Season Preview: Cross-country strides toward success in 2024

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s and women’s cross-country teams are getting ready for the new athletics season in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).

For the upcoming season, Lethbridge Polytechnic will host the city’s annual Run For The Pumpkin community event on Sept. 21, followed by the Running Room Grand Prix #3 at noon all taking place at Nicholas Sheran Park in West Lethbridge.

Last season at the ACAC championships, the men’s team claimed a bronze medal as and the women’s placed fifth overall. The men’s team along with one female runner qualified for Nationals hosted in Truro, N.S. where they represented Lethbridge on the big stage.

Over the summer, the Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) honoured the Kodiaks cross-country program with "Sport Supremacy" recognition. This accolade celebrated the team's outstanding achievements and dedication, as the Kodiaks were named the No. 1 cross-country team in the CCAA.

The Kodiaks look to keep their legacy going with a goal of making it back to nationals being hosted by St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont. in early November.

"We've worked hard this season to fill the big shoes left by our departing athletes. We're especially excited to welcome Hallee and Hannah Pilling, the talented sisters from Cardston, Alta., who will bring depth to our women's team. On the men's side, keep an eye on newcomer Wacey Smith from Bentley, Alberta, who's set to make an immediate impact." – Simon Schaerz

HEAD COACH:

Simon Schaerz (seventh year, ACAC men’s and women’s cross-country coach of the year in 2019) 

ASSISTANT COACHES:

Ricardo Quesada, Aaron Hernandez, Taren Hayward, Dylan Brown

KEY RETURNEES:     

Owen Stewart (third year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge)

"Owen is entering his third year with us, and I anticipate he'll continue his winning ways this cross-country season." – Simon Schaerz

Ethan Grasmeyer (second year, Natural Resource Compliance, Smithers, B.C.)

"Ethan has been working hard over the summer, and I anticipate he'll see a dramatic improvement from his cross-country performance from last year." – Simon Schaerz

Kate Block (second year, Exercise Science, Waldheim, Sask.)

"Kate has been training hard over the summer and is set to improve on her rookie cross-country season." – Simon Schaerz

KEY ADDIDTIONS:

Hallee Pilling (second year, Exercise Science, Cardston)

“Hallee joins us from SAIT and brings valuable experience from competing at the ACAC championships last year.” – Simon Schaerz

Hannah Pilling (first year, Academic Upgrading, Cardston)

“Hannah was a top ASAA (Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association) high school performer and will look to continue her winning ways with the Kodiaks.” – Simon Schaerz

Wacey Smith(first year, Digital Media and Communications, Bentley, Alta.)

“Wacey had a strong ASAA season in the 3,000 m and 1,500 m, brings a lot of raw talent that we aim to convert to cross-country success.” – Simon Schaerz

COACH IN HIS OWN WORDS:     

“I am very excited to start the season.” – Simon Schaerz

On Saturday, Sept. 7 the teams will travel to Edmonton for the first Running Room Grand Prix of the season hosted by the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder.