OUA XC CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT, OCTOBER 27, 2007

Well things more or less went the way Queen’s had hoped in London at the Thames Valley Golf Course.  Going into the championships the coaches and athletes felt both teams were podium contenders.  Individually based on season performances two men and two women were capable of earning ALL CONFERENCE honours, with both Braden and Leslie being strong individual contenders for an individual podium finish.

THE MEN WERE 3^rd BEHIND GUELPH AND WINDSOR
The sporting Canada rankings had the men fourth in the conference behind Guelph, Windsor and Western, so they should move up a notch this week.  The guys were hoping to give Windsor a little better run for their money, but it didn’t materialize.

Braden Novakowski was 2^nd:  31:53.  This was Braden’s fastest time ever on this course.   He came within 6-seconds of defending his 2006 OUA title.  Braden finishes out a sensational OUA cross country career (although we'd really love to have him back next year) having earned OUA Rookie of the Year 2004, OUA GOLD/MVP 2006, and OUA SILVER 2007.

Robert Kitz was 8^th:  32:43.  Robert closes out an truly outstanding career earning 4 straight OUA All Star honours.

Matt Hulse was 17^th:  33:28.  Matt made the move to cross country this season and had phenomenal success in making the transition.  He put in another solid run.  Both his 10-km times this year were in the low 33-minute range.

Chris Brens was 23^rd:  33:44.  This was Chris’s fastest time ever on this course or any other.  Chris caps off a huge breakout season one that saw him earn his first varsity XC selection.

Jeff Barr was 25^th:  33:48.  Jeff ran exceptionally well as indicated by the fact this was his best time on this course by about a minute.  He closes out his most consistent, and arguably his best OUA XC season ever on a high note.

Travis Saunders was 36^th:  34:36.  Travis is likely mildly disappointed as I’m sure he had hoped to go a bit faster.  He was just off his effort posted on the course earlier this season; this was another very solid run!

Trevor Walmsley was 40^th:  34:55.  Selected as the alternate, Trevor stepped in and delivered big time.  This was his best time on this course or any other by about a minute; a superb effort.

Looks like rookie sensation Josh Potvin must have been sick or injured.... 

On the women's side the gals were 4^th; a mere 2 points out of third and 12 out of 2^nd finishing behind Guelph, Western and Windsor.
For the most part the women ran as well as they could have.  What if’s are always fun to play at but it comes down to the day (let’s just say the potential was there for this talented young crew of women to have perhaps stolen the silver medal).  They will be hungry at the CIS Championships and looking to move up the CIS rankings with a great effort.  Any time all 7 are under 20-min on this tough course you know you have an excellent team.
 
Leslie Sexton was 3^rd - 18:08.  Leslie capped off a sensational OUA season one where she firmly etched her spot in the Queen's XC women's elite of all time.  If there was a come back award in XC Leslie would win it hands down.  She did not break 20-minutes over 5-km once last season.  This season all she as two wins, a silver and a bronze to show for her efforts!!

Leah Larocque was 11^th - 18:55. Leah just missed earning ALL CONFERENCE honours by one spot.  This was a huge step up for this outstanding rookie; easily her best time and effort by far this season.  Leah has been running consistently about 5^th on the team all season so picked a very opportune time to have a huge break out effort!!!

Liz Miller was 15^th - 18:58.  Steady and dependable; captain Liz sealed a great superb season by posting her best effort ever on this course. 

Chelsey Wyrostok was 27^th - 19:24.  Chelsey put in a solid effort capping off a very consistent season.

Nadia Tatlow was 33^rd - 19:39.  Nadia is likely the most disappointed of the women despite putting in a solid effort.  Her disappointment comes from the fact that she has consistently been the team's #2 all season.  I’m not sure what happened, will have to wait for coach Lakins report, but there is no denying the bright future this exceptionally talented rookie has ahead of her.

Natalie Desimini was 34^th - 19:44.  This was Natalie’s best effort ever and a phenomenal way to cap a very solid season.

Grace Keenleyside was 37^th - 19:48.  This was Grace’s best effort on this tough course; a very solid run.  Grace is another rookie who has tremendous potential and if she continues to progress has a dynamite future.