Kodiaks cross-country and indoor track signs Cardston runner

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks cross-country and indoor track team has signed Cardston’s Hannah Pilling to run during the 2024-25 seasons.

Pilling, who has been training competitively with Cardston’s Wind Track and Field Club, will graduate this month from Cardston High School, where she competed for their cross country and track and field team in the 3,000-metre, 1,500-metre and high jump events. She will enrol in the Academic Upgrading program.

Kodiaks head coach Simon Schaerz has been watching Pilling steadily progress and improve her time throughout her high school career. “Pilling is incredibly determined and hardworking, and we think she will add depth to the women’s teams,” says Schaerz.

Pilling says she was interested in attending the polytechnic because she likes the aspect of having smaller class sizes and the quality of instructors at Lethbridge Polytechnic. She adds: “I chose to compete for the Kodiaks after seeing the success of many of my friends, who I had competed with in the past, and the overall success of the program.”

Pilling had many conversations with the coaches as well as past and current Kodiaks runners during her recruiting process. She says they helped her get an overall view and feel of what her post-secondary life would look like. Pilling is familiar with the Alberta College Athletics Conference as her sister, Hallee Pilling, competed for the SAIT Trojans for cross-country and basketball during the 2023-24 season.

Pilling says she is excited to start training with a new team and looks forward to focusing on improving times. “I want to be able to work hard and learn from my coaches, teammates and competitors,” says Pilling.

Last season the Kodiaks women’s cross-country team finished fifth – just two spots away from qualifying for nationals. The women’s indoor track season ended with the highest finish in program history, placing second overall.

The coaching staff is excited to start working with Pilling and anticipate she will be able to help both the cross-country and indoor track teams get a step closer towards their goals.

Kodiaks coaches actively recruit high school athletes around Alberta and neighbouring provinces. If one of our coaches hasn’t spoken to you yet, don’t worry. Simply fill out the form (https://gokodiaks.ca/recruitment) and they would be pleased to learn more about you.