Cross Country Running National Championships preview

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

With Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) silver and bronze, the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens Cross Country Running teams stamped their tickets to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championships. 

"At the Conference Championships, we were the only team to have both the men's and women's teams place in the top three and win medals," said Kari Elliott, Red Deer Polytechnic Cross Country Running Head Coach. "We are proud of this accomplishment, particularly with two new, young squads. This is a great foundation to build upon for future seasons." 

Nine of the 12 student-athletes participating in the national championships are first-years.

"Preparing for CCAA's is new for many of our student-athletes," said Elliiott. "Devin Saunders is the only member of our team who has previously been to nationals. This experience is very exciting for our rookies." 

Bentley's Kammy Park

First-years Jenica Swartz, Justine Larson, Myah Cota, Kammy Park and Halle Reid, along with third-year Lauren Pasiuk, a Bachelor of Science Nursing student, will represent the Queens at the national championships.

Running for the Kings are first-years Jayden Wildcat, Ethan Duret, Daniel Humbke and Wyatt Grainger, second-year Axsivier Lawrence, and third-year Devin Saunders.

Red Deer's Wyatt Grainger

The Red Deer Polytechnic Cross Country Running team experienced the national championship course at Grand Prix #3 in Calgary, which was hosted by St. Mary's University. At that race, the Kings finished second and the Queens placed third.

"Having already raced the same course is a confidence boost for our athletes. The course is flat and fast which favours most of our student-athletes. Since it is a two kilometre loop, there is plenty of opportunity to work on pacing," said Elliott. "The goal is to start well, settle into a good pack, and finish strong.  We had a very strong showing on the men's side on this course a few weeks back, so we will look to repeat. A few of our ladies were under the weather last time. I expect a stronger showing from the Queens this time around."  

Preparation for nationals has included many facets.

"We had one big workout, which included mile repeats at race pace, challenging the athletes and putting them in the right mindset. Then we will have smaller workouts in the last week that are simply about staying fresh and speedy," said Elliott. "Other than that, there will be reminders to sleep well, eat healthy and see the athletic therapist for a tune up. We will also do some visualizing and goal setting leading up to the race."

Elliott wants the student-athletes to focus on their effort, pace, and race.

"We can't control the competition," said Elliott. "At the end of the day the goal is for each athlete to run their best race and find out what that gets them at the finish line. I would love to see a top 10 performance from a couple of our student-athletes."

On Saturday, November 13, the Queens will start their quest for a 2021 national medal at 1 pm and the Kings will follow at 2 pm.

For more details about the competing teams at the national championships, please refer to the online list.