RDC Cross-Country women place 1st at ACAC Championship, men 4th

On the same Grande Prairie course where the Red Deer College Cross-Country Running team performed well at Grand Prix #4, the RDC student-athletes put in another stellar performance at the 2016-2017 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Cross-Country Running Championship. As a team, the RDC Women's Cross-Country Running team finished 1st out of the competing ACAC schools while the men finished 4th as a group. With the 1st place finish the RDC women runners qualify for the National Championship Nov. 11 and 12 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Individually, Jordanna Cota had another strong performance placing 2nd out of the ACAC female runners with a time of 20:25 on the 5 km course. Finishing fourth was Jill Stewart with a time of 20:56. Amy Severtson was 7th, crossing the finish line in 21:19. Five seconds later, Janaya Garbe completed the race in 21:24 which placed her 8th. Jordanna Cota, Jill Stewart and Amy Severtson were named to the ACAC Women's Cross-Country All-Conference team.

 Head Coach Kari Elliott was proud of the top finishes and effort.

"Jordanna raced so well, just steps behind the first place runner from Lethbridge College. Our ladies all stepped up today," said Elliott. "Our top four women were in the top ten overall which is what made our team score so good. Breanna Berridge was one of the most improved runners on the team moving up from our ninth runner at the beginning of the season to our fifth runner today. The RDC women completed a great season with a fantastic last race."

Nolan Dyck ran a personal best of 30:53 on the 8 km course finishing 13th out of the competing ACAC male runners. Finishing 18th was Cory DeRaadt with a time of 31:37. Crossing the finish line 15 seconds later was Devon Gurney, who finished 19th in 31:52. Placing 21st was Jeffrey Willoughby who completed the race in 32:24.

"It was an impressive fourth place finish for our men today with personal bests from almost all of them," said Elliott. "I am so proud how they performed. Everyone gave 110% today."

Kari Elliott was named the 2016-2017 ACAC Cross-Country Running Coach of the Year and credited the other RDC coaches. 

"I couldn't have done it without my assistant coaches Jody Nesbitt, Steph Flieler, Courtney Long," said Elliott. "I work with truly a great coaching team."

The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Cross-Country Running National Championship takes place in Sault Ste. Marie Nov. 11-12. Red Deer College can send 6 members from the Women's Cross-Country Running team.