The cross-country team headed up to Squamish yesterday for the Zone Championships. Unfortunately, the weather was completely uncooperative and the constant pouring rain turned the course into a muddy mess. By the time the senior boys were running, the trails had become a veritable quagmire. Here is Coach Ayotte's report on an amazing day of ploughing through rain, mud and ridiculously wet grass:
The cross-country team competed in the North Shore Championships at Don Ross School in Squamish on Wednesday, October 26th. We had a larger than usual contingent of athletes competing, though some were injured and were unable to come at the last minute. The weather conditions were horrible but the Cavs kept a positive attitude despite the wind, the rain, the cold and the mud. The trail was definitely not ideal as it became more and more muddy and athletes were slipping and falling, especially by the senior boys race.
In the juvenile category Gabrielle Bourgault-Kennaley won the silver while Liz Mathisen was seventh in the bantam category with Amelia Bradecamp not far behind at tenth. In the 8-10 category overall, grade 9 Gaby placed a very impressive tenth , earning her a spot in the Provincials next weekend as a junior. This is a noteworthy accomplishment as Gaby was running against and qualified against some strong grade 10's. Liz came up to complete her race in the mud and then went back down to West Van to play in her field hockey game. The coaches appreciate Liz's dedication and were very proud of all the girls. Gaby will run in Kelowna next week with some of our seniors.
In the bantam category, Kai O'Krane led the way, placing in the top 20 with Kolbing Winkler and Jack Bradecamp following. Zaref Anderson had a terrific race in the juvenile boys category and showed that hard work can pay off as he's improved his times each race.
In the senior category we were down two runners at the last minute. Despite this, Meghan Garland and Charlotte Campbell ran great races and both qualified for Provincials. Morgan Border narrowly missed qualifying due to a bad cramp and Bella Hallam was all smiles and worked hard in her race despite the horrible weather. Abby Lustaeg also cramped up but finished with her fine running form intact. The senior girls overall team placed fifth overall, so missed qualifying as a team by one point.
In the senior boys category, the overall team comprised of Austin Sutherland, Casey Lake, Sean Buckles and Jaedon Chase JUST missed qualifying by one place with a fifth place overall team finish. As individuals, Austin Sutherland and Casey Lake qualified at third and tenth respectively. Sean and Jaedon contributed hugely in points and should be commended for running up from the junior category into the senior all season to help our overall team points. This meant they were running up to 3 km further than they would have had they run as juniors. Thanks Sean and Jaedon!
Gaby, Charlotte, Austin and Casey are Kelowna bound next weekend and Meghan Garland would be but is unable to attend. Overall, the coaches are proud of the athletes. Cross-country can be grueling in the bad weather and it takes a lot of depth and grit to come out and run in the sometimes horrific conditions our lovely West Coast offers at times. Next year, the coaches are hopeful that despite losing three strong grade 12's, our contingent of younger runners will make the Cavs a force to be reckoned with. Thanks to the coaches and parents who came out to support the athletes in the rain!
Even a day of constant rain and mud cannot keep the senior girls from a big smile.
Gabrielle Bourgault-Kennaley finished 2nd in the juvenile girls category.
Charlotte Campbell is once again off to the BC Championships.
Casey Lake had a very strong race and broke into the Top 10 in the Zone Championships.
Austin Sutherland had a great day finishing 3rd.