestigious Nuttycombe Invitational at the University of Wisconsin. Van Brabant placed 46th in the Women’s “B” race, completing the 6km course in 22:50.2, marking a solid start to her collegiate career.

Full results from Capital XC Challenge are available on our website.

(Canton, United States---21 September 2024) Andre Alie-Lamarche of Ottawa Lions TF Clubcompeting at the Ronald C Hoffman XC Invitational on the campus of St Lawrence University 2024 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Alie-Lamarche Steals the Show at Hoffman Invitational

by University

André Alie-Lamarche stole the show at the Ronald C. Hoffman Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, winning the men’s race in an impressive time of 25:10.2. His commanding performance on the 8 km course propelled him to the top of the podium in a highly competitive field, where he battled a pair of All-Canadians from Queen’s all the way to the finish line. Alie-Lamarche’s winning time was the eighth fastest ever recorded on the St. Lawrence University course.

The 32nd edition of the Hoffman Invitational provided ideal conditions for cross-country running in upstate New York, with more than a dozen teams competing in both the men’s and women’s races.

Vroom Helps Queen’s Capture Women’s Team Title
In the women’s race, Elizabeth Vroom delivered a standout performance for Queen’s University, finishing 7th overall with a time of 23:23.2 on the 6 km course. As Queen’s third scorer, her finish was crucial in securing the women’s team title, helping them edge Middlebury College of Vermont by 11 points.

Gee-Gees Women Claim 4th Place
The University of Ottawa women’s team battled to a 4th place finish, scoring 135 points with an average time of 26:42.0. Leading the team was sophomore Melina Hamel, who placed 18th with a time of 24:14.4. Senior Kylee Fowler followed closely, crossing the line in 24:53.3 for 21st place.

Seniors Elliot Tyman and Katarina Culhane added valuable points with 27th and 33rd-place finishes, respectively, while freshman Lorelie Houde completed the scoring in 29:12.3, earning 36th place overall. Freshman Emma Strano was just behind in 37th, finishing in 29:14.7.

Men’s Team Fights for 6th Place Finish
For the University of Ottawa men’s team, sophomore William McLeish led the charge, finishing 26th overall with a time of 28:06.9. Junior Zach Sikka followed closely in 32nd, crossing the line in 28:41.7. Juniors Fred Parent and Adriano Padoin-Castillo added solid performances, finishing 39th and 40th, respectively, helping the team to a 6th place finish with a total score of 188 points. Freshman Rory O’Connell rounded out the scoring five with a time of 33:20.8.

Belan Makes University Debut
In his first year with the Guelph Gryphons, Nicolas Belan got his first taste of university cross-country action at the Vigars & Salter Western Invitational in London. Belan was Guelph’s ninth runner, finishing the Thames Valley course in 27 minutes and 18 seconds, placing 43rd overall.

At the same meet, Lauren Alexander made her debut with the host Western Mustangs. Western coach and Ottawa Lions alum, Scott MacDonald, noted that Lauren ran a strong opening five kilometres before having to pull out due to foot pain.

Looking Ahead
Both University of Ottawa teams will aim to build on these performances as they look toward the OUA Championships at the end of October. Next up for the Gee-Gees is Capital XC this coming Saturday at Mooney’s Bay, where they will be joined by the Ravens of Carleton and a number of Ottawa Lions runners.

For full results and photos from the meet, please visit our results page.

(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.