Kodiaks hopeful for success at nationals

By Lethbridge Herald on November 8, 2024.

Herald File Photo by Justin Seward Herald File photo by Justin Seward Owen Stewart wants both the women’s and men’s teams to realize it may be the biggest meet for most of them and not let the nationals stage get to their heads.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks cross-country teams are hoping for the trek out east to  be worth it as both the men’s and women’s sides are set to compete in the Canadian Collegiate  (CCAA) national championships in Windsor, Ont. today.

Both the men’s and women’s team’s qualified for nationals by finishing second at the ACAC championships a couple of weeks ago.

The women are expected to be led by first-year runner Hannah Pilling with her consistency and for the men, Owen Stewart is tasked to  lead the way in hopes helping then find the podium.

“I think the fact that we’re able to send both teams, that we have a balanced sort of men’s and women’s team I think is really exciting for us, said Simon Schaerz, Kodiaks head coach.

“Currently both teams are ranked in the top-10 with the men in fifth and the women in seventh and so that’s really good (and) gives us an outside shot.”

Schaerz spoke about how the team will have success at nationals.

“(It) certainly (would) be nice to have one or two athletes really kind of see a massive improvement and if that happens, then again we have a really good shot at that combined award that they give out to the top 3 teams,” said Schaerz.

Stewart sees both teams having depth going into nationals.

“I think the depth of our team really is a great asset,” said Stewart.

 “We always have somebody that will pull through when we need them.”

Stewart reiterated that for most of the athletes, this is the biggest meet they’ll ever experience.

“I think just not letting that get to our heads, you know, not letting the competition and the nerves get to us too much,” said Stewart.

“But trying to just kind of utilize the I guess pre-race anxiety that you get to really fuel us to run well and run our best.”

Stewart said really just live in the moment was his message to the younger teammates.

“I feel confident in each of the athletes on our team to run well,” said Stewart.

 Schaerz spoke about the benefits of qualifying two team for nationals.

“It gives us an opportunity to showcase our program on the nationals level, so for recruiting and things like that,” said Schaerz.

Schaerz expects both teams to contend for the new men’s and women’s combined award, which is awarded to the top-3 combined results on both sides.

“We probably have the best shot in that because we have pretty good balance between the men’s and the women’s teams,” said Schaerz.

The women’s six-kilometre race starts at noon followed right after by the men’s eight-kilometre at 1 p.m. today.

Updates can be found at https://www.ccaa.ca/sports/xc/championship/index.