RDC Cross-Country women and men both take 1st

With each Grand Prix, the Red Deer College Cross-Country Running team keeps getting better. On a cold, rainy and slippery course at Grand Prix #4 in Grande Prairie, the RDC women and men teams each captured 1st out of the competing ACAC schools.

Individually, Jordanna Cota came in 1st place out of the ACAC women runners on the 5 km course with a time of 20:32. Closely behind was Jill Stewart, crossing the finish line in 21:02 which placed her in 2nd. Amy Severtson finished 4th with a time of 21:38. Achieving a personal best today was Bachelor of Science student Janaya Garbe who completed the course in 21:50, good for 5th.

Head Coach Kari Elliott was proud of her team, especially with the effort of Janaya Garbe.

"Janaya had a fantastic race today," said Elliott. "She gave it her all and created a dramatic finish. Janaya pushed at the end and managed to pass two other runners in the last 300 meters to place 5th which also ended up being her personal best time."

Laura Szymanek finished 14th, Samantha Debree 15th, Breanna Berridge 17th, Lauren Mearns 19th and Teagan Shapka 21st.

Red Deer native Nolan Dyck placed 5th out of the ACAC male runners on the 8 km course with a time of 31:25. Thirty-four seconds later Devon Gurney crossed the finish line in 6th place in 31:59. Finishing 10th was Jeffrey Willoughby who finished the course in 32:43. Cory DeRaadt finished 12th, Nathan Goode was 14th and Jonathan Lam came in 17th place.

Grande Prairie Regional College will also host the ACAC Cross-Country Running Championship Oct. 29.

The RDC Cross-Country Running team look to carry their momentum into Grand Prix #5 Oct. 15, which is hosted by the University of Alberta Augustana Vikings.