MXC | Two Voyageurs Make Canadian U20 National Cross-Country Team
Two members of the Laurentian University men's cross-country team competed at the Athletics Canada National Cross-Country Running Championships in Abbotsford BC, this weekend. Keon Wallingford and Chase Canty both finished in the top-10 in the U20 category and were selected to compete for Canada at the upcoming Pan-American Cross-Country Cup in Victoria, BC in February, 2020.
Racing over an 8 kilometre course at picturesque Clearbrook Park in Abbotsford, Wallingford, competing for the North Bay Legion Track and Field Club, placed 7th overall in a time of 25 minutes 10 seconds. Canty, competing for the Windsor Legion Track and Field Club was close behind, placing 9th in a time of 25 minutes and 13 seconds.
The Pan-American Cross Country Cup will be contested in Victoria on February 29th, 2020. The top 6 athletes who were 18 years of age as of this weekend's race were selected to Canada's National Junior squad.
This marks the first National-team appearance for both first year Laurentian students.
"To have two of our team members make a national team is truly remarkable" commented Darren Jermyn, Associate Head Coach of Laurentian's running teams and the men's XC coach. "Despite being just 18 and rookies on our men's squad, both Keon and Chase were key to our team's strong performances at both the OUA and U Sports Championships this season. To see them extend their season by a further three weeks following the U Sports championships, in less than ideal training conditions, really demonstrates the caliber of their talent. They also benefit from having very strong and supportive club coaching led by Jon Pratt in North Bay and Dave and Chris Scarrow in Windsor."