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Laker runners off to good start (new)

This article was submitted by Marc Larochelle, sports information officer, at Nipissing University. ————— SUDBURY – The Lakers men and women’s cross country teams kicked off the season at the Ramsey Lake 5km meet hosted by Laurentian University.
This article was submitted by Marc Larochelle, sports information officer, at Nipissing University.

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SUDBURY – The Lakers men and women’s cross country teams kicked off the season at the Ramsey Lake 5km meet hosted by Laurentian University.

This season opener produced a three-school duel between Laurentian University, Cambrian College and Nipissing University, with open runners competing as well.

As expected the nationally ranked 11th place lady V’s dominated the meet, taking four of the top six spots.

Lakers coach Donna Mae Robins placed third overall with a time of 18.32, two seconds behind Leila Angrand last year’s all Canadian rookie from Laurentian.

Denise Dietrich was the first Laker across the line in eleventh place in 23.17 followed by teammate Jill Edmunds in 24.17, rookie Heather Hardie in 27.04 and Kathleen Crawford in 27.30 to nail second place.

In the men’s section, the Lakers were the only team therefore results were combined with the open men’s. Jon Pratt showed good early season form on the undulating course placing a solid fourth in 17.02. Lakers assistant coach Mike McDonough placed ninth in 18.38 followed by Andrew Bubar in 19.36 and the fast improving Cam Hodgins in 19.46 with veteran Tim Feick next in 20.25 and newcomer Jason English rounding out the team with a 21.04.

“Overall, I was pleased with our first race, especially by Jon Pratt who is going to have a great year. Cam Hodgins has improved significantly and newcomer Denise Dietrich will provide some much needed depth for the women. While this wasn’t a big race by her own standards, Jill Edmunds showed last year, she has the potential to move up the ranks,” said head coach Tim Uuksulainen.

“This race was more about providing feedback on everyone’s fitness level and helping our staff in designing their workouts. But we have a lot of work to do. We still lack the depth in numbers and quality to have a go at the big schools,” added Uuksulainen

Last year the Lakers managed to beat a few universities however, there is a need to develop a program that will attract athletes from around the province. More importantly the Lakers need to retain and attract some of the quality cross country runners North Bay high schools produces each year.

“For a school the size of Nipissing University, cross country running is an ideal sport. We don’t need any real facilities to speak of, as good training opportunities are offered by Mother Nature everywhere.” said Uuksulainen