Sena Nakajima/Staff reporter
On October 21, the cross-country team participated in the Fraser North Championships at Mundy Park, with both senior boys’ and girls’ teams qualifying for provincials, and two junior boys and one junior girl, who will be competing at provincials as individuals.
In terms of weather, luck was on the athlete’s side. There was almost no rain the entire time and had a high of 16 degrees Celsius, making it a perfect day for racing.
Juniors ran four kilometres and seniors five kilometres. The course contained grass, pavement, wood chips, and gravel with many ups and downs and a straight stretch of grass for the finish, to make the run entertaining.
“I am super happy with the enthusiasm, work ethic, and supportiveness of this year’s team,” said Patty Anderson, one of the team’s coaches from the physical education department. “Everyone is so supportive of each other and it’s great to have a lot of people participating after we couldn’t have a team last year due to Covid. This race was a qualifier for provincials so the big goal was to have people make it to the next round, but our goal for every meet is for people to run their personal best. For some, this was their last race, so I hope everyone ended on a high note,” she added.
Kai En Yan, grade 9, came fifth and qualified for provincials as an individual. “I was surprisingly not very nervous before the race. I was full of energy and ready to start running. Of course, coming first would be best but for this race, I just wanted to qualify for provincials. I felt tired and cold after the race but I was also very proud that I exceeded my personal best.”
Vanesa Bernal, grade 12, commented, “it was tough but I felt good during the race and I enjoy it every time. I am proud of the team and also proud to be a part of it.”
“I do not have a goal for provincials because I really don’t know what to expect for the upcoming race. Hopefully, I’ll be able to place top 10,” Yan added.
The top three junior boys’ and girls’ teams, top five senior boys’ teams, and top seven senior girls’ teams in Fraser North qualified for the BC Provincial Championships. Along with the top ten junior boys, top eight junior girls, and top twelve senior boys and girls not included in a team.
Provincials will be on November 6, at Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver. It is expected to be cold and wet, as the course is right beside the ocean.
References:
Qualifications on BCSS Handbook page 111
Pictures: