The Queen’s cross country team had a strong performance this past weekend in the OUA championships. Queen’s hosted the event this year, and both the men’s and women’s teams were able to perform well on their home course.
The men’s team, led by Robert Kitz, secured a third-place overall standing, behind the first-place Guelph Gryphons and second-place Western Mustangs. Kitz posted a time of 32:23 in the 10-kilometre race and earned a position as an OUA all-star. Fifth-year team member Chris Nagle also had a noteworthy performance, with a time of 33:18, placing 20th.
Guelph also came out at the top of the standings on the women’s side. The Queen’s women’s team placed fifth overall, led by rookie Lesley Sexton as well as Amy Schneeberg. Sexton performed well throughout the season and came very close to securing OUA Rookie of the Year honours. Schneeberg has also demonstrated a noticeable improvement throughout the season, culminating in a 16th-place finish in 19:04.
Head coach Shane Lakins said he was extremely pleased with the performance of both the men and women on Saturday.
“We were really able to step it up and perform well under pressure, especially considering the fact that we were hosting the event,” he said. “We were able to reach the goals we set out for ourselves this past weekend.”
The men’s and women’s teams are now preparing for the Canadian championships and are hoping to build on their OUA success. Lakins said he believes both teams have the ability to perform well at the national competition.
“We have a lot of depth, especially on the guys’ side,” he said. “But both teams are probably the best I have coached in my 11 years here at Queen’s.”
Lakins also highlighted the performance of Kitz, and said he believes he’s worthy of CIS all-star status.
Lakins said he believes the Gaels runners will make a statement at the upcoming Canadian championships. The team has set goals and they are intent on achieving them, he said.
“Our women will be in the top 10 and our men will be in the top five,” he said. “How is that for confidence?”
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